30 Best Autobiographies | The Awaken Buddha

1. Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela

This book is a memoir of the life of the first Black president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. It covers his early life, activism, imprisonment, and eventual rise to power.

2. The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X and Alex Haley

This book is a firsthand account of the life of one of the most important civil rights leaders of the 20th century. Malcolm X tells his story of transformation from a street hustler to a powerful voice in the fight for Black rights.

1. Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt This memoir is an honest and poignant account of growing up in poverty in Ireland. Frank McCourt writes about his family’s struggles and the resilience that helped them survive.
2. Dreams from My Father by Barack Obama In this book, the former President of the United States reflects on his personal journey and the issues of race, identity, and belonging that have shaped his life.
3. The Story of My Experiments with Truth by Mahatma Gandhi Mahatma Gandhi’s autobiography is an intimate account of his spiritual and political beliefs, as well as his role in India’s struggle for independence.
4. Chronicles: Volume One by Bob Dylan This autobiography by the legendary musician and songwriter Bob Dylan offers insights into his creative process and the influences that have shaped his music.
5. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank This book is a powerful firsthand account of the Holocaust and the life of a young girl hiding from Nazi persecution.
6. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou Maya Angelou’s memoir covers her early life and the struggles she faced as a young Black girl in the United States. It is a powerful account of resilience and perseverance.
7. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls This memoir tells the story of Jeannette Walls’ unconventional upbringing and the challenges she faced growing up with parents who were both brilliant and deeply flawed.
8. Bossypants by Tina Fey In this memoir, Tina Fey shares her experiences as a female comedian and writer in a male-dominated industry.
9. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah This memoir by comedian Trevor Noah tells the story of his childhood in South Africa under apartheid and his journey to becoming a successful television host.
10. Yes Please by Amy Poehler Amy Poehler’s memoir is a humorous and insightful account of her life as a comedian and actor, as well as her experiences as a mother and friend.
11. Wild by Cheryl Strayed In this memoir, Cheryl Strayed reflects on her experiences hiking the Pacific Crest Trail as a way of dealing with the loss of her mother and other personal struggles.
12. Open: An Autobiography by Andre Agassi This book by tennis legend Andre Agassi tells the story of his rise to fame, his struggles with mental health and addiction, and his ultimate redemption.
13. My Life by Bill Clinton In this memoir, former President Bill Clinton reflects on his presidency, his personal life, and the challenges he faced during his time in office.
14. Shoe Dog by Phil Knight This memoir by Nike founder Phil Knight offers insights into the early days of the company and the challenges he faced in building it into the global brand it is today.
15. The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography by Sidney Poitier This book by legendary actor Sidney Poitier reflects on his personal and spiritual beliefs, as well as his experiences as a Black actor in Hollywood.
16. A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway In this memoir, Hemingway reflects on his time living in Paris in the 1920s and the experiences and relationships that shaped his writing.
17. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin This autobiography is a classic account of the life and achievements of one of America’s founding fathers. It covers Franklin’s early life, his inventions, and his role in the American Revolution.
18. The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish This memoir by comedian Tiffany Haddish offers a hilarious and candid account of her journey to becoming a successful actress and comedian.
19. My Own Words by Ruth Bader Ginsburg This book is a collection of speeches and writings by Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, offering insights into her legal career and personal beliefs.
20. Educated by Tara Westover In this memoir, Tara Westover reflects on her upbringing in a family that shunned formal education and her journey to becoming a scholar and writer.
21. Becoming by Michelle Obama In this book, former First Lady Michelle Obama reflects on her personal journey and her time in the White House, as well as her efforts to empower young women.
22. Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body by Roxane Gay In this memoir, Roxane Gay reflects on her experiences with trauma, body image, and societal expectations, offering a powerful and honest account of her life.
23. The Sound of Gravel by Ruth Wariner This memoir tells the story of Ruth Wariner’s childhood growing up in a polygamous cult in Mexico and her eventual escape and journey to independence.
24. The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas by Gertrude Stein This book is a unique autobiography in which Gertrude Stein tells the story of her life through the eyes of her partner, Alice B. Toklas.
25. The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother by James McBride This memoir tells the story of James McBride’s upbringing in a family with a white mother and Black father, exploring issues of race and identity.
26. The Girl with Seven Names by Hyeonseo Lee In this memoir, Hyeonseo Lee reflects on her escape from North Korea and the challenges she faced in adapting to life in South Korea and beyond.
27. The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion In this memoir, Joan Didion reflects on the year following her husband’s death and the grief and emotions she experienced during that time.
28. Just Kids by Patti Smith This memoir tells the story of Patti Smith’s relationship with artist Robert Mapplethorpe and their experiences living in New York City in the 1960s and 70s.