Memoirs are a genre readily overlooked. I think a common misconception is that they can be quite egocentric in nature or the same tedious ploy recycled by celebrities for a quick cash grab. Personally, I took a while to finally get around reading a memoir because I thought there was no way it could grip me in the way fiction does. However, since first delving into the genre last year, memoirs have quickly risen the ranks of my favourite kind of book to read. There are so many unique narratives found within the genre that offer a lens into the lived experience of someone either similar, or completely different from ourselves, and give us a chance to step into their shoes. There is something about knowing there is utter truth to a narrative that makes a memoir so compelling. So, here are some of the memoirs that floored me from start to finish.
Strong Female Character by Fern Brady
This book was by far one of my favourites of the many I read in 2024. This memoir explores Brady’s life as an undiagnosed autistic woman and a hard reflection on how society views these women. Brady successfully combines humour with striking vulnerability to create a book that you are unable to put down. It will have you laughing at her witty lines one moment and raging at her unjust treatment the next.
The Tidal Year by Freya Bromley
For all of my Edinburgh Bluetits frequenters, this one’s for you. In the wake of her brother’s death, Bromley set out on a journey to swim in every tidal pool in Britain in a year. A touching exploration of self-discovery and the healing power of wild swimming in the process of coming to terms with grief.
Educated by Tara Westover
This one is a must-read. Tara recounts her upbringing in a Mormon survivalist home in rural Idaho- where her sceptical parents denied her an education. This memoir documents Tara’s determination to learn and gives an attentive insight into the minds of those with extreme beliefs.
And if nothing on my personal list caught your eye, I asked some of my friends what the best memoir they’ve ever read was and these were their responses:
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
Just Kids by Patti Smith
Night by Elie Wiesel
Managing Expectations by Minnie Driver
Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
Photo by Nicolas Hoizey on Unsplash