New autobiography books and memoirs to read this year
From jaw-dropping revelations and stranger-than-fiction anecdotes, to quieter moments of reflection, pain, and joy that we can all relate to, there are few books more captivating or edifying than a good memoir.
What’s more, they make for fantastic Christmas presents. Whether you’re looking to treat a loved one or even yourself, these titles are a great way to gain a deeper insight into your favourite public figures, allowing you to live vicariously through their wild anecdotes or relate to their feelings and past experiences.
This past year, we've seen unmissable new memoir and autobiography titles from public figures, actors, cultural icons and world-leading authors, ready to share their story in their own words.
Whether you’re interested in the inner reflections of a professional jockey, the inspirational story of an actor-musician, or the childhood reflections of a tech genius, these are some of the best of our latest memoirs and celebrity autobiography books for every kind of reader.
What is an autobiography?
An autobiography is a written account, most often in book form, that someone has written about their life. It’s a bit like taking a diary and turning it into a story that other people can read.
The ‘auto’ here plays a big part; coming from the latin for ‘self’, autobiographies are authored by the same person the account is about.
Best autobiography books and memoirs
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between biography and autobiography?
While biographies and autobiographies are both focused on the life and times of a specific person, they have one big difference.
Anyone can write a biography on someone, whereas an autobiography needs to be written by the person whose life is being recounted. To get the ‘auto’ in front of biography, you need to be writing the book yourself.
What's a memoir, and how does it differ from an autobiography?
The terms ‘memoir’ and ‘autobiography’ can get a little blurred, but these two types of books do have differences. The main one is that memoirs typically focus on a specific period of time in someone’s life, whereas an autobiography tends to cover the whole sum of a person’s existence (well, to a point!).
Memoirs can also be a little more introspective and reflective, whereas autobiographies may focus on the bigger picture of someone’s life – they’re more chronological and comprehensive.
Are memoirs usually written in first person?
As a general rule of thumb, most memoirs (and autobiographies) are written in first person. If you’re reading either of these types of books, you can expect the use of ‘I’ and ‘me’. It’s a great way to connect with the author as it feels like they’re telling their story directly to you.
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