Why Do We Love Memoirs?

Take a look back at many of the books published over the past several years. You will probably notice a huge amount of memoirs. Most of them are by celebrities, but others are by nobodies and still manage Goodreads choice nominations. Sometimes I wonder why everyone needs a life story so badly...but then again, I am fascinated by people's lives, and continue to pick something up.

So why do we love them so much? I have a few ideas.

They humanize people.

When we read a book by someone well-known, it puts us in their shoes. I just finished reading Michella Obama's book. She was a completely normal girl on Chicago's South Side, and still tries to raise her kids to be normal people as well. You stop viewing them as "a celebrity" and see them as a regular person that is easier to relate to. Plus, once I read one, I think differently of the person when I see them on a talk show or doing a public appearance (in a good way). It's like: "hey, I know her!" 

They remind us we all have a story to tell.

These aren't fictional, but the challenges and characters featured could be seen in any novel. After all, don't novels tell us about life? Memoirs can arguably be an even better version of fiction because they're real and about people we actually know. 

They tell us more about people we like or admire.

At their most basic level, memoirs tell us a little more about their lives. Did you know that Rainn Wilson is just as much of an oddball as his TV character? You'll also learn more about his charity initiatives, an important part of his current work. It gives us more insight into some of our favorite people and help us to feel more connected.

They inspire us to reach to new heights. 

If these people can change the world, implement new policies, or create significant change in a community that needs it, why can't we? Many authors touch on issues that are important to them and can speak candidly about how they were affected. We can understand other people better by listening to their stories. By listening to a political figure, we may get inspired to make change and look at a situation from a new perspective...if we have the open minds to do so. 

Memoirs I Recommend

Is Everybody Hanging Out Without Me? And Other Stories: Mindy Kaling

Becoming: Michelle Obama

Yes, My Accent is Real: Kunal Nayaar

Hyperbole and a Half: Allie Brosh

The Bassoon King: Rainn Wilson
The Rocket Boys: Homer Hickam Jr.