10 Amazing Biographies and Memoirs

10 Amazing Biographies and Memoirs

10 Great Biographical Films

1. Schindler's List (1993)
2. The Man Who Knew Infinity (2015)
3. Frida (2002)
4. 12 Years a Slave (2013)
5. Milk (2008)
6. A Beautiful Mind (2001)
7. The Post (2017)
8. Lincoln (2012)
9. Malcolm X (1992)
10. The Imitation Game (2014)

The History of Memoirs

Memoirs can be traced back all the way to the days of Ancient Rome. Julius Caesar wrote about his experience in battle in his work Commentarii de Bello Gallico, which translates to Commentaries on the Gallic War. Documenting life is also a longstanding custom in Japan. The Japanese tradition of Nikki bungaku, or poetic diary, dates back to around the year 935. This unique form of journaling is made up of several autobiographical poems, interspersed with sections of prose. In the 18th century, memoirists were generally people who were exceptional in their profession, who wrote in order to provide the public with an official account of their exploits. In the 20th century, many of these books began to focus on war, especially World War II, a subject that has been explored for decades through all sorts of media. Memoirs written by ordinary people began to gain popularity in the early 1990s, as a result of technological advances (such as the Internet) that made it easier for people to share their stories with the world.

How to Write Your Own Story

In Depth

Memoirs and biographies give readers a unique chance to dive deep into the life of a real person. This can mean anything from learning more about people they admire, to finding inspiration from those who have faced tremendous difficulties or accomplished great things. Whether these books are written by the subject themselves, or by a skilled author who has done their research, they can be a great source of both knowledge and entertainment.

With that in mind, we've compiled a list of ten amazing books about all sorts of people, ranging from historical figures to modern-day celebrities. Take note that this list is done in no particular order.

First up, at #1, we have "Always Looking Up" by Michael J. Fox. Best known for his role as Marty McFly in "Back to the Future," Fox talks about his life after being diagnosed with Parkinson's. The book, which is split into four parts, goes into detail about his battle with the disease and how he's since become a staunch advocate of stem cell research. It's a delightful and inspirational read that shows how, despite his condition, he still manages to keep an optimistic mindset.

The book, which is split into four parts, goes into detail about his battle with the disease and how he's since become a staunch advocate of stem cell research.

Next, at #2, is "Princess." Written by Jean Sasson with the help of an anonymous member of the Al-Saud royal family, it chronicles the life of a Saudi Arabian princess. This book shines a spotlight on the issues of gender inequality and war in the Middle East. It's an eye-opening story that reveals the inner workings of Saudi's ruling family, and shows how hard it is to be a woman living in a highly oppressive country.

At #3 is "Love Among the Ruins." Written by Harry Leslie Smith, a Royal Air Force veteran, it talks about his time in British-occupied Hamburg shortly after the Second World War. It was there that he met his future wife, a German woman named Friede. At the time, most people disapproved of their relationship, and this memoir follows the two as they do whatever it takes to stay together.

Next up, at #4, we have "Hail to the Chin" by Bruce Campbell and Craig Sanborn, with an introduction by John Hodgman. This book acts as a follow up to Campbell's first autobiography, "If Chins Could Kill." Here, he continues to open up about his years as a B-List actor and how he's starred in shows like "Burn Notice" and "Ash vs Evil Dead." Fans of his work are sure to enjoy this hilarious and down-to-earth recollection of his life, and it provides a lot of insight on what goes on behind the scenes of a film set.

Fans of his work are sure to enjoy this hilarious and down-to-earth recollection of his life, and it provides a lot of insight on what goes on behind the scenes of a film set.

At #5 is "The Bucolic Plague" by Josh Kilmer-Purcell. In his memoir, Kilmer-Purcell recalls how he and his partner came upon and purchased the Beekman Mansion, an old estate in rural New York. Throughout the book, he describes what it was like for two city men to transition into farming and how that led to them starring in their own reality TV show.

Next, at #6, is "The Stranger in the Woods" by Michael Finkel. It revolves around Christopher Knight, a man who left his home at the age of twenty to live as a hermit in Maine. He lived in solitude for twenty-seven years, and through interviews with the man himself, Finkel goes into detail about how Knight had to steal from nearby cabins in order to survive. It's an interesting look into the life of someone who managed to live in complete isolation until he was eventually caught in 2013.

Next up, at #7, we have "Life." Written by Keith Richards, it chronicles his entire life, from childhood all the way to his successful career as a member of the Rolling Stones. He delves deep into his past, talking about how he first learned to play the guitar, how his band was formed, and his several run-ins with the law. This memoir gives a lot of insight on the process of writing songs, and Richards even shares a few tips that fellow guitarists are sure to appreciate.

This memoir gives a lot of insight on the process of writing songs, and Richards even shares a few tips that fellow guitarists are sure to appreciate.

At #8 is "Martin Luther" by Eric Metaxas. The eponymous monk is best known for his famous "95 Theses," which he had hoped would lead to meaningful discussions about the Catholic churches' practices. This well-researched biography delves into the events that led Martin Luther to take a stand against the church and how his actions started the Protestant movement.

Next, at #9, is "Unqualified" by Anna Faris. Faris shares many humorous stories about her life, and she goes into detail about her journey to becoming an actress. She also talks a lot about her relationship with her now ex-husband Chris Pratt, who wrote the foreword of this book after they split up. It's a lighthearted read full of funny anecdotes, and fans are sure to enjoy the bits of relationship advice she leaves throughout the book.

Finally, at #10, we have "Crazy Brave" by Joy Harjo. In her gripping memoir, Joy Harjo talks about her early life and how she grew to become a successful poet and musician. She covers her difficult childhood as she was raised in an abusive household. Eventually, she found solace in painting and poetry, which led to her attending an Indian arts boarding school. It's a highly emotional tale that deals with a lot of sensitive issues, such as alcoholism and abuse.