Summary: In this article, I have compiled 20 of the best autobiography books that offer powerful life lessons and unforgettable stories. Here's my top 3:
- Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela
- Educated by Tara Westover
- The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
TOP 20: Best Autobiography Books
- Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela
- Educated by Tara Westover
- The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
- I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
- Becoming by Michelle Obama
- Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
- Open by Andre Agassi
- The Story of My Experiments with Truth by Mahatma Gandhi
- Bossypants by Tina Fey
- Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
- Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt
- When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
- The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
- Just as I Am by Cicely Tyson
- Mud, Sweat, and Tears by Bear Grylls
- My Life by Bill Clinton
- The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley
- Dreams from My Father by Barack Obama
- My Autobiography by Charlie Chaplin
- Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
1. Long Walk to Freedom
- Author: Nelson Mandela
- About: Mandela's journey from his early life in rural South Africa, through his 27 years of imprisonment, to becoming the nation's first Black president.
- Style of Writing: Reflective and detailed, offering deep insights into his personal experiences and the broader political landscape.
- Length: Approximately 230,000 words.
- Year Written: 1994
- Emotional Impact: Profoundly moving; leaves a lasting impression of resilience and the fight for justice.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible to most readers with its clear narrative.
- Why Read It: To understand the struggles against apartheid and the power of forgiveness and leadership.
2. Educated
- Author: Tara Westover
- About: Westover's upbringing in a strict and abusive household in rural Idaho and her quest for education, which leads her to earn a PhD from Cambridge University.
- Style of Writing: Engaging and introspective, blending personal narrative with broader reflections.
- Length: Approximately 130,000 words.
- Year Written: 2018
- Emotional Impact: Deeply inspiring; highlights the transformative power of education.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; written in an accessible style.
- Why Read It: To explore themes of self-invention, the importance of education, and overcoming adversity.
3. The Diary of a Young Girl
- Author: Anne Frank
- About: The wartime diary of Anne Frank, a Jewish teenager hiding from the Nazis in Amsterdam during World War II.
- Style of Writing: Candid and poignant, capturing the innocence and fears of adolescence amidst war.
- Length: Approximately 80,000 words.
- Year Written: 1942-1944; first published in 1947
- Emotional Impact: Heart-wrenching; offers a personal perspective on the horrors of war and persecution.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate; straightforward language but heavy themes.
- Why Read It: To gain insight into the human side of history and the resilience of the human spirit.
4. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
- Author: Maya Angelou
- About: Angelou's early life, dealing with racism, trauma, and her journey towards self-acceptance and love for literature.
- Style of Writing: Lyrical and evocative, rich in imagery and emotion.
- Length: Approximately 100,000 words.
- Year Written: 1969
- Emotional Impact: Deeply moving; explores themes of identity, resilience, and empowerment.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; poetic language with profound themes.
- Why Read It: To understand the complexities of race and identity in America and the power of personal resilience.
5. Becoming
- Author: Michelle Obama
- About: The former First Lady's journey from her childhood in Chicago to her role in the White House, highlighting personal and professional challenges.
- Style of Writing: Warm and conversational, offering an intimate glimpse into her life.
- Length: Approximately 160,000 words.
- Year Written: 2018
- Emotional Impact: Inspiring and uplifting; emphasizes the importance of community, family, and perseverance.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate; accessible and engaging prose.
- Why Read It: To gain insight into the life of a prominent public figure and the challenges of balancing personal and public roles.
6. Steve Jobs
- Author: Walter Isaacson
- About: A comprehensive biography of Apple's co-founder, exploring his innovative vision and complex personality.
- Style of Writing: Detailed and analytical, based on extensive interviews.
- Length: Approximately 180,000 words.
- Year Written: 2011
- Emotional Impact: Thought-provoking; showcases the highs and lows of a tech visionary's life.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; technical details may require some background knowledge.
- Why Read It: To understand the mind behind revolutionary technology and the impact of leadership and creativity.
7. Open
- Author: Andre Agassi
- About: This memoir provides a candid look into Agassi's life, detailing his early years under a demanding father, his rise in professional tennis, personal struggles, and his journey toward self-acceptance.
- Style of Writing: Honest and introspective, offering deep personal insights and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the world of professional tennis.
- Length: Approximately 164,676 words.
- Year Written: 2009
- Emotional Impact: Profoundly moving; Agassi's openness about his vulnerabilities and challenges leaves a lasting impression.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible language with deep emotional content.
- Why Read It: To gain an intimate understanding of the pressures of professional sports and the personal growth that comes from confronting one's inner demons.
8. The Story of My Experiments with Truth
- Author: Mahatma Gandhi
- About: Gandhi's autobiography chronicles his journey of self-discovery, detailing his early life, experiences in South Africa, and the development of his philosophy of non-violence and civil disobedience.
- Style of Writing: Reflective and philosophical, with a focus on personal growth and ethical development.
- Length: Approximately 200,000 words.
- Year Written: 1927-1929
- Emotional Impact: Inspiring; offers deep insights into the moral and spiritual evolution of a global leader.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; requires contemplation to fully appreciate the philosophical discussions.
- Why Read It: To understand the principles that guided one of the most influential figures in history and to explore the power of personal conviction.
9. Bossypants
- Author: Tina Fey
- About: A humorous memoir where comedian Tina Fey shares her journey from a young girl with big dreams to a leading figure in comedy, including her experiences on “Saturday Night Live” and creating “30 Rock.”
- Style of Writing: Witty and conversational, filled with humorous anecdotes and sharp observations.
- Length: Approximately 79,000 words.
- Year Written: 2011
- Emotional Impact: Entertaining and uplifting; provides laughter while offering insights into the challenges faced by women in comedy.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; light-hearted and engaging prose.
- Why Read It: For a behind-the-scenes look at the comedy industry and to appreciate the blend of humor and personal narrative.
10. Born a Crime
- Author: Trevor Noah
- About: Noah's memoir recounts his experiences growing up in apartheid South Africa as the child of a black mother and a white father, exploring themes of identity, race, and resilience.
- Style of Writing: Humorous yet poignant, blending personal stories with social commentary.
- Length: Approximately 85,000 words.
- Year Written: 2016
- Emotional Impact: Thought-provoking and moving; balances humor with serious reflections on societal issues.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible language with complex themes.
- Why Read It: To gain insight into the complexities of apartheid and the power of humor in overcoming adversity.
11. Angela’s Ashes
- Author: Frank McCourt
- About: McCourt's memoir details his impoverished childhood in Limerick, Ireland, and his journey to America in search of a better life.
- Style of Writing: Lyrical and descriptive, capturing the hardships and hopes of his early years.
- Length: Approximately 110,000 words.
- Year Written: 1996
- Emotional Impact: Deeply moving; portrays the resilience of the human spirit amidst adversity.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; rich language with emotional depth.
- Why Read It: To understand the struggles of poverty and the enduring hope for a better future.
12. When Breath Becomes Air
- Author: Paul Kalanithi
- About: A neurosurgeon's reflection on his life and impending death after being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, exploring the intersection of medicine, literature, and mortality.
- Style of Writing: Elegant and contemplative, blending medical insights with philosophical musings.
- Length: Approximately 65,000 words.
- Year Written: 2016
- Emotional Impact: Profoundly touching; offers a deep meditation on life, death, and purpose.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible prose with profound themes.
- Why Read It: To reflect on the fragility of life and the pursuit of meaning in the face of mortality.
13. The Glass Castle
- Author: Jeannette Walls
- About: Walls recounts her unconventional and often unstable upbringing with her nomadic and dysfunctional family, highlighting themes of poverty, resilience, and the pursuit of stability.
- Style of Writing: Vivid and straightforward, with a narrative that balances humor and hardship.
- Length: Approximately 100,000 words.
- Year Written: 2005
- Emotional Impact: Inspiring; showcases the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; engaging narrative with complex family dynamics.
- Why Read It: To understand the complexities of family relationships and the strength required to overcome a challenging upbringing.
14. Just as I Am
- Author: Cicely Tyson
- About: The legendary actress reflects on her groundbreaking career, personal life, and the challenges she faced as a Black woman in Hollywood, emphasizing her commitment to authenticity and social change.
- Style of Writing: Graceful and candid, offering deep personal insights and reflections.
- Length: Approximately 150,000 words.
- Year Written: 2021
- Emotional Impact: Profoundly inspiring; leaves a lasting impression of strength and dignity.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; eloquent prose with rich cultural context.
- Why Read It: To gain insight into the life of a trailblazing artist and the importance of staying true to oneself.
15. Mud, Sweat, and Tears
- Author: Bear Grylls
- About: An account of Grylls' life, from his early years and military service to his survival challenges and television career, highlighting his adventures and the lessons learned along the way.
- Style of Writing: Action-packed and engaging, with a focus on adventure and personal growth.
- Length: Approximately 120,000 words.
- Year Written: 2011
- Emotional Impact: Motivating; inspires readers to embrace challenges and pursue their passions.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate; straightforward narrative with thrilling anecdotes.
- Why Read It: To be inspired by tales of adventure and the importance of perseverance.
16. My Life
- Author: Bill Clinton
- About: The former U.S. president's memoir covers his journey from a modest upbringing in Arkansas to his tenure in the White House, detailing personal and political challenges along the way.
- Style of Writing: Comprehensive and reflective, offering insights into both his personal life and political career.
- Length: Approximately 957 pages.
- Year Written: 2004
- Emotional Impact: Informative; provides a deep dive into the life of a prominent political figure.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; detailed narrative with political context.
- Why Read It: To gain an understanding of American politics from the perspective of a former president and to learn about the personal experiences that shaped his leadership.
17. The Autobiography of Malcolm X
- Author: Malcolm X, with Alex Haley
- About: This autobiography chronicles Malcolm X's transformation from a street hustler to a prominent Black nationalist leader, detailing his philosophies on race, religion, and social justice.
- Style of Writing: Candid and powerful, providing a raw and honest portrayal of his life and beliefs.
- Length: Approximately 466 pages.
- Year Written: 1965
- Emotional Impact: Profoundly impactful; challenges readers to confront issues of race and identity.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; thought-provoking content with historical context.
- Why Read It: To understand the complexities of racial issues in America and the evolution of a dynamic leader's ideology.
18. Dreams from My Father
- Author: Barack Obama
- About: Before his presidency, Obama reflects on his early life, exploring his multicultural heritage, identity struggles, and journey toward community organizing and public service.
- Style of Writing: Eloquent and introspective, blending personal narrative with broader social commentary.
- Length: Approximately 480 pages.
- Year Written: 1995
- Emotional Impact: Inspiring; offers a relatable exploration of identity and purpose.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; engaging prose with reflective themes.
- Why Read It: To gain insight into the formative experiences of a future president and the development of his worldview.
19. My Autobiography
- Author: Charlie Chaplin
- About: The legendary silent film star recounts his journey from a destitute childhood in London to becoming one of cinema's most iconic figures, sharing insights into his personal life and creative process.
- Style of Writing: Witty and engaging, reflecting the humor and charm characteristic of Chaplin's work.
- Length: Approximately 528 pages.
- Year Written: 1964
- Emotional Impact: Entertaining and enlightening; provides a behind-the-scenes look at the early film industry.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible language with rich historical context.
- Why Read It: To explore the life of a pioneering artist and the evolution of early cinema.
20. Shoe Dog
- Author: Phil Knight
- About: The founder of Nike shares the story behind the company's creation, detailing the challenges, risks, and innovations that led to its global success.
- Style of Writing: Candid and narrative-driven, offering an insider's perspective on entrepreneurship.
- Length: Approximately 400 pages.
- Year Written: 2016
- Emotional Impact: Inspiring; highlights the perseverance and vision required to build a successful enterprise.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; engaging storytelling with business insights.
- Why Read It: To learn about the entrepreneurial journey and the importance of innovation and determination in achieving success.
Conclusion
Autobiographies give us a powerful window into the lives of extraordinary people, sharing their struggles, triumphs, and personal growth. For me, among the many great memoirs, Long Walk to Freedom, Educated, and The Diary of a Young Girl stand out as must-reads. I think Mandela’s fight for justice, Westover’s journey of self-discovery, and Anne Frank’s story of resilience offer some of the most powerful and unforgettable lessons. Whether you're looking for history, motivation, or a fresh perspective, these books left a deep impact on me, and I believe they will do the same for anyone who reads them.
