2017 Jun 28
Over the years, many famous and influential people have put pen to paper, to tell the story of their own lives. These autobiographies are highly interesting and inspiring. As such, there are a few autobiographies each person must read in their lifetime, as listed below!
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Long Walk to Freedom – Nelson Mandela
One of the greatest moral and political leaders of all time, Nelson Mandela’s memoir is one of the most moving and extraordinary stories ever. ‘Long Walk to Freedom’ is the story of every element of his inspiring life, his dedication to fight racial oppression, imprisonment, and the many highs and lows. Mandela is an internationally well-known political figure in the fight for human rights. His autobiography is certainly worth the read.
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The Diary of a Young Girl – Anne Frank
Although you may know the story of Anne Frank, reading her memoir is a different experience altogether. Anne Frank was a Jewish girl who, along with her family and friends, went into hiding during World War II. Her diary has become a testament to the resilience of human nature, and the realistic struggles of living through a war. It is fascinating to read the unfiltered thoughts of a bright young girl forced to live in an immensely difficult situation, with the hovering fear of capture and death. The abrupt and tragic end of the diary and her life is a brutal reminder of the horrors of war.
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I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings – Maya Angelou
This is the first of Maya Angelou’s seven powerful autobiographies. It recounts the first seventeen years of life, beginning with her parents’ divorce, living with her grandmother in a small southern town, the trauma of being raped, the racism she had to endure, and all the little events which occurred in between. This poetic and emotional journey depicts the struggles faced by Black Americans and women around the world.
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A Moveable Feast – Ernest Hemingway
This autobiography tells the tale of a great American author and journalist, and how his life was shaped along the way. The book begins in 1920’s Paris, with a young and poor author who has a passion for writing. Three years after the trauma of the Great War, the landscape of Europe was forming – with artists and writers alike. This autobiography contains Hemingway’s encounters with future artists, both famous and fallen. Amidst the cafés of Paris, this broke struggling artist found inspiration for his stories.
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The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin – Benjamin Franklin
The life story of one of America’s founding fathers and most successful diplomats was written from 1771 to 1790. This four part autobiography is a fascinating read. Benjamin Franklin was an excellent athlete, writer, scientist and inventor. His extremely unique life is laid out on these pages for all to read. A truly inspirational book, it describes 18th Century life well, in its idealism and beliefs.
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Autobiography of Mark Twain – Mark Twain
The first volume of this well-rounded autobiography describes the highly eventful life of this great author. His career, family life, and his ideas about writing are well-written in a manner which illuminates every element, such as humour, tragedy, style, and imagination. Twain exemplifies each role he had in his life. The autobiography of America’s favourite author became an instant bestseller.
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Agatha Christie: An Autobiography – Agatha Christie
One of the world’s most loved mystery writers penned her own autobiography as well. The book unravels the mysteries of her own life, speaking of her delightful childhood, tragic events, mother’s death, and many obstacles which affected her romantic life. Most importantly, Agatha Christie talks of her life’s work and immense legacy of literature she created. The memorable memoir of the author who set the tone for mystery literature is certainly worth the read.
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The Autobiography of Malcolm X – Malcolm X.
One of the most influential national figures of the 20th Century, Malcom X. tells the tale of his journey from a prison cell to Mecca. This spiritual classic emphasizes on his conversion to Islam, and the immense change it brought to his life, allowing him to confront his rage. The words of his autobiography are undeniably powerful and create an electrifying story, allowing his ideas to influence generations to come.
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On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft – Stephen King
Stephen King’s popular memoir is a bestselling book. The autobiography talks of King’s personal life, experiences, and struggles, both personal and career related. This three part novel is packed with interesting information and fascinating tidbits. Using the memories of his childhood, King details the life of a writer, and how his relationship with writing helped him in life. More than a memoir, this is an entertaining book for all readers.
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Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance – Barack Obama
Released in 2004, Obama’s powerful book was an immediate New York Times Bestseller. Dealing with racial identity, the memoir describes the journey that took Obama from America to his ancestral home in a small African village. This is an inspiring tale of a man determined to understand the history of his family and the external forces which have shaped his life. This is undoubtedly the most revealing and honest books published by an American leader.
