Like all years, 2016 was a year of women sharing their stories, but especially when it comes to inspiring memoirs. We rounded up 10 autobiographical books penned by incredible women. Whether you add them to your book wish list for the holidays or treat yourself right now, we’re positive you’ll devour these must-read adult books.
1. In the Game by Peggy Garrity ($17): Her family raised her as a traditional and devout Irish-Catholic girl in the Midwest, but fate had another plan in the works for Peggy Garrity. This stunning tale details Garrity’s steep climb from convent-bound single mom to one of LA’s most celebrated solo trial lawyers. If you’re looking for a dose of lady power, this is it.
2. Pieces of Me by Lizbeth Meredith ($12): What does a mother do when her daughters are kidnapped and taken to another country by their biological father? She fights for them — hard. Pieces of Me is the brave journey of one mother facing her worst nightmare and overcoming geographical, political and legal odds to get her children back. For all you mothers out there, this is your new battle cry.
3. Settle for More by Megyn Kelly ($18): One of the most important journalists covering this year’s tumultuous presidential election, Kelly isn’t afraid to divulge the racy truth — even when it speaks out against the president-elect himself. A news anchor who lives and breathes transparency delivers an adrenaline-inducing memoir that will be a go-to winter reading choice for feminists, journalists and women around the nation.
4. My Storyby Jo Malone ($19):Internationally beloved fragrance mogul Jo Malone shares her inspiring journey from modest beginnings to launching her now wildly successful business. As it shows how Malone overcame obstacles such as dropping out of school and battled confidence-crippling dyslexia, this unlikely success story will fuel any dreamer.
5. How to Murder Your Lifeby Cat Marnell ($16): A top fashion magazine job, access to NYC’s hottest nightclubs and a glamorous Manhattan lifestyle — you could say that Marnell seemingly had it all. In this soul-riveting new memoir, she divulges the true details of her life behind the shiny facade: prescription pill addiction, the wrath of bulimia and endless self-sabotage. How to Murder Your Life paints a vibrant portrait of addiction and the dark shades of consequences that come along with it.
6. My Own Wordsby Ruth Bader Ginsburg ($19):A powerful glimpse into one of the United States’ most influential women, In My Own Words details the monumental personal and professional achievements of one of the greatest defenders of the Constitution: America’s very own Notorious RBG. From the inner workings of the Supreme Court to the cases that shaped her life and the nation, Ginsburg’s memoir is one that every American should have on their bookshelf.
7. Lovie by Lisa Yarger ($30): Over the course of her career, veteran midwife Lovie Beard Shelton delivered around 4,000 babies to women who couldn’t afford the high cost of hospital care — and trust us, you’ll want to read all about it. An emotional cocktail of the history of midwifery, personal loss and following your calling, Lovie will have every reader embracing their passions the second they’ve finished the last page.
8. Tea and Talk by Alice Taylor ($14):This memoir is reading soul food for anyone who enjoys good company, fuzzy feelings and (you guessed it) a hot cup of tea. Through stunning photographs and lovely insights, Alice Taylor takes you inside her cozy home and transports you into the lifestyle of a rural Irish village. Warning: After finishing this one, we started packing our bags and practicing our accent.
9. Poor Your Soul by Mira Ptacin ($12): When Ptacin discovers she’s pregnant at the age of 28, the unexpected addition to the family brings the expectant mother nothing but joy… until the doctor reveals the baby has multiple grave defects. Forced with the decision to terminate her pregnancy or wait out the inevitable miscarriage, Mira finds strength from her own mother, who lived through the same unthinkable tragedy.
10. Cheer Up Love by Susan Calman ($18): Funny people often harbor the deepest of emotional complexities, and there is no better proof than UK comedic queen Susan Calman. The master of laughs takes a deep dive into analyzing her life alongside her deep-rooted depression, offering a refreshing perspective on how to embrace it and enjoy life — even through bouts of cynicism.
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(Featured photo via Getty)
