My Favorite Biographies & Memoirs
Biographies are such a fun genre to read! I also love listening to the audiobooks when they are read by the author. It’s much more personal! Here are a few biographies and memoirs that I’ve read in the past year or two that I would recommend!
The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom
During the Nazi invasion and occupation of Holland, Corrie and her family became active participants in the Dutch underground. They helped transport Jews out of the country and hid Jews in their home. When the Nazi’s found out about their work they were arrested and sent to concentration camps. Corrie was the only survivor of her family and was released in December of 1944. She then started traveling, speaking, and writing books about her story.
This book had a powerful impact on my life. Her story is such an inspirational and powerful example of self sacrifice and following God. This book has led to many conversations with people and a lot of thought into how we live our lives.
My Jesus by Anne Wilson
Christian artist, Anne Wilson, shares her story of the sudden loss of her older brother and how her grief led to an stronger faith and a career in Christian music.
I read this book when going through grief of my own. I love how Anne shared her story with so much vulnerability, while also having hope in Jesus. It was an encouragement to me!
Your Second Act by Patricia Heaton
If you’ve ever watched Everybody Loves Raymond or The Middle you know Patricia Heaton. When Patricia’s children were grown she started pursuing her passions, both personally and professionally. In this books she includes stories from others about their journey to find their second act!
I found her story (and the stories shared by others) very inspirational and an encouragement that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. I listened to this on audiobook and I loved hearing Patricia tell her story from her point of view! I definitely recommend the audiobook for this one!
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
iCarly and Sam & Cat star, Jennette McCurdy shares her struggles growing up as a child actress. She shares in detail the complicated relationship she had with her mother, along with her addictions and eating disorders. Her mother took advantage of her daughter, restricting her eating, and was overbearing, not allowing Jennette to have much independence in her own life.
This was a hard one to read. The amount of hardships that Jennette went through at a young age was so sad. However, it is a story of resilience and redemption. She didn’t let the hardships of her past define her. She writes about starting therapy, her path to recovery, and finding her passions and what brings her joy. This was another one I listened to on audiobook which I would highly recommend.
Talking as Fast as I Can & Have I Told You This Already? by Lauren Graham
In both these books Lauren Graham shares stories and life lessons about her childhood, relationships, love, being an actress, and of course her time on the famous TV show Gilmore Girls.
After watching the shows Gilmore Girls and Parenthood Lauren Graham has become one of my favorite actresses. Her characters are full of energy and personality and these books were similar. They were both fun, light, and easy to read.