Life in Progress: 8 Memoirs I Love About the Paths We Take
{Nonfiction November Week 2}
Every journey has a starting point. Then come steps forward, backward, and sideways. We may never see the final ending point of anyone else’s journey.
We are all on a unique journey of our our own. Life is a work in progress for each of us.
For Week 2 of Nonfiction November, we’re sharing books that reflect a journey for their authors, readers, or both. I’m sharing 8 favorite memoirs that I read this year. Visit more blog linkups at Volatile Rune.
[See Nonfiction November Week 1: 5 Themes That Captured My Attention]
8 Favorite Memoirs
# 1-3 The first three memoirs are by celebrities: an actor best known as The Fonz, the singer who danced on the ceiling “All Night Long,” and a lovely and beloved First Lady of the United States.
Although their destinations may be places we’ll never arrive, their journeys have stopping points along the way that we can relate to.
- Being Henry
The Fonz . . . and Beyond
by Henry Winkler - Truly
An Inspirational Journey Through the Life of a Musical Legend
by Lionel Richie - The Look
by Michelle Obama
# 4-5 The next two memoirs are by humorous yet poignant storytellers. And interestingly, their own journeys have now merged together into a special relationship.
I actually got to hear both of these authors in person this year on their book tours. Both were so personable, engaging, and kind human beings.
- Awake
A Memoir
by Jen Hatmaker - This Changes Everything
A Surprisingly Funny Story About Race, Cancer, Faith, and Other Things We Don’t Talk About
by Tyler Merritt
# 6-8 The final three are by authors who have been marginalized, displaced, or victimized. They each write about the challenges they met and eventually overcome. Inspiring!
- Dear America
Notes of an Undocumented Citizen
by Jose Antonio Vargas - Brown Girl Dreaming
by Jacqueline Woodson - I Belong to Me
A Survivor’s Guide to Recovery and Hope after Religious Trauma
by Tia Levings
Each of these authors tells their amazing journeys with courage and clarity, through both the ups and the downs. Their stories remind us that life is never a straight path for anybody.
I highly recommend all 8.
What nonfiction journeys or memoirs have you loved this year? Please share in the comments.
I enjoy reading memoirs. Of the ones on the list, I have only read “Brown Girl Dreaming”. Thanks for sharing this list!
I have been wanting to read Tia Leving’s book for a while now. I should get to that!