Why Not Me? by Mindy KalingMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
In a follow-up to Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?, Kaling's second memoir-style book delves into her life as a writer and actor (and woman) of color in Hollywood. I listened to the audio, read by Kaling, and felt like I was hanging out with a loquacious friend.
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi CoatesMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Written as letters to Coates's young son, Between the World and Me is informative, but with heart. Listening felt like being part of an intimate conversation, and hearing about Coates's personal journeys (both literal and emotional) within the context of American history elevates this from mere memoir into an important part of anti-racist discourse.
Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood by Trevor NoahMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Trevor Noah's writing is fun and funny, but never feels forced or fake. If you watch and enjoy The Daily Show, you'll appreciate his narrative voice. Noah knows how to tell a story, with humor and depth, while also being informative. Born a Crime is moving, enlightening, and a joy to read.
Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane SatrapiMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
This graphic memoir of growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution is at times funny, moving, sweet, heartbreaking, and enlightening. Satrapi's simple black and white illustrations tell her story without sensationalizing it, and both the words and images allow for the reader to connect with the content on an emotional and intellectual level. I'm excited to continue reading more of Satrapi!
Hey, Kiddo by Jarrett J. KrosoczkaMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
With stark honesty and a muted palette, Krosoczka tells the story of his upbringing through his high school years. Raised by his grandparents and never quite sure of his place in his family, or how to mix his school life with his home life, Krosoczka leans into his artistic interests and finds his place in the world. This graphic memoir for young adults echoes themes from Krosoczka’s TED Talk in 2012.
How to Be a Good Creature: A Memoir in Thirteen Animals by Sy MontgomeryMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
In ten brief chapters, Montgomery recalls her time with and lessons learned from 13 animals – some known only for days, some beloved family members. Each chapter is part biology lesson, part biographic narrative, and part philosophical reflection on the gift of animals in our lives. Montgomery describes in vivid detail the daily routine of emus in Australia, the playful nature of an octopus living at the New England Aquarium, the charming personality of a pig named Christopher Hogwood, and the ways in which she grew and changed as a person thanks to a variety of family pets. This memoir is unique in its creature focus, and in the full range of emotions displayed by both Montgomery and her animal companions. This heartfelt memoir written for a young audience reminds us we’re all just creatures with emotions. As she states, “A far worse mistake than misreading an animal’s emotions is to assume the animal hasn’t any emotions at all” (p 148). As a read along, read aloud, or part of a larger discussion about our place in the world, How to Be a Good Creature will be at home on many bookshelves.
Educated by Tara WestoverMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Equal parts fascinating and horrifying. As a woman nearly the same age as Westover + a 1st generation college student + having also grown up in a tiny farming community, I had so many thoughts while listening to this memoir. Some parts I felt - when she stops journaling during difficult times because she doesn't want to have to think about those times ever again, when she feels way out of her element on her first day of undergrad classes...and other parts I was like, okay, yeah we've all had impostor syndrome at some point in our lives. Either way, this book reminded me that when you've heard one person's story, you've heard one person's story (and one story isn't the whole story!).
Lost Soul, Be At Peace by Maggie ThrashMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
This ghostly memoir shows Thrash's artistic eye and ear - the illustrations worked seamlessly with the text to tell a story that's honest without worrying too much about the boring details. I'm a fan of the dry humor, which doesn't downplay Thrash's depression, and her thoughts on family dynamics and mental health are timely.
Extras: Librarian Memoirs or view all my reviews.
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