There’s nothing like reading a true story, whether it’s the story of someone’s entire life, or the story of an especially memorable personal experience. The list of memoirs that had me turning one page after another, engrossed in someone else’s life, is too long for a single post. Here’s part one:
Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life
Part personal scrapbook, part journal, this alphabetically arranged memoir is quirky, funny, and sarcastic – and a great read.
Never Have Your Dog Stuffed: And Other Things I’ve Learned
I admit it, I’ve had a crush on Alan Alda since I was in the 6th grade, when I used to sneak downstairs after my parents were asleep and watch M*A*S*H reruns every night. It doesn’t matter, though, if you’re a fan of the 4077th or not, though – this memoir is entertaining and intelligent, as is the follow-up, Things I Overheard While Talking to Myself
Notes from a Small Island
After living in England for several years, Bryson and his wife decided to return to the States, but not before Bryson took one more leisurely tour around the “small island” of Britain. This travel memoir is the result – and if you can get the unabridged audio read by Bryson himself, it’s worth the time.
Imagined London: A Tour of the World’s Greatest Fictional City
Yes, this is another travel memoir about England, but I love them both, and I couldn’t leave either out of my list. Quindlen visited London often in books, and loved the old city of literature. When she finally got a chance to visit real-life London-town, she was curious to see how it would hold up to the London of her book-world, and wrote it all down for those of us who have wondered the same thing.
The Know-It-All: One Man’s Humble Quest to Become the Smartest Person in the World
Jacobs’ memoir reads like an entertaining and addicting blog. He set for himself a near-impossible task: to read the entire Encyclopaedia Britannica, from A to Z. He not only shares the interesting tidbits of trivia he learns, but also how his quest impacts his marriage and social life. I loved this book, and his follow-up, The Year of Living Biblically: One Man’s Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible
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Twitter: youvegottaread
says:
I like your “best of” lists…I always get some good direction on more things to put on my list! Is biographies the same thing? I’m not sure. I loved the biography “Clapton”. I’ve always loved the man, foibles and all. He was very forthcoming about his woman issues and drug addictions, but it was fun to learn how one of the world’s best guitar masters discovered and nourished his passion!
Twitter: lakesidemusing
says:
I’ve got Anna Quindlen’s book on my list for the summer vacation reading challenge, and Bill Bryson’s looks good, too! What a great idea for a post. Can’t wait for part 2.
…And I loved M*A*S*H (and Alan Alda) back in the day, too!
I love memoirs! I’ll be making note of some of these.
Twitter: booknaround
says:
I thoroughly enjoyed the Know-It-All when I read it too. I have the rest of the list in my tbr stacks and hope I like them as much as you clearly did.
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Sandy – a memoir is a form of autobiography, and yes, I think Clapton could be considered either. In my experience, a memoir is written in a more loose, creative style – almost like a novel – while an autobiography usually reads like non-fiction. I’m sure there are exceptions to this, though.
Joann – good idea for summer reading! I really enjoy travel memoirs, and they’re perfect vacation books!
Kathy – I hope you like them.
Kristen – lots of good books waiting in your TBR stacks, sounds like!
Loooooooooooove “The Know It All”!!!
I also have Imagined London on my TBR list and so looking forward to it. I had forgotten that I wanted to read Rosenthal’s book…thank you for reminding me about it. I will have to check out The Know It All…sounds like a good one.
Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life and The Know-it-All I have read and loved. The others I have not read. I am a fan of Quindlen though so I think I may have to check that out one day. I am interested in part 2 of this list!
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Jen – me, too!
Book Psmith – you’re welcome – I hope you like it.
Rebecca – I’ll post part two next Friday.
I enjoyed the Alan Alda memoit a lot, and such a cute title.
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Diane – I know – both the title and the first line of that book are perfect!
Twitter: BookstoreK
says:
Alan Alda held a signing at the local bookstore, he was just as hilarious and open in person as when he’s performing. I bought his books for my mother for Christmas. Can’t wait to borrow them when she’s done. Love the gifts that give right back!
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Kim – oh, I would love to hear him speak! The second book is based on some speeches he gave for commencement addresses, and he’s seems very articulate and witty.
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Twitter: msbookish
says:
I’m on a memoir streak right now – these are perfect for my TBR. I loved Bill Bryson’s Notes from a Small Island! Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life looks very interesting.
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Belle – It is interesting and funny – a very unique way to do a memoir.
I seem to be on a memoir kick also. I just love to read about other people’s lives. This is an excellent list as it gives me a few more to add to my own list. I’m looking forward to Part 2.
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Margot – I’ll post part 2 on Friday.
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I love memoirs and I’d only heard of the Alda one (which sounds great). Thanks for this great list and I’m looking forward to parts 2 and more!
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Avis – I’m hoping to get part two written tonight.
Yay, I’m looking forward to reading the next installment!
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