Girls and women of any age should feel represented in what they read. They should be able to find solace and inspiration between the crisp pages of a paperback. These stories can be in any form― fiction or nonfiction. In my case, I enjoy reading memoirs! I find them interesting, and usually, very inspiring. They help me get to know artists I admire on a deeper level and understand their struggles. Here are my three favorites:
- Dear Girls by Ali Wong
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I’ve been a fan of Ali Wong’s comedy since her first comedy special, Baby Cobra, hit Netflix in 2016. Since then, I’ve followed her career, seeing her interviews, pregnancies, and specials. In 2019 she revealed the release of her book Dear Girls. I was super excited. What got me the most about the book was its unique format: instead of a straight narrative memoir, it’s a compilation of letters she wrote to her daughters. Through these letters, she details her life, struggles, and adventures. She gives her daughters the advice she wished she had received from her father before he died. The book is filled with hilarious stories, as well as touching moments that manage to still give you helpful advice on how to navigate life. It’s incredibly funny, heartwarming, and honest. I loved and cherished all the advice she gave in every letter.
You can find her book at your local bookstore or through here.
- Not That Kind of Girl by Lena Dunham
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I hadn’t heard much of Lena Dunham before I came across this book. I knew of her HBO show, Girls, but other than that she was pretty much a stranger to me. Still, I found myself picking up this book one day and feeling intrigued to know what she had to write about. Surprisingly, I ended up enjoying it, even highlighting parts of the book. It’s an essay-style memoir and it’s divided in sections that represent moments in her life. Although, far from being perfect, the sections about her eating disorder and body dysmorphia are incredibly well-written and a poignant exploration toward recovery. Her newfound confidence and how it has reflected on her love and sex life, I believe is an important read.
You can find her book at your local bookstore or through here.
- Becoming by Michelle Obama
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I mean, do I need to say anything here? It’s Michelle Obama! She proves why she’s so beloved and considered one of the most influential women of our time. Sharing her experiences from a young age, she recounts the steps she took that led her to become the First Lady of the United States. She tackles race, empowerment, politics, and family in a compelling way. Although it’s 400 pages, it’s an easy and fast read. And believe me, you’ll still want to read more about this remarkable woman and her view on the world.
You can find her book at your local bookstore or through here.
That’s it! I hope you give any one of these memoirs a chance and that you get valuable lessons from these amazing women. Enjoy!