As a child, I loved reading books and would eagerly spend my babysitting money on them, along with bookmarks. I developed a keen eye for a specific publisher’s logo—a little black apple symbol on the spine—which guaranteed a book I’d love. It seems Scholastic had already mastered kid-friendly branding, even as far back as the 1980s.
My favorite books stores were B Dalton and Waldenbooks, both at our local mall. I was in love with the calm vibe, the colorful stacks, and the delicious smell of new books.
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
My childhood love of reading evolved into a deep passion and a sense of purpose: to inspire and guide younger minds, encouraging them to harness the immense power of words. As I grew into adulthood and pursued a career as an English educator, I continued to immerse myself in books, now able to understand the profound impact they could have. It is safe to say that some books even saved my life (that sounds like another blog post!).
When the urge to write my memoir—a raw and tumultuous account of my life—became undeniable, I found myself craving the words of other authors more than ever before. Their writing styles, voices, and content became invaluable teachers as I embarked on my own writing journey. Here are the six books that supported, guided, inspired, and sustained me through the process of writing my first book.
Wild is also a major motion picture with Reese Witherspoon. If you are a book lover, you already know which one you should dance with.
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
1. Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Wild is a memoir by Cheryl Strayed that recounts her journey of self-discovery and healing through hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) after facing personal hardships and loss. She grapples with the challenges of the trail as a hiking novice, confronts her inner demons, and reflects on her past mistakes and relationships.
This isn’t the first time I am voicing accolades to Strayed. This woman. Her journey. Both mean a lot to me (if you want to know more, read my blog post “The Wild and Wilde Connection” from Feb 11, 2024).
Chanel Miller’s vulnerability and bravery stood out the most in Know My Name. Her intention was never to sensationalize—only to free herself and support others.
2. Know My Name by Chanel Miller
Know My Name is a memoir written by Chanel Miller, who was previously known as “Emily Doe” in a high-profile sexual assault case at Stanford University. Miller shares her journey of survival, healing, and reclaiming her identity in the aftermath of the assault and the subsequent trial.
She sheds light on issues of sexual assault, victim blaming, and the broader societal conversation surrounding consent and accountability.
Know My Name is not only a memoir of one woman’s resilience but also a call to action for greater empathy, understanding, and support for survivors of sexual violence.
3. Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Untamed is a memoir written by Glennon Doyle, where she shares her journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and embracing her most authentic self. Doyle reflects on her experiences of breaking free from societal expectations, cultural norms, and personal struggles to live authentically. She encourages readers to listen to their inner voice, trust their instincts, and pursue their desired life. Untamed is an inspirational and empowering read.
Glennon Doyle has a playful, encouraging cadence that I enjoyed listening to on audiobook.
4. Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance
Vance’s book was passionate and personal, and I could appreciate his willingness to use his voice.
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Hillbilly Elegy is a memoir written by J.D. Vance, in which he reflects on his upbringing in a working-class family from Appalachia and examines the social and economic challenges faced by the white working class in America. Vance describes his childhood in Ohio and the cultural values, family dynamics, and struggles with poverty and addiction that shaped his upbringing.
Vance was the male voice I read more than once. I appreciated his discussions on broader social mobility issues, economic insecurity, and cultural dislocation affecting communities like his own. Hillbilly Elegy has been widely discussed for its exploration of class, culture, and the American Dream.
I have read The Glass Castle numerous times, including watching the movie. With each exposure, I walk away with a different nugget to contemplate and reflect on.
5. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
The Glass Castle is a memoir by Jeannette Walls that recounts her unconventional and tumultuous upbringing in a dysfunctional family. She describes her childhood experiences growing up in poverty, moving from place to place, and dealing with neglect and instability due to her parents’ unconventional lifestyle and struggles with addiction and mental illness.
The Glass Castle was a cornerstone teaching novel in some of my alternative programs. Students could identify with Wall’s grappling with her conflicting feelings toward her parents and her journey toward independence and self-discovery.
6. Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Living beyond fear is a challenging concept for me, especially when paired with creativity and a belief in myself. Thank you, Elizabeth.
Big Magic is a non-fiction book by Elizabeth Gilbert where she explores the creative process and offers insights and advice on how to live a more creative and fulfilling life. The book’s central premise is that creativity is a mysterious and magical force that exists within all of us, waiting to be expressed. Gilbert shares anecdotes and experiences from her creative journey throughout the book, offering practical wisdom and encouragement to aspiring artists, writers, and creators. She explores topics such as overcoming fear and self-doubt, dealing with rejection, and finding inspiration in everyday life.
Big Magic celebrates the creative spirit and is an empowering guide for anyone seeking to tap into their creative potential and live a more vibrant and expressive life. Gilbert’s audiobook is a sure fix whenever I need a creative boost.
Whether you are a memoir writer or a reader, these six books will inspire and delight you. But as LeVar Burton coined from the Reading Rainbow, “But you don’t have to take my word for it.”
Tumbled: A MemoirShare the love and spread the word! Remember: Ripples to Waves to MAGIC!
I am an author, indie-publisher, blogger, artist, and trauma survivor. Visit HezzieMae.com for a sea change paradigm shift in author mentoring, publishing & living.
