The world is full of amazing people. From rags to riches tales to survival against the odds, the true stories out there are rich and varied, incredible accounts to marvel at and be inspired by.
No wonder, then, that true story books are so popular. Immersing ourselves in other people’s lives is a way to find meaning, insight and joy. Memoirs make us think, challenge our perceptions and uplift us in our darkest moments.
Not sure where to start? Here’s our pick of the best true story books…
Educated by Tara Westover
Tara Westover’s New York Times bestselling memoir charts her experience of growing up as the daughter of survivalist Mormons, preparing for the End of Days and never going to school because her father was opposed to education. She hadn’t been registered for a birth certificate – according to the government, she didn’t exist.
With her father becoming ever more radical and her brother more violent, at 16, she knew she had to leave home, seeking education and a future beyond the constraints of her past. A breathtaking, gripping read.
Windmill Books Educated: The international bestselling memoir
The Heat Of The Moment by Sabrina Cohen-Hatton
Sabrina was 17 when she joined the Fire Service. Before that, she’d had a tumultuous upbringing, homeless as a teenager and living in church doorways and derelict buildings. But her tenacity and drive saw her work her way up, studying for a PhD in decision making whilst raising her little girl, becoming an ambassador for the Big Issue and now, CFO of West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service. She has defied every stereotype imaginable – and is one incredible woman.
Black Swan The Heat of the Moment: A Firefighter’s Stories of Life and Death Decisions
Black Swan The Heat of the Moment: A Firefighter’s Stories of Life and Death Decisions
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
Elizabeth Gilbert’s famous pilgrimage to find meaning in her thirties has resonated with readers around the world. Stuck in a rut and trapped in a life she realises she no longer wants, she embarks on a journey which takes her to Rome, India and Bali, where she finds new adventures, new people and new ideas. The question is, can she also find happiness?
What Makes Us Stronger by Freya Lewis
Aged 14 at the time, Freya Lewis was one of the victims of the Manchester Arena attack. She had attended the Ariana Grande concert with her friend, Nell, who tragically died that night. Ghostwritten by journalist Amisha Desai, this beautiful memoir charts Freya’s recovery, physical and psychological, offering a powerful message of hope, peace and love that will resonate with anyone going through tough times.
Seven Dials What Makes Us Stronger
I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
The amazing story of the girl who was shot by the Taliban in 2012 after standing up for her right to education is a world renowned success. Malala, now 18, has gone on to become an international symbol of peaceful protest and the youngest person ever to win a Nobel Peace Prize. She is currently studying at Oxford University. A reminder to us all of the power of courage, youth and standing up for what you believe in.
Orion Children's Books I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World
Orion Children's Books I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World
This Is Going To Hurt by Adam Kay
During his time working as a junior doctor, Adam Kay kept diaries – and aren’t we glad he did? Hilarious, insightful and poignant in equal measure, there’s no wonder This Is Going To Hurt is a multi-million copy bestseller, so popular that it has even been turned into a brilliant stage show.
Picador This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor
Picador This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor
A Street Cat Named Bob by James Bowen
The image of a big ginger cat clad in a knitted scarf and sitting on the shoulder of James Bowen is a familiar one to many of us. This remarkable true story of how a street cat saved James when he was homeless and living hand to mouth, is a striking and heartwarming tale. Sadly, Bob died in 2020 – but his legacy lives on.
Hodder Paperbacks A Street Cat Named Bob: How one man and his cat found hope on the streets
Hodder Paperbacks A Street Cat Named Bob: How one man and his cat found hope on the streets
The Little Big Things by Henry Fraser
When Henry Fraser was 17, he was on holiday with friends in Portugal when a freak accident changed his life forever. When he dived into the sea, he hit his head on an undulating seabed, becoming paralysed from the neck down. Since then, Henry has gone on to forge a new life with incredible resilience and positivity He’s a mouth artist, disability rights campaigner and is determined to show the world that ‘every day is a good day.’ The Little Big Things tells his story – while his new book, The Power In You, aims to inspire people to ‘accept your past, live in the present and shape a positive future.’
Seven Dials The Little Big Things: The Inspirational Memoir of the Year
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