Musings and advice

Our book reviewer has an enduring passion for reading and generously shares her thoughts and insights here.

Four Powerful and Emotional Memoirs

By Elina Smith-Leitch
Bog Witch Books

We all have genres that we cling to, that are dearest to our heart. Some of us love sweeping fantasy epics or exciting thrillers, while some of us love romantic historical novels or poignant memoirs. For those who exclusively read fiction/novels, reading nonfiction books may seem boring by comparison or somewhat daunting in their subject matter. However, nonfiction can be just as thrilling as the high-speed chase in a thriller novel or just as fascinating as the world-building in a fantasy book. Here, I have compiled a list of nonfiction books that are good for those not accustomed to the genre or aren’t big fans of it.

Educated by Tara Westover

This popular memoir recounts Westover’s life growing up in the mountains of Idaho, and her unconventional journey to get an education when all the odds seemed stacked against her. Westover did not step foot into a classroom until she was seventeen, and her memoir not only recounts the trials and tribulations of attempting to catch up to peers that are years ahead of her, but also adjusting to a society that she was kept away from her entire life. The book shows us different isolated communities and how easily we live in ignorance of the many ways of life everyone leads.

Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen

You may recognize this book title from its 1999 film adaptation starring Winona Ryder and Angelina Jolie. Kaysen’s 1993 memoir recounts her experience of living in a mental hospital in the 1960s, which ultimately led to her diagnosis of borderline personality disorder. She also details the turbulent personal aspects of her life that ultimately led to her hospital stay, with some commentary of the social turmoil of the 1960s in the background. Kaysen’s memoir not following a straight, linear storyline adds to the confusion and turmoil of Kaysen’s life at at that point in time.

Know My Name by Chanel Miller

Know My Name tells the story of Chanel Miller, the victim of the Stanford Rape Case that occurred in 2015. Until a few years ago, Chanel Miller’s identity was not disclosed, and she was merely referred to as “Emily Doe.” Miller’s beautiful prose and evocative writing style combined with the horrible and traumatic subject matter creates a very fascinating and equally heartbreaking memoir about a strong woman who went through hell and back.

Just Kids by Patti Smith

Famous poet and musician Patti Smith discusses her complex and long-lasting relationship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. Smith recounts the revolutionary and turbulent times of the 1960s, with the counterculture movement shaping many of her experiences. Smith’s intricate and beautifully written lifelong relationship with Mapplethorpe serves as a kind of eulogy and tribute to her friend.

Thoughts on inspirations and life lessons, recurring and random sound bites that have taken up real estate in my mind.