Best Autobiographies & Memoirs of All Time

Shopping for Christmas presents or find yourself getting bored during lockdown? Not to worry, we have you covered. Whether you are looking for some enjoyable escapism or an eye-opening read from the lives of the greatest leaders in history, we chose some of the most irresistible autobiographies and memoirs to lose yourself in.

Best Autobiographies & Memoirs of All Time

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou’s autobiography is a timeless classic that depicts her struggles with a troubled childhood, growing up black, and racism in the United States in the 1930s, while also beautifully portraying the joys of the world. In this first volume of her six-part autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Maya “writes about being a black woman” however “is always talking about what’s like to be a human being – how we fall and how we somehow, amazingly, stand up again”, she says. Beloved worldwide, this book will be sure to touch your heart long after you’ve read the last page.

Little, Brown Book Group, £8.99, foyles.co.uk

Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela

A story of hardship, strength and uplifting victory told by one of the most remarkable political leaders in his memoir Long Walk to Freedom. A compelling book to be savoured, it shares the impressive and poignant life experiences of Nelson Mandela, captivating the reader with his refusal to give up during life’s most difficult moments. A leader to be admired and a book to be on everyone’s wish-list.

Little, Brown Book Group, £14.99, waterstones.com

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

At a time when the NHS and key workers are doing their utmost to make sure people are safe, this medical memoir is one that will make you realise how courageous and hard-working our medical staff really are. When Breath Becomes Air focuses on the last 22 months of neurosurgeon Kalanithi’s life, who sadly lost his battle with lung cancer while writing it. The moving and intimidate book brings readers on a valuable and gut-wrenching journey through the meaning of life, exposes universal truths surrounding terminal illnesses and highlights the fragile relationship between doctor and patient.

Vintage Publishing, £7.99, waterstones.com

A Life on Our Planet: My Witness Statement and a Vision for the Future by David Attenborough

An inspiring and eye-opening autobiography by beloved broadcaster, host and writer Sir David Attenborough. The empowering book is a story of crucial importance and aims to highlight our role in tackling the climate crisis and insuring we preserve our ecosystem, with Sir Attenborough’s witness statement claiming we have one final chance to undo our greatest mistake and restore the precious world we live in. Following the success of his Netflix documentary released this year, this autobiography is just another reason he is one of the UK’s most loved public figures.

Ebury Publishing, £17.99, waterstones.com 

Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton

This coming-of-age memoir is refreshingly honest, belly-achingly funny and a relatable read for anyone who has ever fallen in love and ultimately had their heart broken. Journalist and former dating columnist Dolly Alderton leaves nothing to the imagination with her vivid account of growing up. From love, heartbreak and reckless drunk partying to job-seeking, best friends and surprising people who support you – Dolly has ensured that you aren’t alone in the trials and triumphs of everyday life.

Penguin Books, £8.99, waterstones.com

The Diary Of A Young Girl by Anne Frank

Whether you are an avid history lover or a casual reader, Anne Frank’s diary will be sure to keep you engrossed from start to finish. Tugging on your heartstrings, the emotional book explores the life of 13-year-old Anna who receives a diary for her birthday, which she fills with tales about the terrifying reality of World War II. “It’s a wonder I haven’t abandoned all my ideals, they seem so absurd and impractical. Yet I cling to them because I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are truly good at heart,” she writes.

Penguin Books, £7.99, waterstones.com

Becoming by Michelle Obama

The best-selling memoir by the former First Lady of the United States of America and one of the most loved and iconic women of our era. Michelle Obama invites readers into her mesmerising life, telling the story of her childhood in the South Side of Chicago, her time in the White House, motherhood and how she became a powerful advocate for women and girls around the world. With its raw honesty and deeply personal moments, Becoming is the inspiring book that should be at the top of everyone’s reading list.

Penguin Books, £19.99, waterstones.com

A Promised Land by Barack Obama

Following on from the success of his wife’s hugely popular autobiography, the highly anticipated first volume of Barack Obama’s presidential memoirs is soon to hit the shelves, with booksellers praising its honest account of his time in the office as the 44th President of the United States. Exploring the issues of politics, economics and culture, Obama tells it exactly as it is. Make sure to grab a copy as this is sure to be one for the Christmas stocking this year.

Penguin Books, £25.00 available to pre-order, waterstones.com