Memoirs to Motivate a New You: Pages from My Bookshelf
As a self-proclaimed bookworm, there are so many genres that I adore. Fiction is great for getting lost in a different world. However, my reading habits have always been geared toward improving myself and becoming the best possible version of myself. Previously, I spoke about self-growth books that are a must for everyone’s bookshelf. Today I am going to break down the memoirs that changed everything for me.
The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times by Michelle Obama
As a fan of the former first lady, “The Light We Carry,” is a must for my list of memoirs. In her book she addresses questions many of us grapple with: How do we build enduring relationships? How can we find strength and community amidst our differences? What do we do when everything feels overwhelming? She believes we all possess tools to help us navigate change and maintain steadiness in times of flux. She offers reflections on change, challenge, and personal power. Obama emphasizes that by lighting up for others, we reveal the potential of the world around us. Leading us to uncover deeper truths and new paths for progress. I loved this book because she draws from her experiences as a mother, daughter, spouse, friend, and First Lady. She also shares the habits and principles that have helped her overcome obstacles and continue to “become.”
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Who were you before the world told you who to be? That is the question that Glennon Doyle’s memoir “Untamed” asks us to consider. For many years, Glennon Doyle denied her own discontent, living by society’s standards rather than her own truth. Everything changed when she attended a conference and, upon seeing a woman across the room, instantly fell in love. Three powerful words filled her mind: There. She. Is. Initially, she thought these words were a divine message. However, she soon realized they came from within—a voice buried under decades of numbing addictions and societal conditioning. Determined to embrace her true self, Glennon let go of the world’s expectations and reclaimed her untamed spirit. This very raw and inspiring memoir is one that quickly stole my heart. Authentic and sincerely written, this book needs to be next on your reading list.
Becoming by Michelle Obama
As a big fan of the former First Lady, I had to include her first memoir to my list. In “Becoming,” Michelle Obama reflects on her extraordinary life filled with meaning and accomplishment. As the first Black First Lady, she created the most welcoming and inclusive White House in history. She became a powerful advocate for women and girls. Championed causes that improved the health and well-being of families in the U.S. and globally. She stood alongside her husband during America’s challenging times. She balanced her public role with the private demands of raising two down-to-earth daughters under intense media scrutiny. Michelle Obama invites us into her world. From her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her executive years juggling motherhood and career. To her time at the world’s most famous address. With honesty and lively wit, she shares her triumphs and disappointments, both public and private. Telling her story in her own words and on her own terms. The authenticity and inspirational value of this book make it a must read for any bookworm.
Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes
If you’ve watched Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, Private Practice, How to Get Away with Murder, Station 19, or Bridgerton – then you know the mastermind behind it all: Shonda Rhimes! But what you probably didn’t know is that she’s an introvert who once hired a publicist to avoid public appearances and suffered panic attacks before media interviews. With three children at home and three hit television shows at the time, Shonda had plenty of reasons to say she was too busy. But deep down, she was also afraid. Everything changed one Thanksgiving dinner when her sister muttered a phrase that served as both a wake-up call and a challenge: “You never say yes to anything.” This prompted Shonda to embrace a transformative challenge: for one year, she would say YES to everything that scared her. In her memoir “Year of Yes,” Shonda Rhimes shares her life before this pivotal year—from her nerdy, book-loving childhood to her dedication to creating television characters that reflect the diversity of the world. Chronicling her journey during the Year of Yes, this book shares with us how she pushed herself out of her comfort zone, embraced public speaking, and discovered how to explore, empower, applaud, and love her truest self. This beautiful memoir shows us the power of accepting our fears and leaping into life anyway.
Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
Last but not least, I had to include Walter Isaacson’s biography of Steve Jobs. Isaacson offers a riveting memoir of the iconic entrepreneur who revolutionized six industries: personal computers, animated movies, music, phones, tablet computing, and digital publishing. Based on over forty interviews with Jobs and more than a hundred with family, friends, competitors, and colleagues, the book provides an unvarnished view of his intense personality, passion for perfection, and innovative spirit. Jobs’ candid reflections and honest accounts from those who knew him reveal valuable lessons about innovation, leadership, and the integration of creativity with technology. Although this book is quite different from the others listed, not written by the person and more geared towards career than personal development – this book is still a must-read for anyone seeking motivation and insight into the mind of a visionary who reshaped the digital age.
You can view my complete list of motivational memoirs on my Amazon storefront and feel free to let me know what your favorite memoirs are in the comments below.
