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This memoir, from a left-of-center political perspective, provides an honest account of the pandemic that will be relatable to many like-minded readers.
Crafters and fans of Foster will enjoy this tender memoir about creative coping as a way to say yes to personal ambitions big and small.
This memoir, as exceptional as Porter himself, should please not only devotees of the actor and his work but readers interested in a story of perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds.
Ai creates a vivid portrait of two generations grappling with their place in the Chinese cultural and political landscape, and gives readers a glimpse of his approach to art and the creative process. Highly recommended for those interested in art, memoir, politics, and history.
This well-organized biography reads almost like historical fiction; readers are reminded that this is a true story when Prendergast inserts her witty intellectual commentary.
The Loves’ warmth, humor, and honesty shine from the pages. Their Christian faith plays a large role in their lives, but their struggles and triumphs will resonate with a wide range of readers. The couple were featured on the Humans of New York Instagram account in 2020 and received worldwide attention, so expect some demand. Highly recommended.
Outstanding scholarship reveals Catherine Dior’s participation in the French Resistance. Overall, this is a haunting biography that carefully examines Catherine’s largely unexplored life and will have broad appeal to fashion or World War II enthusiasts.
Downing’s elegant, engaging memoir will have particular significance to readers from the Caribbean diaspora, but it will be understood by any reader who has ever had their world suddenly upended and needed to make it whole again.
A fascinating look at a highly influential leader. Recommended for readers interested in world politics.
A great mix of wit and perceptive observation from travels in the United States and the United Kingdom just before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a surprising amount of history, nature, and ecology thrown in.
Sayman has an inspirational story that will inspire and fascinate many readers, especially those interested in technology and coding. This accessible, personal account is sure to be popular and should have YA crossover appeal.
Those interested in international relations, immigration, and social work will find Dogon’s firsthand account essential reading.
General readers will be engrossed by this heartfelt memoir of sickness, family, and recovery. The table that serves as an appendix of complicated truths is worth the price of the book.
This poignant read offers a lot of food for thought. Highly recommended for any library, especially for memoir collections.
Wassef’s toughness and honesty will endear her to readers, who will surely champion her throughout this chronicle spanning marriage and divorce, the Egyptian revolution of 2011, the country’s first democratic election, and the author’s eventual decision to leave her role at Diwan to make space for the new.
PREMIUM
Smile: The Story of a Face
A moving, insightful account that will appeal to many readers, especially those who like memoir. It will particularly engage readers interested in reflections on women in society or self-acceptance, and, of course, fans of Ruhl’s plays.
PREMIUM
Red Roulette: An Insider’s Story of Wealth, Power, Corruption, and Vengeance in Today’s China
Students of Chinese politics and business will appreciate Shum’s personal narrative of China’s turbulent economic rise; this book deserves a wide audience.
Based on family letters and other primary documents, this fine biography is a must-read for Civil War enthusiasts and those interested in Lee’s legacy.
This often-engrossing memoir might offer comfort to families of people serving in the armed forces and will also appeal to Vietnam War–era readers. See Gerald Nicosia’s classic Home to War for an in-depth narrative of the VVAW.
This memoir is full of sensitive thoughts on childlessness and infertility. Moss’s contemplations on life in general will resonate with women who are seeking peace and meaning in their own lives.
Keisha N. Blain offers a manifesto for anyone committed to social justice. Kate Clifford Larson writes an in-depth portrait of the civil rights activist.
Interested in biographies of Anthony Bourdain? Producer and director Tom Vitale writes a candid account of his longtime friend. Laurie Woolever, Bourdain's longtime assistant, offers a heartfelt retrospective.
PREMIUM
Blind Man’s Bluff
Hill has written an account of identity and self-acceptance that is likely to interest many readers, perhaps especially disabled teens and young adults. Librarians might consider acquiring the audiobook as well.
This uplifting, inspirational memoir by a rising political figure is a recommended purchase for most libraries.
An enjoyable true-life legal drama on par with Erin Brockovich. Vogel uses only the occasional legalese, and her story will appeal to readers who enjoy a good underdog legal story.
Fans of history will find much value in this readable work; historians may be challenged by some of its interpretations.
For fans of any of the iterations of the Windsor story; an absorbing biography of important figures that will generate a lot of interest.
This often-gripping narrative will appeal to readers interested in U.S. military courts’ prosecution of war crimes, or the mindsets of combatants in modern warfare.
Painful and personal, yet beautiful and necessary, this book deserves to be read for its political significance and literary merit. Burke’s writing shines when she describes finding her voice as an aspiring activist.
A must-read work of narrative nonfiction that’s highly recommended for readers of memoirs or 20th-century European history.
Fascinating, with wonderful digressions on human anatomy, medical science, and technological advancements in assistive devices. A must-read memoir for anyone seeking answers to their own medical mysteries or navigating the world post-trauma. Magary’s writing will draw in longtime fans and new readers.
PREMIUM
Seeing Ghosts
Chow’s book is an important and welcome addition to a growing catalogue of memoirs by a new generation of Asian American writers, including Michelle Zauner’s Crying in H Mart and Anna Qu’s Made in China.
Samaha’s memoir of his family’s experience is a clear, moving, and powerful rumination on what it means to be an immigrant. Recommended for biography readers or for those wanting to read about the experiences of one immigrant family.
PREMIUM
I Live a Life Like Yours
An honest look at the complexities of being human no matter how one’s body functions. Grue’s reflections on life will spark the interest of all readers of literary nonfiction.
This account lucidly illustrates Thiel’s rise as a right-wing power broker, during the hi-tech boom, bust, and resurgence; it will appeal to readers fascinated by the intersection of technology and politics. See Kurt Andersen’s Evil Geniuses for a narrative of how the United States aided the rise of the ruling billionaire class.
PREMIUM
Magical Habits
Recommended for all graduate students of literature and for readers who enjoy experimental writing styles.
Brown is able to express the gravitas of the lowest point of her life while maintaining a sense of humor with her dry wit. By openly talking about mental illness, Brown will inspire readers to do what she struggled to do herself: express difficult emotions and find a way forward through the darkness. Recommended where mental health memoirs are in demand.
PREMIUM
Slonim Woods 9: A Memoir
A poetic and intimate memoir of a harrowing ordeal. Any reader interested in the workings of cults or the experiences of people in cults will find this book worthwhile.
PREMIUM
Ladyparts
A searing indictment of capitalism, the gig economy, and the U.S. medical system--all recounted with a sense of dark humor. Copaken’s latest will engage readers of feminist memoirs.
Fans of popular history and biography should appreciate this addition to the ranks of books about the Kennedy family.
PREMIUM
Beautiful Country
A haunting memoir of people and places that will stay with readers long after the last page.
A nuanced examination of complicated ripple effects of intergenerational emigration. A powerful memoir of finding self-worth.
A barebones description of the storyline doesn’t even begin to do justice to this magnificent piece of literature, which will stand the test of time. Like Feldman’s previous book, this is another captivating memoir that will find a wide audience.
An intimate, absorbing, and painful look at chronic illness in a relationship. Readers in similar situations will likely find it strikes a deep chord, but anyone who has endured difficulties in a long-term relationship will find much to ponder here as well.
D’Aguiar’s memoir is intensely personal and candid, technically informative, and, as a result of its range and inviting style, far from morbid or dry.
Essential reading for anyone interested in contemporary life in China, and highly recommended for memoir enthusiasts in general. Readers interested in personal histories of elite Chinese political families should also consider Lan Yan’s memoir The House of Yan.
PREMIUM
The Great Peace
An honest and unadorned Hollywood confessional that casts a light on the darkness behind the scenes.
While there are fascinating details here about royal childhoods, courtships, marriages, and extramarital love affairs, this meticulously researched collective biography is best for serious readers of 18th-century European politics and history.
The truth is often disturbing, and this thorough account by Keefe brings new truths to light. In recounting the exploits of the Sackler family, Keefe has written an engaging, unputdownable book.
PREMIUM
The Big Hurt
Some will no doubt find the messiness of Schickel’s life and history too much to enjoy, but readers drawn to women’s stories of struggle, self-destruction, and attempted recovery will likely be wholly absorbed.
In situating the Hutchinson controversy within the “religious heterodoxy, social volatility, and political instability” of the time, Westerkamp broadens our understanding of early American history, especially as it relates to women and the religious experience. A worthy addition to Perry Miller’s seminal works on the period.
PREMIUM
The Ugly Cry
An honest account of an unconventional childhood, and of learning to accept the hard truths of loving people who disappoint you. Henderson’s debut is a treat for memoir fans.
Oluseyi’s skills as public speaker and motivator are on full display as he recalls his long road to personal and professional success. A great read for memoir fans, who will be drawn in from the first page.
Canellos has written a skillful biography that illuminates the lives of both John Harlan and Robert Harlan. It will spark the interest of readers looking for more insight on the Reconstruction era. As in Canellos’s previous books, the life and times of his subjects come alive here.
Diamond’s memoir is compulsively readable; for fans of suspense novels or memoirs like Tyler Wetherall’s No Way Home.
Skillful prose and meticulous research combine to create a rich narrative and captivating character portraits of both Annie Wilkins and the people and places of the 1950s. Considering the popularity of her other nonfiction titles, the latest by Letts is likely to be on many hold lists.
PREMIUM
Somebody’s Daughter
Moving testimony about the effect of incarceration on the lives of the children and families who live in its shadow. Ford’s writing sets itself apart.
PREMIUM
Upper Bohemia
Herrera’s memoir engages in discussions of mental health, equality, and fulfillment without passing judgement on her subjects; a rare feat. A riveting story of necessary resilience.
A must for fans of Freshwater; readers new to Emezi’s writing will find themselves drawn in by their way with words.
A memoir that will appeal to many readers as a story about triumph of the will. Fleming conveys his passion for learning and teaching, in writing that is by turns entertaining and moving. This is a must-read for educators, as a professional development tool and to consider for high school curricula.
PREMIUM
The Wreckage of My Presence
Equally irreverent and heartfelt, this collection is a roller-coaster, as Wilson shares her journey through the best and worst parts of her life. You might cry and scream, but you’ll be eager to get back in line to take another ride. For fans of Samantha Irby, Judy Greer, or Sarah Silverman.
PREMIUM
She Memes Well
Laid back and relatable, Brunson’s book is reminiscent of a chat with your oldest friend from high school. Her honesty and tenacity will inspire readers to follow their own dreams. For fans of Tiffany Haddish, Tina Fey, or Napoleon Dynamite.
This well-written, engaging book will have a special appeal to those already in academia and will be of interest to those who are considering it. It is essential and recommended for all academic and public libraries.
Curious about the trees in your backyard, neighborhood, or region? Learn more, whether from a guide by the National Audubon Society, a memoir by Suzanne Simard, or a natural history by Peter Wohlleben.
These selections, both memoirs and sociological reflections, spanning everything from dating to parenting, identity to self-acceptance, are perfect suggestions for Pride Month and all year round.
There are sections that are reminiscent of Gretchen Rubin’s The Happiness Project, and sections similar to Amy Silverstein’s My Glory Was I Had Such Friends, but the book lacks cohesiveness and is a convoluted read overall.
A dreamlike, wandering meditation on place and memory. Readers of literature or poetic prose will enjoy riding along paths of the Southwest and wondering about bygone eras with Searcy.
Readers should compare Letersky’s book with Hoover’s FBI by Cartha DeLoach, a 25-year FBI veteran who became number three in the agency (outranked only by Clyde Tolson); The Real J. Edgar Hoover by former assistant FBI director Ray Wannall; and the controversial book J. Edgar Hoover by Curt Gentry.
Page has written a comprehensive biography of Pelosi that follows her entire career in politics and describes how early family experiences influenced her policies and political leadership style.
With strong appeal for book clubs, this heartbreaking, yet strongly inspirational memoir is very highly recommended for all public library collections, and deserving of a wide readership.
A touching and fascinating memoir that is essential for anyone interested in life during the Cultural Revolution or the experiences of the freedom swimmers. For a political assessment of the Cultural Revolution, readers should consider The World Turned Upside Down, by Yang Jisheng.
PREMIUM
My Name Is Selma: The Remarkable Memoir of a Jewish Resistance Fighter and Ravensbrück Survivor
There are many extraordinary books written by survivors of the Holocaust, and this numbers among them. The author’s voice, strength, and pain are palpable throughout; everyone can benefit from reading her story.
A Gold Star family’s faltering path towards normalcy in the wake of loss is documented alongside a failed military operation. Though the book loses a little momentum towards the end, Black’s recollections on grief are especially poignant.
Fairbanks deftly handles the story, with an eye for detail and page-turning prose. An evocative, well-researched, and compelling account, this highly recommended book will stay with readers past the last page.
Readers will enjoy Johnson’s personal accounts of the space race and the roles of Black women in STEM. This wonderful, insightful memoir is the perfect companion piece to Margot Lee Shetterly’s best-selling Hidden Figures, which recounted the lives of Johnson and her colleagues Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson.
Cleverly framed around Gwendolyn Brooks’s poem “We Real Cool,” Punch Me Up to the Gods is an exquisite and important memoir that will sit proudly among the likes of Kiese Laymon’s Heavy and Darnell L. Moore’s No Ashes in the Fire.
PREMIUM
Chasing the Thrill: Obsession, Death, and Glory in America’s Most Extraordinary Treasure Hunt
Reminiscent of Douglas Preston’s adventures, this modern-day treasure hunt is an entertaining thrill ride.
Readers shouldn’t be discouraged by the complexity of Gödel’s mathematics; this is the first major biography of the brilliant yet tragic figure and, in all respects, a first-rate one.
A deft, chilling, and long overdue biography of an American woman singled out by dark political and cultural forces that were bent on keeping women at home and “foreign” ideas out of American minds.
Though this isn’t the first book one should about Napoleon, it is an attractive one, which presents an unusual perspective on the life of the general.
Overall, Kupershmit has managed to produce a noticeably well-written and eloquent narrative of motherhood, and a beautiful tribute to her daughter. Recommended for readers interested memoirs about the variety of human experiences within the United States.
This short book is an inspiring, yet heartbreaking read. Jaku’s message, he says, is to above all remain grateful in the face of adversity. His words will resonate, and his story will engage readers interested in Jewish history or inspirational writing.
Doty’s love-filled memoir will delight readers hoping for an inside look at the wedding section, and fans of uplifting memoirs.
PREMIUM
Pure Flame: A Legacy
Part memoir, part social commentary, this book is a meditation on the evolving role of white women in Western society. Especially of interest for social science and gender studies collections.
An important memoir and call to action that sheds light on the personal injustices of mass incarceration.
The biographies and memoirs most in demand by readers are from Barack Obama, Bob Woodward, Michael Cohen, Matthew McConaughey, and Jerry Seinfeld.
This is a definite must-read for fans of early Hollywood, and those interested in LGBTQ history, with plenty of scandals and gossip to grab interest.
PREMIUM
Kin
Rodenberg writes with an evocative and unflinching style, despite sometimes jarring shifts in narrative. This is a richly nuanced portrait of people and place, along with the bounds of forgiveness. Good for biography readers eager to explore the complexities of family relationships, or readers interested in women’s lives in Appalachia.
A candid, even-handed account that is highly recommended for popular collections. A natural fit for libraries where The Turnaround circulated well.
William C. Kashatus writes an essential work on the Underground Railroad. Dorothy Wickenden fills a gap in the telling of women's and abolitionist history.
Based on interviews and ideas replete in Sowell’s innumerable books, this biography is seasoned with selections from the economist’s sardonic quips. While many will disagree with his proposals, few should disregard his impact.
Readers interested in feminism, women’s history, and biography will be rewarded with a great story that deserves to be widely known.
A unique memoir showing the importance of diversity of thought. Fleming also makes clear the lasting impacts of language. An ideal complement to I Have Been Buried under Years of Dust, by Valerie Gilpeer and Emily Grodin.
PREMIUM
Low Country
Jones’s gift for spinning a tale is readily apparent, and her intertwining the history of the Low Country with her own familial history gives the book depth. A haunting memoir with poetic prose that will appeal to a large audience, owing to its interesting subject and skillful writing.
PREMIUM
Permission to Dream
This fable-like tale, which blends biography and self-help, is an inspirational reminder to dream big and dream often. Gardner’s latest memoir will especially resonate with readers of Mitch Albom and Paulo Coelho.
PREMIUM
Everything Is Fine
Granata’s skills, as a writer and former English teacher, shine here; he not only brings a personal perspective to living alongside a family member with mental illness, but also shows that there isn’t a right way to grieve. A welcome memoir.
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