A.L.T.: A Memoir by Andre Leon Talley. “The autobiography of a Vogue editor, who leaves the deep South and family traditions to become a gay NYC fashionista, meeting the who’s who of pop culture along the way. (Also, he went to Brown & was art history major so there’s a lot of art stuff in it too) Really well told. Made a big impression on me – e.g., how certain moments in your childhood and little things you take for granted, can stay with you long after you’ve left."

About Aliceby Calvin Trillin. "Very sweet and tender memoir written about the author's wife." From Amazon:  In Calvin Trillin’s antic tales of family life, she was portrayed as the wife who  had “a weird predilection for limiting our family to three meals a day” and the mother  who thought that if you didn’t go to every performance of your child’s school play,  “the county would come and take the child.” Now, five years after her death, her  husband offers this loving portrait of Alice Trillin off the page–his loving portrait  of Alice Trillin off the page–an educator who was equally at home teaching at a university  or a drug treatment center, a gifted writer, a stunningly beautiful and thoroughly  engaged woman who, in the words of a friend, “managed to navigate the tricky waters  between living a life you could be proud of and still delighting in the many things  there are to take pleasure in.”

After Long Silence by Helen Fremont. "Fremont's memoir is an incredible tale of survival, a beautiful love story and a suspenseful account of how the author's investigation of her roots shattered fiercely guarded family secrets. Raised Roman Catholic in a Michigan suburb, Fremont knew that her parents had been in concentration camps. Her Polish mother, Batya, was interned in Mussolini's Italy, and her Hungarian-born father, Kovik, was sentenced to life in the Siberian gulag. But her parents refused to talk about their past, and they never let on that they had been born Jews. Fremont, a Boston lawyer and public defender, and her sister, Lara, a psychiatrist, pieced together their parents' hidden past by examining archives and tracking down Holocaust survivors."

All over but the Shoutin' by Rick Bragg. "A memoir of growing up dirt poor in the South and rising to become a reporter at the New York Times. An honest, forthright portrayal of a time and a place and a man."

An American Childhood by Annie Dillard. "I read it through a book club, the author and book club member both attended Hollins. Charming recount of growing up."

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingslover. "This is about a year spent eating food grown by the author's family or within 100 miles of their home -- but written by a fiction writer, who I like - and its supposed to be great. I have not read it yet, but one the customer reviews on amazon says 'This is a must-read for anyone who eats' -- so I guess that includes most of us?"

Boys in the Trees: A Memoir by Carly Simon. From Amazon: “Carly Simon's New York Times bestselling memoir, Boys in the Trees, reveals her remarkable life, beginning with her storied childhood as the third daughter of Richard L. Simon, the co-founder of publishing giant Simon & Schuster, her musical debut as half of The Simon Sisters performing folk songs with her sister Lucy in Greenwich Village, to a meteoric solo career that would result in 13 top 40 hits, including the #1 song You're So Vain… The memoir recalls a childhood enriched by music and culture, but also one shrouded in secrets that would eventually tear her family apart. Simon brilliantly captures moments of creative inspiration, the sparks of songs, and the stories behind writing "Anticipation" and "We Have No Secrets" among many others. Romantic entanglements with some of the most famous men of the day fueled her confessional lyrics, as well as the unraveling of her storybook marriage to James Taylor."

The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to his White Mother By James McBride.

Educated by Tara Westover. "If you’ve read Hillbilly Elegy, JD Vance’s family will look like they were reared by The Tiger Mother. Tara Westover was raised in a militant Morman family. Her parents didn’t believe in birth certificates because it 'wasn’t the government’s business to know you were born.'  The children were prohibited from going to school because 'The Illuminati' would ruin them. And despite repeated health crises and medical emergencies, the family avoided care by 'The Medical Establishment' and relied on herbal oil remedies the mother concocted. Despite all of these roadblocks, Tara taught herself everything that would have been covered in school, took the ACT, did well enough to secure a scholarship to Brigham Young, and then went on to study at Cambridge and Harvard. Absolutely amazing book".

Escape: Carolyn Jessop  "I found this book the most satisfying of the recent books that have been written about the Fundamentalist Mormon Church. It is a sincere and shocking account of the inside workings of the cult of the Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints and how the church leaders manipulate their members to keep control. Her story (eight children by the age of 30!) and how she persevered, escaped and rebuilt her life is fascinating. Again, a way to understand why those women with the long braids and dresses allow themselves to stay in a culture where they are treated as breeding machines."

Free Gift with Purchase: My Improbable Career in Magazinesand Makeup– by Jean Godfry-June, editor of Lucky Magazine. The daughter of Intellectuals finds career in the cosmetic industry. This looks dishy and fun.

The Glass Castle By Jeannette Walls. This emerged as the “must read” for the summer of 2006. Has been called an American Angela’s Ashes. “So touching, sweet, sad and hilariously funny. Page one and you are hooked. You MUST read it!"

Growing Up and The Good Times by Russell Baker. These memoirs of the NY Times columnist's childhood in Baltimore and (Good Times) early career as a journalist are wonderful. It looks like The Good Times is out of print, but I bet you could find it at the library, and there is always ebay.

Here If You Need Me: A True Story by Kate Baestrup. "It may take ingenuity to interest browsers in a memoir by a middle-aged mother who, 11 years ago, was suddenly widowed, then became a Unitarian-Universalist minister, and now works as chaplain to game wardens in Maine."

Hillbilly Elegy by JD Vance. "An amazing story of one extraordinary man’s climb out of Appalachian poverty and into the elite halls of Yale Law School.  Along the way, JD Vance describes in detail his upbringing, the problems with Appalachian culture as he sees them, his time in the armed services, and his ideas on the difficult task of helping those people left behind in the current economy.  It helped me understand, if not sympathize with, parts of America whose votes and actions are affecting all of our lives, whether we live there or not". "There is a reason why this book has created so much buzz.   Yes, it is a story of forgotten America -  white Appalachia, the Rust belt, etc, but Vance’s voice makes it worth reading.  He shows remarkable objectivity and humanity in his writing and analysis.  He seamlessly connects his family’s experience to larger historical, economic and demographic developments".  "A book is for the geeky beach reader. This is the book that made the rounds of discussions among parent gatherings this winter and spring. It is a story about the struggle of poor, white Americans told from the perspective of one who made it to Yale law school via the Marines. JD Vance has been touted by book clubs as a window into the most recent election of Donald Trump and thus he has made it onto the pages of The Washington Post and other newspapers. I would say the book only explains a piece of the November election, but it is a fascinating piece told with a mix of pride and humility."

Hollywood Park by Mikel Jollett.  "Jollett spent part of his childhood in Synanon, a violent cult in Santa Monica, California.  He and his brother ultimately escaped, but life on the outside was enormously challenging, too.  An immersive story, fluently written, and deeply honest.  Jollett has given us a gentle memoir about a very ungentle childhood, an ultimately redemptive and forgiving tale that made me admire him deeply."

Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh.  "Allie, where have you been all my life?  I read some of blogger Allie Brosh’s humoristic memoir (which also features quirky cartoon drawings) to my teen daughter. We were laughing so hard we cried.  Brosh’s life has not been easy, and she is raw and honest in taking on tough topics, but she’s SO DAMNED FUNNY."

I Dreamed of Africa by Kuki Gallmann "A good read for anyone who's taken a safari in Africa, who wants to go on safari or who just loves animals. It's a story of a family who relocates from Europe to Kenya and the ensuing love, adventure and heartbreak. It's disturbingly sad at times."

"FYI, I know several people who LOVED this book. I am not one of them. The Amazon reviews are very polarized .. it’s one of those "love it or hate it" books, I think."

I’ll Drink to That by Betty Halbreich. "Memoir from a long-time personal shopper at Bergdorf Goodman.  Shares her life story, social-climbing upbringing, divorce, depression, and clothes, clothes, clothes!"

If These Walls Could Talk: Thoughts of Home (House Beautiful) This is a collection of 33 essays published in House Beautiful’s “Thoughts of Home” column.

Infidel: Ayaan Hirsi Ali  "What can I say – the story of an intelligent, gorgeous woman who escaped a culture and religion that (personal opinion) completely crushes women.  One way to try to begin to understand the Muslim issue and how it affects the 'West.'" Infidel shows the coming of age of this distinguished political superstar and champion of free speech as well as the development of her beliefs, iron will, and extraordinary determination to fight injustice.

Inheritance by Dani Shapiro. A New York Times bestselling memoir about a woman who took a “23 and me” genetic test and discovered she is not who she thought she was.

Lit: A Memoir (P.S.) by Mary Karr. “ (Entertainment Weekly). Lit follows the self-professed blackbelt sinner's descent into the inferno of alcoholism and madness--and to her astonishing resurrection.

Making Toast: A Family Story by Roger Rosenblatt. (From Amazon) "Family tragedy is healed by domestic routine in this quiet, tender memoir. When his daughter Amy died suddenly at the age of 38 from an asymptomatic heart condition, journalist and novelist Rosen-blatt (Lapham Rising) and his wife moved into her house to help her husband care for their three young children... Rosenblatt draws sharply etched portraits of his grandchildren; his stoic, gentle son-in-law; his wife, who feels slightly guilty that she is living her daughter's life; and Amy emerges as a smart, prickly, selfless figure whose significance the author never registered until her death."

The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan "Quick, funny, heart wrenching read - very enjoyable. I am looking forward to her next novel." A story about a mother of two who finds out she has cancer and her father also has cancer.

Mommies Who Drink: Sex, Drugs, and Other Distant Memories of an Ordinary Mom by Brett Paesel. "It may not be for everyone because of the raunchiness but if you want a chuckle, it’s worth it. Here is the part from Amazon that I feel sums up her humor: Paesel's willingness to mock herself even allows her to milk a laugh from a postpartum visit to a therapist. "I'm so unhappy," she cries. "I hate myself. I hate my life. I feel like it's never going to change." After a while, the therapist makes a suggestion. "Maybe we should think about antidepressants.'' "What?" Paesel thinks. "It's not that bad." And guess what? She eventually finds that motherhood is not that bad. In fact, she likes it, which is lucky, since Hollywood demands a happy ending. Even so, it's safe to say that if there's Jell-O around, this mommy wants not a lollipop but a vodka-infused "shooter."

My Losing Season by Pat Conroy – (NB: This one, like Blind Side, also recommended by Drew and perhaps more interesting for your husbands/fathers/etc.) "Great read for anyone who has played competitive basketball. True story of Pat Conroy’s senior season at the Citidel with life lessons he learned from basketball. Great themes for younger readers, but some rough language."

Night By Elie Wiesel. “His acct of the Holocaust, I hadn’t read it since I was in 8th grade & clearly didn’t get it all. Unbelievable. Short & dense.”

Oh the Glory of it All by Sean Wilsey, son of a San Francisco bsinessman and a socialite/peace activist, and stepson of another socialite.  He had a wildly extravagant but in many ways very sad childhood.  "A much talked about memoir...some of us know the players...I found it sad, funny, insightful, and a little self-serving."  It has a great first line:  "In the beginning we were happy. And we were always excessive. So in the beginning we were happy to excess."

One and the Same: My Life as an Identical Twin and What I've Learned About Everyone's Struggle to Be Singular by Abigail Pogrebin. "Not only for twins or parents of twins, this is a very interesting look at what it means to be a 'double' and how even as singletons we can learn from the unique twin relationship."

Open Book by Jessica Simpson. “I am embarrassed to admit how much I loved Jessica’s memoir. Before reading her book, I thought Jessica was insipid and untalented.  I was not remotely a fan.  After reading her raw and painfully honest memoir, I fell in love with her. Jessica proves that the shortest distance between not liking and liking someone is simply getting to know them.  “Open Book” is a juicy, honest and detailed account of Jessica's life.  Life hack:  if you listen to this book on audible, I highly suggest speeding the pace up to 1.25 or 1.50 speed. I enjoyed her narration so much more when I speeded it up!”

The Power of One: A Novel by Bryce Courtenay. "Episodic and bursting with incident, this sprawling memoir of an English boy's lonely childhood in South Africa during WW II pays moderate attention to questions of race but concerns itself primarily with epic melodrama." The New York Times: "The Power of One has everything: suspense, the exotic, violence; mysticism, psychology and magic; schoolboy adventures, drama in the boxing ring."

The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher. "Just read it.  Or, get the audio version because Carrie narrates it, and it’s brilliant.  Memoir where she reveals affair with Harrison Ford and other juicy nuggets from her Star Wars life".

A Princess Remembers by Gayatri Devi. “This is the memoir of the last Maharani of Jaipur.  It tells her personal story which spans one of the most interesting periods of Indian history, from the princely states under British rule to Indian Independence.  It is a very readable, interesting book that reads more like a novel than an historical memoir”.

The Prizewinner of Defiance, Ohio.  The true story of housewife Evelyn Ryan, who, faced with an abusive and alcoholic husband, supported her ten children by entering (and winning) jingle-writing contests that were common in the 1950s and 1960s.

Reading Lolita in Tehran By Azar Nafisi. “I think Reading Lolita in Tehran is only enjoyable if you've read Lolita.”

Redefining Realness by Janet Mock. From Barnes and Noble: “With unflinching honesty and moving prose, Janet Mock relays her experiences of growing up young, multiracial, poor, and trans in America, offering readers accessible language while imparting vital insight about the unique challenges and vulnerabilities of a marginalized and misunderstood population. Though undoubtedly an account of one woman’s quest for self at all costs, Redefining Realness is a powerful vision of possibility and self-realization, pushing us all toward greater acceptance of one another—and of ourselves—showing as never before how to be unapologetic and real.”

Same Kind of Different as Me: : A Modern-Day Slave, an International Art Dealer, and the Unlikely Woman Who Bound Them Together by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. From Wiki: Ron Hall and Denver Moore became best friends through Ron's wife, Deborah. She was very connected with God and she was told to 'save' Denver. Deborah started dying of cancer and Denver, in return, helped Deborah carry on the ministry she had started. There is a memorial that was made for Deborah when she passed, called the Deborah Hall Memorial.  The story, however, goes deeper into the developing personal friendship between two men of entirely different upbringing, and the struggle that is required to make and maintain such a friendship across a wide cultural canyon. The characters struggle with raw and honest emotions, real life situations, and set an example for those who want to be challenged to make a difference in their own lives and those around them. The story also reveals the true level of commitment required to be an effective leader in service to others.

Shockaholic by Carrie Fisher. "The photo captions are enough reason to read this book.  Brilliant.  Some may love Nora Ephron, but I think Carrie has her beat with this one". Shockaholic tells the story of Carrie Fisher's upbringing as the daughter of Hollywood royalty. Filled with outrageous tales of celebrity gossip, Carrie Fisher gives readers an intimate look at the realities of Hollywood.

Small Fry by Lisa Brennan-Jobs.  "Steve Jobs is a dick, is what you will say to yourself after only a few pages of this book.  By the end of it, you’ll want to throw your iPhone into the ocean and cancel your subscription to The Atlantic.  Steve and Laurene were maybe not the greatest dad/stepmom.  No, I’m sure they’re pretty awful.  This book was sad and painful, but so well written."

Somewhere Towards the End by Diana Athill. "I know it is about death but it is not sad and depressing, just makes us award in captivating language about the adventure of life and death. It is actually a little bit of a fun read..." Athill reflects candidly, and sometimes with great humor, on the condition of being old—the losses and occasionally the gains that age brings, the wisdom and fortitude required to face death.

Summer at Tiffany by Marjorie Hart. "Read this on a Vamoose ride to NYC. Set in NYC during the latter part of WWII, the book tells of the life changing adventures (in that 1940's kind of way) of two Iowa college students who move to Manhattan for a summer and secure jobs at Tiffany's. The cute tone is as if your 80 something year old grandmother were recounting favorite memories with that far away smile on her face. In fact, the book is a memoir, albeit quite light."

Tender Bar – Memoir of NY Times/LA Tribune reporter who grew up fatherless on Long Island raised by his uncle bartenders. Graduated from Yale in 1986. Sort of an American Angela’s Ashes.

The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan "A wonderful, heart-warming memoir about Corrigan’s breast cancer treatment and her relationship with her incredible family." "It's a beautiful book, made me cry so hard."

Traveling with Pomegranates: A Mother-Daughter Story by Sue Monk Kidd. From Amazon:  "In this intimate dual memoir, she and her daughter, Ann, offer distinct perspectives as a fifty-something and a twenty-something, each on a quest to redefine herself and to rediscover each other."

Under the Banner of Heaven: a Story of Violent Faith By Jon Krakauer. “The story of homicidal Mormon fundamentalists. This is the guy who wrote Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mt. Everest Disaster.

Untamed by Glennon Doyle. “I was in the minority about Glennon’s first popular book, ‘Love Warrior.’ I thought Glennon was a little sanctimonious and long winded. Her prose went in circles and lacked focus. In 'Untamed,' Glennon is the exact opposite. She is focused, raw, honest and sharp. Glennon picks up detailing her life where the last book ended. She leaves her marriage and marries the love of her life, Abby Wambach.  This book is a masterpiece. I wish it was required reading for every person on this planet. I am so grateful that I took another chance on Glennon. Untamed is my new favorite book. I bought it in every form (kindle, hard copy and audible). If possible, I highly recommend listening to Glennon’s audio version. Hearing her heartfelt dictation is really moving. I can’t give enough praise for this book and for Glennon’s radical honesty. Glennon is a gifted writer and teacher.”

What I Did While You Were Breeding by Kristin Newman.  "A very funny read from a Northwestern Grad who is now a tv comedy writer/producer in LA — she was kind enough to Skype into my daughters book club and that was before she knew they were a group of NU seniors."

What is the What by Dave Eggers. From the Washington Post: "God has a problem with me," complains Valentino Achak Deng, the subject of Dave Eggers's extraordinary new novel, What Is the What. Coming from almost any other person on the planet, this lament would appear hopelessly self-pitying. But coming from Valentino, a Sudanese refugee, it sounds almost like an understatement. At a time when the field of autobiography seems dominated by hyperbolic accounts of what might be called dramas of privilege (substance abuse, eating disorders, unloving parents, etc.), [this] is a story of real global catastrophe -- a work of such simple power, straightforward emotion and genuine gravitas that it reminds us how memoirs can transcend the personal to illuminate large, public tragedies as well."

When The Heart Waits by Sue Monk Kidd "A perennial favorite of mine from a wonderful writer. Sue Monk Kidd took her journals from her mid-life passage and put them into this thoughtful, inspirational book which is a must read for any woman in mid-life who is seeking. Something. That thing. Y'know. It. With this book's help, my bet is: you'll start finding."

Wild Game by Adrienne Brodeur. “A memoir that reads like a novel, about the complexities of an unusually co-dependent mother-daughter relationship, the particularities of WASP culture, Cape Cod summers, and delicious food. Beautifully written, with can't-tear-yourself-away storytelling.”

The Year of Magical Thinking By Joan Didion – “Very heavy, but beautifully written and very insightful and honest. Apparently it is in the process of being produced as a Broadway play with Vanessa Redgrave.”