16 Autobiographies You Need to Read Right Now

If you’re in the mood for true stories packed with grit, humor, and heart, autobiographies bring the heat. These firsthand accounts reveal the highs and lows of incredible lives, from cultural icons and political leaders to unsung heroes. Here’s a list of 16 autobiographies that are fascinating, inspiring, and sometimes just downright surprising. Grab your coffee (or wine) and settle in with one of these must-reads.

1. Becoming by Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama’s memoir is a powerful, personal account of her journey from the South Side of Chicago to the White House. She writes about her triumphs, her struggles, and her determination to create positive change. With humor, honesty, and grace, Michelle captures both the public and private challenges of being First Lady. Whether she’s talking about her insecurities or her passion for community work, her story is one of resilience and self-discovery. You’ll feel like she’s sitting across from you, chatting about life’s complexities over coffee.

2. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah

Growing up in apartheid South Africa as a biracial child, Trevor Noah’s childhood story is as hilarious as it is harrowing. With a quick wit and unflinching honesty, Noah recounts the challenges he faced and the incredible strength of his mother, who stood by him through it all. His humor lightens even the darkest memories, making this book an emotional rollercoaster you can’t put down. You’ll laugh, cry, and cheer him on, all while learning about South African culture and politics. Plus, his storytelling is so vivid you’ll practically hear his accent while reading.

3. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

A diary kept by a young Jewish girl hiding from Nazis during World War II, this book is one of the most profoundly humanizing pieces of literature ever written. Anne Frank’s thoughts are both relatable and heartbreaking as she documents the fears, hopes, and everyday tensions of her hidden life. Her writing reminds us of the universal nature of dreams, no matter the circumstances. Her words echo the dreams of a teenage girl, yet they carry the weight of an entire generation’s suffering. This isn’t just a historical document—it’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

4. Educated by Tara Westover

In Educated, Tara Westover recounts her journey from growing up in a strict and isolated household in rural Idaho to earning a Ph.D. from Cambridge University. Her parents were survivalists who didn’t believe in formal education, leaving her to teach herself until she left home. Her story touches on family, trauma, and the transformative power of learning. It’s both harrowing and inspiring as she navigates her way to a new life. Westover’s grit and intellectual curiosity make this an unforgettable read.

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5. Just as I Am by Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson’s autobiography is a reflection on her extraordinary life and career in Hollywood, where she shattered stereotypes and redefined what it meant to be a Black woman on screen. Her journey is one of strength, dignity, and purpose, capturing her roles and her commitment to social justice. Tyson’s voice is as powerful on the page as it was on the screen. Her memoir serves as a reminder that some people don’t just witness history—they make it. It’s a poignant, inspiring tribute to a life fully lived.

6. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou’s lyrical autobiography is a poignant exploration of identity, resilience, and the power of self-expression. Growing up Black in the segregated South, she faced adversity and trauma with strength and grace. Angelou’s prose is poetic, capturing both the pain and beauty of her early years. It’s a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit, full of insights that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. This is the kind of book that redefines what it means to truly know oneself.

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7. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

This beautifully written memoir by neurosurgeon Paul Kalanithi confronts mortality with a deeply personal perspective. Diagnosed with terminal cancer just as his career was reaching new heights, Kalanithi explores what makes life meaningful. His reflections on being both doctor and patient make this an unflinchingly honest read. There’s a quiet wisdom in his words, a kind of gentle resilience that will stay with you. It’s a reminder of how fragile and beautiful life truly is.

8. Becoming Nicole by Amy Ellis Nutt

This book isn’t written by Nicole herself, but it recounts her journey and her family’s experiences as she transitions from male to female. A powerful story about identity, acceptance, and the bond between family members, it’s as much about Nicole’s parents learning and growing as it is about Nicole herself. This book dives into the complexities and challenges faced by transgender youth in today’s society. It’s deeply moving and educational, offering a compassionate perspective on a family’s path to understanding. You’ll be left with a new appreciation for the meaning of unconditional love.

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9. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

Jeannette Walls’ memoir is a raw and compelling account of her unconventional upbringing with her nomadic, eccentric parents. Her father was a charismatic dreamer, and her mother an artist, both of whom valued independence over stability. Growing up often without food or shelter, Walls’ resilience and optimism shine through in every chapter. Her story reads like fiction, yet it’s all the more powerful for being true. This book celebrates survival, grit, and the complicated love between parents and children.

10. Bossypants by Tina Fey

Tina Fey’s autobiography is as smart, hilarious, and unapologetically honest as she is. From her awkward youth to her career in comedy and television, Fey’s self-deprecating humor makes this book a joy to read. She offers behind-the-scenes glimpses of Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock, mixed with anecdotes that are laugh-out-loud funny. Fey’s book feels like a conversation with your funniest friend, filled with wit and insight on life, work, and family. If you need a laugh and some wisdom along the way, this is the book for you.

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11. Open by Andre Agassi

Tennis legend Andre Agassi’s autobiography Open is refreshingly candid about his life on and off the court. Agassi reveals his struggles with fame, his ambivalence toward tennis, and his journey to finding purpose beyond sports. His honesty about his career’s pressures and his personal insecurities is rare for a professional athlete. You don’t have to be a tennis fan to appreciate this one—it’s about resilience and self-discovery. Agassi’s story is as much about winning at life as it is about winning on the court.

12. Yes Please by Amy Poehler

In Yes Please, Amy Poehler delivers a mix of humor, advice, and candid stories about her life and career. She talks about everything from motherhood to improv comedy, with her trademark wit and warmth. Poehler’s writing is funny, empowering, and refreshingly honest. She doesn’t pretend to have all the answers, and her humility makes her all the more relatable. You’ll come away feeling like you’ve gained a friend who understands life’s messiness and laughs about it anyway.

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13. Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

While technically a biography, Isaacson’s book on Steve Jobs is deeply personal, thanks to exclusive access and extensive interviews. Jobs’ unfiltered thoughts on innovation, success, and failure make this an insightful read for anyone curious about the man behind the Apple empire. His complex personality is portrayed in full, from his brilliance to his difficult nature. Isaacson captures the contradictions that made Jobs such a compelling figure. It’s a reminder of the relentless drive and creativity it takes to change the world.

14. Hunger by Roxane Gay

In Hunger, Roxane Gay dives into her personal struggles with body image, trauma, and identity. With searing honesty, she examines the relationship between body and self-worth, touching on issues that resonate with so many. Her raw prose and vulnerability make this a profound exploration of human experience. Gay’s memoir isn’t just about her—it’s about everyone who’s ever felt at odds with their body. It’s an eye-opening look at what it means to live in a world obsessed with appearances.

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15. Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain

Anthony Bourdain’s no-holds-barred look at life in the culinary world is part autobiography, part expose, and entirely entertaining. Bourdain writes with a wit and swagger that makes you feel like you’re sitting across from him in a dive bar. From his early days as a chef to his wild adventures in the kitchen, Bourdain captures the energy and chaos of the restaurant world. It’s irreverent, raw, and surprisingly heartfelt. If you love food and a little bit of irreverence, this is your book.

16. Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela

In this inspiring autobiography, Nelson Mandela recounts his life from rural beginnings to his role as a leader in the anti-apartheid movement and his 27 years in prison. His journey is one of endurance, resilience, and the power of forgiveness. Mandela’s words are both dignified and powerful, capturing his lifelong commitment to justice and equality. It’s more than a history lesson; it’s a guide to living with integrity in the face of adversity. Reading his story will leave you humbled and inspired.

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