20 Best Autobiographies of All Time | Reader's Digest

15 Best Autobiographies Everyone Should Read At Least Once - LifeHack

19 Of The Best Autobiographies Ranging From Politicians to Pop Stars, Actresses and Activists | Glamour UK

Best Autobiographies To Read

The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela

La Autobiografía de Nelson Mandela

Long Walk to Freedom

Largo Camino a la Libertad

The Diary of a Young Girl

El Diario de una Joven

In her thirteenth year, a young girl started chronicling her life, discussing her schooldays, friendships, and crushes, all within the Jewish Lyceum in Amsterdam, where she, along with her older sibling, was forced to attend due to anti-Semitic laws. Prior to the outbreak of World War II, her family had relocated from Germany to the Netherlands to avoid persecution. However, the German invasion in 1940 necessitated their move into hiding. Together with another family known as the van Daans and a man called Mr. Dussel, they took refuge in a hidden annex above her father's office, relying on his employees for provisions and news from the outside world.

In the annex, war updates from the radio were followed keenly, with bits of information making their way into the girl's journal, serving as a historical backdrop for her personal thoughts. The mood within their hideout often swayed depending on the progress of the war. As the conflict escalated, Amsterdam's inhabitants faced hardship as resources dwindled and criminal activities spiked. Our protagonist often jotted down her personal feelings of seclusion and loneliness, struggling with her relationship with the adults in the annex, particularly her mother whom she thought lacked warmth. She was fond of her father but often came under criticism from the van Daans and Mr. Dussel. Despite admiring her sister, she didn't feel a close bond and refrained from writing much about her. She formed a tight bond with Peter van Daan, causing her father's disapproval, which subsequently lessened her infatuation.

Throughout her diary entries, the girl showed significant development, moving from mundane daily activities to more profound contemplations on human nature and her identity. She wrestled with the persecution faced by her people and her own personal identity, feeling a strong affinity with her aggrieved people but also desiring to be recognized as an individual. During her time in hiding, she grappled with confinement, deprivation, and the harsh realities of the Holocaust, striving to maintain her identity amid the oppressive climate. Her diary, brimming with the observations of an imaginative and normal teenager, abruptly ends on a seemingly ordinary day in August 1944. Only days later, they were betrayed, arrested, and tragically, only her father survived. He discovered her diary and decided to publish it, turning it into a testament of the unimaginable atrocities of the Holocaust, narrated from a child's perspective.

Anne Frank

During the 1930s, a young, self-conscious African American girl and her elder brother, Bailey, find themselves in the rural town of Stamps, Arkansas with their grandmother Annie after their parents' divorce. Their upbringing is marred by feelings of abandonment and inferiority, with the protagonist constantly comparing herself to white girls and other Black children. Despite the support of her charismatic brother Bailey, she struggles with self-esteem, often feeling ridiculed and inferior. She is deeply affected by the entrenched racism in the South, signified by daily humiliations and the existence of terrifying lynch mobs.

At the age of eight, the siblings are uprooted again to live with their mother, Vivian, in St. Louis. Vivian's lifestyle is unconventional as she works in gambling parlors and her live-in boyfriend, Mr. Freeman, sexually abuses and later rapes the young girl. This traumatic event follows with a court appearance and Mr. Freeman's subsequent murder, presumably by the associates of Vivian's underground criminal circle. The protagonist is submerged in shame and guilt, believing she caused Mr. Freeman's death. As a result, she falls silent, speaking only to her brother Bailey.

Eventually, the siblings return to their grandmother's house in Stamps. The protagonist's silence is broken when she is introduced to Mrs. Bertha Flowers, who encourages her to read literature out loud. Back in Stamps, she experiences numerous racist incidents that further enlightens her about the pervasive nature of racism. After a horrifying incident where her brother Bailey witnesses a white man's satisfaction at seeing a dead, rotting Black man, the siblings are moved to California to stay with their mother. The protagonist grows into a strong, self-assured young woman in California, defying racist norms to become the first Black streetcar conductor at fifteen. The narrative concludes as she embraces motherhood, gaining confidence in herself as a young mother to her newborn son.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Sé Por Qué Canta el Pájaro Enjaulado

In 1706, a young boy born in Boston, destined to make history, was one of 17 siblings and was expected to become a minister by his father, Josiah. Yet, his passion for reading and writing led him down a different path. He left his apprenticeship with his brother, James, due to a dispute, and relocated to Philadelphia. There, he found employment with Samuel Keimer, made connections with influential political figures, and subsequently traveled to England. He spent a year and a half working for a printer beside his friend, James Ralph, from whom he would later distance himself. 

Upon returning to America in 1726, he established a debating group known as the Junto. Just two years later, he gained control of The Pennsylvania Gazette from Keimer, transforming it into a thriving paper with resources gathered from London. He married his childhood love, Deborah Read, in 1730 and they had two kids. The eldest, William, was born around a year later and plays a significant role in the first part of his narrative. 

During the 1730s, he took on several minor roles performing printing services for the government. This period witnessed the inception of Poor Richard's Almanac and his appointment as Philadelphia's postmaster. Additionally, he invented the Franklin stove and contributed to numerous public works projects including the founding of the University of Pennsylvania. He retired from printing in 1748, shifting his focus to scientific experiments involving lightning. By 1753, he had received honorary degrees from prestigious universities and was appointed Postmaster General of America. When war erupted between England and France, he was instrumental in organizing the war effort and proposing how to raise funds for colonial defense. His narrative abruptly ends in 1757, leaving it incomplete. He made attempts to finish it at three different points in his life - 1771, 1783-83, and 1788 - but his death prevented him from doing so.

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

La Autobiografía de Benjamin Franklin

As Told to Alex Haley

Como Narrado a Alex Haley

Born as Malcolm Little in Omaha, Nebraska in a time of rampant racial discrimination, he experienced a turbulent childhood marked by violence and persecution. His family's move to Michigan did little to alleviate these hardships, with his father murdered by white supremacists and his mother committed to a psychiatric hospital. He later relocated to Boston, living with his half-sister, Ella, and quickly immersing himself in the city's urban nightlife. His adventurous life led him to a variety of jobs and activities, including a stint as a railway porter, hustling in Harlem, and even engaging in armed robberies.

His lifestyle in Harlem ultimately became perilous, driving him back to Boston where he dabbled in burglary, ultimately leading to his imprisonment. It was during his time behind bars that he underwent a profound transformation. He converted to the Nation of Islam, which had already won over several of his siblings. His faith became the catalyst for his self-improvement; he stopped his drug use, engaged in extensive reading, studied English and Latin, and even became a member of the prison debate team. Upon his parole, he relocated to Detroit, becoming deeply involved in the local temple of the Nation of Islam.

Malcolm's dedication to the Nation of Islam eventually led him to drop his last name, adopting the "X" to symbolize his lost African heritage. His charisma and dedication saw him rise rapidly within the organization's ranks, eventually earning him national recognition as a staunch advocate for Black unity and militancy. However, his prominence also stirred resentment within the Nation of Islam, leading to his suspension. After a final fallout with the organization, Malcolm X established his own group, the Muslim Mosque, Inc. His later travels to the Middle East and Africa led him to a version of Islam he considered more authentic, sparking a new commitment to alleviate America's racial issues through religion. His life was tragically cut short by assassination in 1965, but not before he became a globally recognized figure.

The Autobiography of Malcolm X

La Autobiografía de Malcolm X

Born and raised in South Side, Chicago, a young Michelle Obama's early life is profoundly shaped by her parents Fraser and Marian Robinson's belief in education and their resilience in the face of adversity. Michelle's academic journey takes her from a local magnet school, where she befriends the daughter of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, to Princeton and Harvard for her higher studies. Eventually, her career takes her to a prestigious law firm in Chicago, where she meets a charismatic man named Barack Obama, who she is tasked with mentoring. As their relationship blossoms, Michelle realises her distaste for her career in law and transitions to a role working for long-time friend and ally, Valerie Jarrett, at city hall.

With Michelle's support, Barack Obama pursues a career in politics, being elected to the Illinois state senate. Despite her own reservations about politics, Michelle stands by Barack, even as they face personal tribulations including the loss of loved ones and Michelle's own struggle with miscarriages and fertility issues. They eventually turn to in vitro fertilization, leading to the birth of their daughters Malia and Sasha. Despite familial and career pressures, the couple remain strong, aided by couples therapy and their shared dedication to public service. 

When the opportunity arises for Barack to run for presidency, Michelle, despite her initial skepticism, agrees to be part of the campaign journey. She becomes a valuable asset on the campaign trail, even amidst baseless rumors and intense media scrutiny. Following a decisive win and a smooth transition into the White House, Michelle takes on the role of First Lady with grace and dedication. She spearheads several initiatives focusing on issues like childhood obesity, education, and support for military families. Despite the political ups and downs, including a shocking defeat in the 2016 presidential race, Michelle remains hopeful about the future, drawing comfort from the positive changes she and Barack have contributed during their time in the White House.

Becoming

Convirtiéndome

A Promised Land

Una Tierra Prometida

This narrative revolves around a woman navigating her way through bereavement following the sudden death of her husband, who suffered a fatal heart attack one evening. Simultaneously, she also has to care for her critically ill adopted daughter. In her struggle to comprehend her husband's death, she delves into a state of denial, hoping that her wishes could resurrect him, leading her to retain his belongings in anticipation of his return - an irrational belief she identifies as "magical thinking". She finds solace in literature on grief and mourning, identifying fragments of her peculiar behavior reflected in various texts.

In her desperate bid to reverse her reality, she is plagued by recollections of the events preceding her husband's death. Her daughter had been diagnosed with a serious flu that escalated just before Christmas, leading to a hospital admission. This news immensely impacted her husband, leading him to evaluate his own life. The daughter regains consciousness in January, only to be readmitted to the hospital due to complications. After her second discharge, they proceed with her husband's funeral arrangements and the daughter moves to California for recovery, marking the woman's reluctant acceptance of the need to continue with life.

However, upon the daughter's arrival in California, she suffers a debilitating brain hemorrhage, necessitating immediate surgery. The woman is overwhelmed by what she coins as "the vortex effect", where seemingly inconsequential triggers incite incapacitating emotional responses due to her past memories. Despite attempts to steer clear of reminders of their past, she often encounters them unexpectedly. Thereafter, the daughter is transferred to a rehabilitation institute in New York, where she embarks on her gradual recovery while the woman attempts to regain semblance in her life. The woman examines her past for signs overlooked regarding her husband's impending death, and struggles with the societal perception of self-pity and grief. She tries to resume her normal life, but is persistently haunted by memories. She begins to believe she is losing her sanity due to her magical thinking and the vortex effect, and grapples with making sense of her bereavement. She finally accepts his death a year later, after receiving the autopsy reports. Although her intense emotional turmoil eventually subsides, it is not replaced by a clear sense of purpose. Nevertheless, she begins to focus on day-to-day routines, acknowledging the inevitability of change and the necessity of moving forward.

The Year of Magical Thinking

El Año del Pensamiento Mágico

How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World

Cómo una niña defendió la educación y cambió el mundo

The narrative focuses on a young Pakistani girl who bravely opposed the oppressive Taliban regime and their prohibition of female education. Despite being attacked and severely wounded by the Taliban, she survives and becomes a globally recognized advocate for human rights and education. She shares her life experiences growing up in the verdant Swat Valley in northwest Pakistan, as part of the Yousafzai tribe of the Pashtun people who value hospitality and honor. Her family includes her progressive, educated father who founded the Khushal School, her devout mother, and her two younger brothers. In a society that traditionally undervalues girls, she is celebrated by her father and named after a brave heroine from folklore.

She provides a detailed insight into her parents' history, their tribal background, and the events leading up to the establishment of the Khushal School. She shares about the societal and cultural changes in Pakistan under various military regimes. She also offers an account of a family trip to Shangla, an impoverished region where women's lives were extremely restricted. Her narrative includes her schoolmates and childhood lessons learned on the importance of generosity, honesty, and humility. As a result of geopolitical events and subsequent power shifts, religious leaders gain prominence in the region, leading to intense confrontations over religious interpretations and the education of girls.

With the rise of the Taliban, life under their rule becomes increasingly restrictive and violent. Despite the order to prohibit girls from attending school, she continues her studies and publicly criticizes the oppressive situation. As the fight between the Taliban and the army intensifies, her family, along with millions of other Pashtuns, are forced to evacuate. Upon their return, they find their home and school still standing amidst the destruction. Despite natural disasters causing further destruction, they remain resilient. As tensions heighten between Pakistan and the U.S., she gains national and international recognition for her activism. Despite threats from the Taliban, she remains in Swat. The narrative culminates with a brutal attack on her by the Taliban in 2012. Her recovery, supported by the international community, takes place in England where her family is relocated. She continues her education and advocacy work with unwavering determination, hoping one day to return to her beloved Pakistan.

11 Best Autobiography Books of All Time

Long Walk to Freedom

The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela

Anne Frank

The Diary of a Young Girl

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

The Autobiography of Malcolm X

As Told to Alex Haley

Becoming

A Promised Land

The Year of Magical Thinking

I Am Malala

How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World

How to Murder Your Life

A Memoir

Autobiography

Sources

What To Read Next

11 Best Autobiography Books of All Time

Long Walk to Freedom

The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela

Anne Frank

The Diary of a Young Girl

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

The Autobiography of Malcolm X

As Told to Alex Haley

Becoming

A Promised Land

The Year of Magical Thinking

I Am Malala

How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World

How to Murder Your Life

A Memoir

Autobiography

Sources

What To Read Next

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