I feel like so many autobiographies (especially of famous people) is of the narrator wanting to be heard or prove something, and then there are the occasional ones where people are raw and think their story may interest or help a reader. Please share! I.e Cheryl strayed, Ishmael beah, glass castle etc.
by Kai_rd97
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I’m about half way through with Ina Garten’s “Be Ready When Luck Happens” – I’ve been pleasantly surprised. It meanders through her start as Barefoot Contessa. It dives deeply into her and Jeffrey’s relationship–but isn’t preachy out it. Their foundation is admirable.
I also read Viola Davis’ autobiography this year. Another GREAT relationship example–without being preachy about being a great relationship. Narrated in audio by Viola was a true treat. She’s a force.
I adored seeing how both these couples propped each other up with grace and endless love — mostly through actions, not words. Powerful examples, not making a major point.
Don’t Lets Go to the Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
Unbearable Lightness by Portia De Rossi. She writes about her struggles with her ED and what it was like coming out at a time when that could cost you your career. It’s very raw and open and it seems more like she’s got a couple of drinks in her and is telling her story, not like she’s pushing a narrative (aside from the obvious “EDs suck and being closeted is painful”)
Paula, by Isabel Allende. She writes beautifully, and it’s both autobiography of her past and also present as she dealt with her adult daughter’s tragic illness. It’s a stunning book.
Wild Swans — Memoir/biography of 3 generations of women in China. Just an incredible, incredible book. I think of it all the time.
If you like food and are interested in magazine publishing, Save Me the Plums by Ruth Reichl is fun and has great food descriptions if you don’t mind the name dropping of important people in that space.
The Agatha Christie autobiography is so good. She just really puts you in a bygone place and time that is etched into her mind so vividly– the England of her youth. There’s no clear agenda she is just great at capturing all the details of her time.
I recently read Katherine Hepburn’s autobiography – it was delightful. Just like she was having a chat.
Infidel by Ayan Hirsi Ali. It’s especially good on audio because she reads the book so you get to hear her accent & it adds another dimension. It’s how she grew up in Africa, ended up emigrating to Netherlands and reflected Islam.
Lady in Waiting by Anne Glenconner she was Lady in Waiting to Princess Margaret
My Beloved World by SCJ Sonya Sotomayor