As you may know by now, I am a huge fan of nonfiction book, and memoirs are among my favorite. I like to read things right from the … horse's mouth, or something. You get what I mean, right? Anyway, there are tons of memoirs I'm looking forward to checking out, some of them quite new, some of them a few months old, and so on. Either way, I've narrowed the list down from “tons,” to share these 7 memoirs I'm dying to read.
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Just Kids by Patti Smith
Price: $6.98 at amazon.com
I love Patti Smith and I love Robert Mapplethorpe. I've been excited to read this since I first read an excerpt early last winter. I've heard some really great things that make me think it's going to be a winner, but as yet I haven't even allowed myself to read any reviews, just so nothing gets ruined!
The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls
Price: $9.00 at amazon.com
This is one of my favorite types of memoirs, in that it follows the author's life. Specifically, Walls is the daughter of nomads, each with their own issues that will inevitably affect Jeanette herself. Her story appears to be controversial in many ways – and what can I say, I enjoy controversy in my reading. I don't know what it is about liking to read what other people have gone through, except that part of me always celebrates because, obviously, they are now telling their story.
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Dirty Secret by Jessie Sholl
Price: $8.61 at amazon.com
This book is actually called Dirty Secret: A Daughter Comes Clean about Her Mother's Compulsive Hoarding. Okay, this is going to sound horrible. But you know all those hoarding shows? Not just the one on A&E, but Animal Hoarders, as well – I love those. I confess. It's probably because I half suspect that, if given half a chance and a quarter of room, I could easily start hoarding. I'm an incorrigible pack rat. But anyway! This chronicles the tale of a bystander, who still gets sucked into the disease.
Roseannearchy by Roseanne Barr
Price: $14.99 at amazon.com
I have no excuse for this, except I love Roseanne. I always have. Yes, she is loud, obnoxious, trashy, mouthy, opinionated, and inappropriate. Let's just say that you would understand if you met me. And certain members of my family. Besides, I love memoirs by comics and comedians. They really know how to tell a story, even if they don't write beautifully.
Half in Love by Linda Grey Sexton
Price: $15.80 at amazon.com
This book, fully titled Half in Love: Surviving the Legacy of Suicide, is actually written by Anne Sexton's daughter. Anne Sexton is one of my favorite poets. The title comes from something John Keats once said in reference to his belief that death would be preferable, a release. John Keats is even higher on my favorite list than Anne Sexton. The book focuses on dealing with such a huge legacy – and how Linda Grey Sexton coped with it.
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Shameless by Pamela Madsen
Price: $12.88 at amazon.com
This book is fully titled Shameless: How I Ditched the Diet, Got Naked, Found True Pleasure … and Somehow Got Home in Time to Cook Dinner. That … pretty much says it all. I just think this looks really entertaining and informative.
Welcome to My World by Johnny Weir
Price: $16.25 at amazon.com
This is at the top of my list, no question. I just missed a chance to go to a book signing for this and I'm still sick about it. There's tons of controversy surrounding this book as well, many snide remarks being passed, the reviews are mixed – and I don't care. I love Johnny Weir for his skating and his individuality, the excerpts I've seen suggest that he actually has a beautiful way with words, as smoothly flowing as his famous jumps, and for his bravery. I am as proud of him as you can be of someone you just talked to for like an hour. Still, so excited!
I really need to go book shopping. Like, tomorrow. I am always looking for good recommendations though. What memoirs would you love to read?
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