10 BIOGRAPHIES AND MEMOIRS THAT’LL INSPIRE, AMAZE, AND LEAVE YOU IN AWE
Ever wondered what life is really like behind the scenes? These biographies will bring you into lives that are messy, inspiring, and wildly unforgettable. From thrills to jaw-dropping twists, they uncover the extraordinary in the ordinary. Ready to be inspired? These bold, brave reads will stay with you long after the last page.
DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING I GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH MY LINKS, AT NO COST TO YOU. PLEASE READ MY TERMS OF USE POLICY FOR MORE INFO.
1. CRYING IN H MART BY MICHELLE ZAUNER
Grab the tissues (and maybe a bowl of Korean food, while you’re at it) because Crying in H Mart explores Japanese Breakfast's lead singer Michelle Zauner's heartfelt story about losing her mom and connecting to her Korean roots through food. It'll leave you craving kimchi, a good cry, and maybe even googling the nearest H Mart.
2. THE HAPPIEST MAN ON EARTH BY EDDIE JAKU
Eddie Jaku survived the Holocaust and chose happiness. His story is packed with lessons on how to find joy, even when life throws you the worst. If you need a little reminder that happiness is a choice, Eddie’s your guy.
3. SWIMMING TO ANTARCTICA BY LYNNE COX
Okay, this one is wild—like, swimming-in-freezing-cold-Antarctica wild. Lynne Cox is like the superhero of icy water swimming, braving some of planet's the coldest seas on the planet to break records and push her limits. If you’re into adventure (and maybe some frostbite), this book will get your blood pumping. Prepare to be amazed—and maybe a little cold just reading about it.
4. ESTABLISHING HOME BY JEAN STOFFER
Jean isn’t just talking about shiplap and paint swatches (although, yes, there’s plenty of that goodness). She’s sharing her story—the ups, the downs, the oh-my-gosh-how-did-she-pull-that-offs of running a design business while raising her family. It’s warm, lovely, and packed with those “aha!” moments that make you want to grab a notebook and start scribbling ideas for your own home.
5. MAKE SOMETHING WONDERFUL BY STEVE JOBS
Steve Jobs was a genius, and this book gives you a rare glimpse into his mind. This collection of his speeches and thoughts will inspire you to dream big, think differently, and create something that can change the world. Warning: it might make you want to go create your own projects or at least buy the latest iPhone.
GET MY 30 DAY READING JOURNAL
Want to read with more purpose? This 30 day journal helps you stay focused, reflect as you go, and enjoy your reading journey. Grab your copy today!
Cheryl Strayed takes us on a solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail, and it's so much more than just a walk in the woods. With a massive backpack (and lots of emotional baggage) and no idea what she’s doing, she embarks on a bumpy trek of blisters, breakdowns, and breakthroughs. It's raw, real, and incredibly inspiring—just go read it.
You guys, Maid by Stephanie Land is a must-read. Imagine cleaning houses for people who barely acknowledge you while trying to keep food on the table as a single mom. Stephanie’s raw, honest writing pulls you right into her world, scrubbing floors, wondering how she keeps going. If you’re looking for something that’ll make you think—and maybe shed a tear or two—this is it.
8. MY LIFE IN FRANCE BY JULIA CHILD
Bon appétit! Julia Child’s memoir will transport you straight to Paris, where she fell in love with French cooking and made us rethink everything we thought we knew. It’s an uplifting read that will make you want to cook, travel, and dream big.
9. THE STORIES WE TELL BY JOANNA GAINES
Joanna Gaines, of Fixer Upper, brings us an inspiring read with The Stories We Tell. Part autobiography, part workbook, this book tells her life story with inspiring thoughts about embracing who you are and how you see the world. It’s the perfect read for anyone looking for a reminder of their own worth in this world.
10. CONNIE: A MEMOIR BY CONNIE CHUNG
Journalist Connie Chung isn’t just sharing what she did—she’s sharing how she did it. From breaking news to personal moments, she's giving us the behind-the-scenes stories we’ve all been waiting for. It’s part history lesson, part masterclass, and all kinds of inspiring.
