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A central figure in the Harlem Renaissance, the members of ABBA, and the outlaw Belle Starr are among the subjects of this month's key life stories.
Hawkins’s memoir is deeply reflective and transparent about his personal story and family history, sharing the love, restrictions, violence, and trauma he experienced throughout his life as a Black man living in a post–civil rights movement world. This work is vitally important and essential to understanding the magnitude of the impact of racism and violence.
A stunning debut memoir and celebration of an unconventional family that will appeal to readers interested in offbeat family memoirs and humorous nonfiction. Give to readers who enjoyed Did Ye Hear Mammy Died?? by Séamas O’Reilly.
While the subject matter is difficult, the tone is enlightening and sympathetic. Suggest to readers interested in mental health and memoirs.
This well-written and engaging memoir is recommended for readers wishing to better understand the experience of mental illness or anyone who can relate to Epum’s search for belonging.
A sure bet for Case’s many fans: a memoir that is as intriguing and mysterious as the artist herself.
This engrossing account of a musician’s transformation is a testament to the healing process and will engage listeners who seek to express their lived experiences without fear.
A moving ballad exploring familial and cultural legacies, with Mexican corrido music at its core. Tragic, mournful, and melodious, all at once.
Ron Chernow writes an epic biography about Mark Twain, Tourmaline offers a biography of activist Marsha P. Johnson, and Michelle Young reveals French Resistance hero Rose Valland's life as a spy.
A thoughtful examination of old and new, which will appeal to readers interested in feminist memoirs.
Mayer adds a valuable and fresh perspective to the subgenre of coming-of-age memoirs and memoirs about Asian American experiences.
Matheson is honest and self-effacing when discussing his personal life, and he provides valuable advice for those trying to get into the business. Yes, he does discuss John Belushi.
A candid and surprisingly touching memoir from the actor who created one of television’s most memorable characters.
Jackson’s story is a poignant reflection on time, place, and a nation’s history. This is a lovely, absorbing, candid, inspirational memoir. Ideal as a motivational read, particularly for young adults and especially for women and people of color.
PREMIUM
Autonomy: Portrait of a Buzzcock
Guitarist and songwriter Diggle’s engaging memoir will appeal to fans and music lovers alike.
Melinda French Gates offers personal anecdotes and guidance on how to navigate transitions, Top Chef’s Kristen Kish writes a memoir, and the creator of @PoetsSquareCats pens a memoir about community and cats.
A delicious serving of Tucci’s special blend of tasteful prose and sparkling wit that his fans and general foodies will savor.
This stunning memoir offers compelling details about Nenquimo’s parallel journeys from student to activist and from child to mother, in a way that will appeal to readers of many generations.
PREMIUM
Rebel Rising
A funny, poignant, and relatable celebrity memoir that will surely garner Wilson more fans.
Listeners may want to have tissues handy as they learn how the couple grows stronger, supports their fostered children, and eventually meets the three children who would become their own. A must-listen for those seeking an insider’s take on the child welfare system.
While the print version of Fauci’s debut memoir may be an excellent purchase, the audio disappoints because of Fauci’s narratorial shortcomings. Best for die-hard fans and those who appreciated Peter Piot’s No Time To Lose.
Libraries may wish to buy the print copy for bibliotherapy collections centered on substance-use disorder and AA, but the audiobook is strictly optional purchase.
A thoughtful and balanced memoir, tracing a daughter’s complicated relationship with parents who lived much of their lives in the public eye.
This candid, sensitively narrated audiobook speaks to a little-addressed but important topic. A recommended purchase to enhance social science, memoir, and disability studies collections.
This audio will appeal to those seeking a moving memoir about accepting mortality with grace. Recommended for fans of inspiring autobiographies about end-of-life care, such as Amy Wright Glenn’s Holding Space or Barbara Becker’s Heartwood.
Rounds sets a high bar for herself and reminds readers that they can do the same. This would be an excellent addition to collections as both a sports book and a self-help book.
Listeners will be grateful for Rushdie’s narration of this painful but life-affirming episode in his life. His account rings with thoughtfulness and measured emotionality and is a true testament to resilience.
Reminiscent of Deborah Feldman’s Unorthodox and Julia Haart’s Brazen, this powerful debut memoir of strength and advocacy is not to be missed.
Gorrindo’s memoir is a must-listen for those seeking an inside look at the toll that military service and constant deployment take on the families left behind. A tribute to U.S. military spouses everywhere.
This book sits uneasily in the body positivity movement, with Ian’s focus on how weight loss changed his life. His humor might not be for everyone, but Alisa’s final chapters are definitely worth a listen.
Despite some unevenness in the quality of the essays, the narration is good, and this collection addresses important issues with fresh insights. Recommended for listeners seeking a blend of humor and thoughtful commentary on race, culture, and relationships.
Listeners who enjoyed Madia’s first memoir will be thrilled to hear more about her life, her struggles and successes, and her amazing dogs.
Award–winning author Bernice L. McFadden and actor Ione Skye offer memoirs while biographies feature F1 race car driver Sir Lewis Hamilton and three free-spirited Victorians on a quest to decipher cuneiform.
This thoughtful audio adaptation of Bell’s powerful work is not to be missed. A timely production that should be showcased everywhere.
Alton Brown, star of the Food Network’s Good Eats; award-winning Edgar Gomez; and Pushcart Prize–nominated essayist Theresa Okokon explicate their lives through essays.
A memoir from legendary dancer and singer Josephine Baker receives its first U.S. publication, while notable authors Jennifer Finney Boylan and Geraldine Brooks share reflections on their experiences.
PREMIUM
Who’s That Girl?: A Memoir
Eve’s historic place in hip-hop is highlighted in this candid memoir that will appeal to both music lovers and fans of the artist.
This title is a strong and welcome addition to the genre of biblio-memoirs. Give to fans of Alberto Manguel’s Packing My Library, Hamlet’s Dresser by Bob Smith, and Sixpence House by Paul Collins.
A recommended debut memoir, perfect for those interested in the intersection of golf, travel, and the complexity of the human spirit.
Well written and moving, and readers of activist memoirs will appreciate Africa’s candor. Pair with Let it Burn by Michael Boyette.
Poignant and well-written, this memoir not only celebrates the achievements and talents of its author but also grounds readers in the customs of Nigeria. It is a must-have for fans of Aduba or Orange Is the New Black and for those wanting to read about the African diaspora.
Jacobs’s narration may not be perfect, but his likability and unique firsthand experiences more than compensate. This entertaining and informative audiobook will appeal to a broad audience of listeners who enjoy memoirs, history, or civics.
A poignant, engaging, important, and personal perspective of the conflict between Israel and Palestine, in which Smolar cleverly combines political and historical aspects with elements of memoir.
A distinguished insider’s view of United States–Russia relations and what a diplomatic role entails personally and politically, especially in wartime.
Radclyffe’s riveting, moving memoir about his journey of self-discovery is a page-turner that reads like a novel.
PREMIUM
Brittle Joints
Sweeney’s debut graphic novel embodies a plea for understanding and empathy regarding the possible hidden health problems of others. A sobering read-alike to What’s Wrong?? by Erin Williams, Ripple Effects by Jordan Hart, and Notes from a Sickbed by Tessa Brunton.
Looking through a camera’s viewfinder, a director focuses in on the best shots to tell a movie’s story; with his filmmaker’s eye, it’s no surpise that Chu’s memoir (written with Jeremy McCarter) tells an effective story. Film students will relish his insight into filmmaking.
Foodie memoirs, an indie rocker's life story, and multiple books that wrestle with racial justice are on offer this month, along with a memoir from The Book Thief author Markus Zusak.
Explore the varied landscape of social sciences publishing via LJ’s top picks in anthropology, parapsychology, parenting, economics, memoir, and more.
Jones’s deeply personal account of her battle to regain her reputation and combat intolerance in libraries is essential reading and ultimately a clarion call for others to help defend intellectual freedom and democracy.
Readers interested in true crime or the legal system will be delighted with Rosenberg’s narrative gift. They won’t want to miss her memoir’s unique perspectives.
Jones’s deeply personal account of her battle to regain her reputation and combat intolerance in libraries is essential reading and ultimately a clarion call for others to help defend intellectual freedom and democracy.
PREMIUM
Entrances and Exits
Comedy fans will enjoy this revealing memoir that proves there’s much more to Richards than Kramer.
PREMIUM
The Backwards Hand: A Memoir
Lee’s candid and poignant writing style will appeal to numerous readers. His highly recommended memoir about what it’s like to be a person with a rare congenital disability is insightful.
This book’s tone is compassionate as Specter creates a foundation for accepting oneself and rejecting stereotypes. Self-help, sociology, entertainment, and memoir readers from many generations will appreciate this wholehearted approach, which challenges society to do a better job of understanding the realities of eating disorders.
A sensual and vibrant essay collection and memoir that spotlights the different types of connections people yearn for and enjoy.
For police memoir fans and people who enjoy reading about triumph over adversity. This isn’t as blistering as Edwin Raymond and Jon Sternfeld’s An Inconvenient Cop, which was about the NYPD, but this is a worthwhile and insightful account from a retired police superintendent.
PREMIUM
brother. do. you. love. me
Readers who are or have been caregivers will relate the most to this moving, highly recommended work, but readers who enjoy stories about people uniting to overcome obstacles will appreciate this title too. Coe’s touching illustrations adorn and enhance this book.
This memoir is not about Hollywood or gossip; it’s about being human and embracing grace and empathy toward family and self. Haddish makes room for jokes about sex and bodily functions and provides plenty of laughs and heart in this ribald, raw, and candid memoir.
An absorbing illustration of the mutuality of music and politics. For musicians, business people in the music industry, and readers interested in the intersection of politics and art.
This dynamic memoir is a transformative read about the importance of being true to oneself. Recommended for listeners seeking a voice to guide them through adversity and come out stronger on the other side.
PREMIUM
Hogbook and Lazer Eyes
This brief, visually rich graphic novel evokes an imperfect, appealing vision of domestic harmony.
On offer this month are a debut memoir from global activist Jaha Marie Dukureh, a biography about Edna Ferber, and two memoirs that reflect on learning the crafts of carpentry and woodworking.
Butler adeptly chronicles his trajectory into television, film, and Broadway and as a producer, and he’s candid about his personal and career achievements and missteps. He is as charming a writer as an actor. Fans will enjoy this behind-the-scenes look at his life and career.
PREMIUM
Feh: A Memoir
A page-turning memoir that shouldn’t be missed. Auslander’s nonfiction writing style is often compared to David Sedaris, and readers will see why with this title. It could motivate readers to keep trudging onward, even when life seems overwhelming.
PREMIUM
Desolation: A Heavy Metal Memoir
A highly readable and often touching memoir about Lamb of God’s guitarist and lyricist.
PREMIUM
You and a Bike and a Road
Davis evokes each episode of her long journey with perfectly chosen, keenly observed details and raw honesty, providing a sense of intimate insight into her life, mind, and creative process.
PREMIUM
The Heartbreak Years: A Memoir
Listeners will relate to the sticky situations the author gets into, as well as the moments when she realizes she’s fallen short and must work to redeem herself.
Morimoto’s quirky debut perfectly captures the idea that what may be nothing to one person could be full of meaning for another. A charming, tender memoir.
A tale of perseverance and resilience, Zed’s memoir will resonate deeply with fans of his other work, offering a compelling glimpse into the human spirit’s capacity for growth and redemption amid adversity.
A thoughtful and engaging exploration of life on and off the soccer field. It will resonate with readers interested in the human side of professional sports and fans of When Nobody Was Watching by Carli Lloyd with Wayne Coffey, Abby Wambach’s Forward, and Raised a Warrior by Susie Petruccelli.
PREMIUM
I Talk About It All the Time
This is an important and exceptional memoir that will give readers greater insight into and understanding of the pervasiveness of racism, bias, and discrimination against a person’s sexual orientation.
PREMIUM
Between Two Trailers: A Memoir
In this stunning story of resilience and strength, Trent shares how she overcame her fraught upbringing without losing her love for her home and her family.
PREMIUM
Father and Son: A Memoir
An affecting blend of memoir and history, highly recommended for fans of Paul Hendrickson’s Fighting the Night.
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a playful yet poignant narrative about a variety of life experiences, from AA to EDM. Recommended for fans of Maria Bamford’s Sure, I’ll Join Your Cult and Natasha Leggero’s The World Deserves My Children.
Candidly exploring her relationship with her mother in life as well as the shattering effect of her death, Lieu’s memoir is highly recommended.
A memoir for foodies, travel enthusiasts, or entrepreneurs, and an especially fitting recommendation for expatriates who need inspiration in their new home.
There’s something for everyone, from avid birdwatchers to listeners who look in the sky and see only feathered mysteries. O’Kane’s message to listeners is clear: it is never too early or too late to discover that transformational gateway bird.
PREMIUM
No Judgment: Essays
Though Oyler clearly can speak to a specific cultural moment, lackluster narration and a tedious level of self-referentiality make this an optional purchase for most libraries.
A moving collection of posthumous writings, both finished and unfinished, from a unique and impassioned young author whose life ended tragically early.
From start to finish, this is an excellently executed audio primer on the devastating consequences of structural injustices and the importance of enacting better care for people most in need.
Figueroa crafts a compelling story about culture and heritage based on childhood memories and adult reflections on her mother’s efforts to make the mainland of the United States her adopted home.
PREMIUM
A Long Way Home: A Memoir
An uplifting story of resilience and one young man’s determined search for the family he lost long ago. Recommended for listeners who enjoyed Nicole Chung’s All You Can Ever Know or Jenny Heijun Wills’s Older Sister, Not Necessarily Related.
Luckinbill fills his autobiography with many intriguing stories about life in the theater and film industries.
Bill Clinton details his life after the White House; Angela Merkel writes about her life as the first woman chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany; several celebrities pen memoirs; and fascinating historical figures inspire biographies.
PREMIUM
Thunder Song: Essays
A captivating collection of essays highlighting LaPointe’s unique experiences and inheritances as a modern Coast Salish woman. Strongly recommended for fans of Red Paint and similar memoirs; essential for Pacific Northwest library collections.
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