By Macady Amparan

Staff Writer

A memoir is a written account based on a person’s personal experiences, knowledge, or events. The content can range from sacred and vulnerable moments to funny and uplifting ones, but either way, by the end of the book, a reader is always left viewing the world with a different perspective.

My favorite way to read a memoir is to listen to the audiobook version. There is just something about hearing the origin of Matthew McConaughey’s famous catchphrase, “Alright, alright, alright,” from his own lips in his book, “Greenlights,” or hearing Jennette McCurdy get choked up as she recalls the moment she realized with her therapist that her mother was abusive in her book, “I’m Glad My Mom Died.” It makes it feel like a very personal and intimate conversation, rather than content meant to be consumed by millions of other people.

What is it about this genre that makes a reader feel so deeply and intensely? Personally, I give credit to the raw, unfiltered space that allows authors to divulge their sincerest selves. Memoirs have a way of giving a voice to the voiceless or rewriting a story told by the tabloids. To hear firsthand accounts of people who have suffered atrocities or surged through success is a privilege because it means we get to learn from the best and worst of humankind. Even ordinary people have valuable lessons to teach, and that is what we learn through this kind of literature.

Although it was incredibly difficult to narrow it down, here are five memoirs that I think everybody needs to read:

“Between Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of a Life Interrupted” by Suleika Jaouad

An emotional story of a young woman fighting a cancer diagnosis, Suleika Jaouad discovers after her treatment—and through a long journey of healing—that the divide between the healthy and the sick is permeable. This moving memoir takes us on a road trip (and an emotional rollercoaster) with Jaouad as she learns, loves, and loses so much. I insist that you listen to the audiobook version of this one, as her voice is soothing, buttery, and perfect for consumption. Inspiring and poignant, put this one at the very top of your reading list.

“Educated” by Tara Westover

Born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho, Tara Westover recounts her life story about growing up with no healthcare, education, or outside influences. Raised with virtually no protection or schooling, Westover shows us how she escaped the impossible circumstances of her childhood to make a better life for herself as an adult. There were several times while reading this one where I had to remind myself that I was reading a true story and not fiction. This one will have your jaw on the floor from beginning to end.

“Ma and Me” by Putsata Reang

Putsata Reang takes us on a journey through her mother’s sacrifice in leaving her war-torn country of Cambodia and seeking refuge in the United States. She discusses what it was like navigating her love for the culture, country, and family she comes from while reconciling her Americanized life and identity as a gay woman. Reang teaches readers about the bond between mother and child, as well as her quest with the concepts of independence, loyalty, and duty and how they can coexist. This one was vulnerable and honest, and is a must-read for all.

“Just Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson

This one will have you second-guessing everything you think you know about the death penalty. Heartbreaking and unforgettable, Bryan Stevenson takes us through the lives and mistakes of many inmates on death row and the racial injustices that are rampant in the U.S. judicial system, which treats the rich and guilty better than the innocent and poor. I had to take many breaks during this one because the stories were hard to hear. However, they are necessary to digest in order for hearts to be open to a chance for a better, more productive structure that prioritizes equality in justice.

“Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey Through His Son’s Addiction” by David Sheff

If you are a parent, make sure to have tissues on hand while reading this one. Recounting his experience attempting to help his oldest son out of addiction, David Sheff details the before, during, and aftereffects of methamphetamine and how being an addict impacts their loved ones. This memoir is authentic and raw, exposing the harshest sides of humanity and the gut-wrenching reality of parenthood. This true story is about a father who refuses to give up on his son.

Honorable Mention: Additionally, the son in question, Nic Sheff, has written a memoir from his point of view titled “Tweak: Growing Up on Methamphetamines.” I include this as an honorable mention because I did not find the writing to be as strong as David’s and it was a little bit harder to get through. It is a great additional read if you’re looking for more of their story or a different perspective, but it’s unessential reading in my opinion.

Other honorable mentions include:

· “A Very Punchable Face” by Colin Jost (for those looking for some comedic relief)

· “Know My Name” by Chanel Miller (to learn about the imperfect procedure of reporting and convicting rape)

· “If You Tell” by Gregg Olsen (for fans of true crime documentaries)

· “I’m Glad My Mom Died” by Jennette McCurdy (for those ’90s and 2000s kids who grew up with Nickelodeon)

Next up on my TBR list:

· “Becoming” by Michelle Obama

· “When Breath Becomes Air” by Paul Kalanithi

· “Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood” by Trevor Noah

· “Wavewalker” by Suzanne Heywood