5 gripping memoirs by women with grit
1. Wave by Sonali Deraniyagala
Sonali Deraniyagala’s devastating memoir recounts the unthinkable losses she endured during the 2004 Sri Lankan tsunami. She’s on holiday with her parents, husband, and two young children when everything changes forever. With generous clarity she relays a peaceful, normal morning, and then the confusion that turns to horror as the wave comes in. Deraniyagala’s account takes you through unbearable, agonising losses. Her straightforward narration pulls you close to what would otherwise remain unimaginable.
2. The Suicide Index by Joan Wickersham
Joan Wickersham’s riveting memoir goes over the circumstances of her father’s unexpected death by his own hand. She artfully captures the enigma of this unbearable act and its aftermath. In doing so, she takes the reader along on her attempt to make sense of her father’s passing. She structures her book like an index as a way to organise her father’s life and understand its mysteries. Wickersham’s beautifully haunting narration keeps you riveted.
Here are 65 books everyone should read before they die.
3. Tomorrow Will Be Different by Sarah McBride
If Sarah McBride’s name sounds familiar, it’s because she just made history (or, herstory) as the first-ever transgender person elected to the United States Senate. Sworn into office in January 2021, she’s also the National Press Secretary of the Human Rights Campaign. Before she ran for office, she wrote this moving book, telling her own coming-out story, her journey into activism, and her husband’s tragic battle with cancer. Also, not for nothing, but now-President Joe Biden wrote the foreword.
4. I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron
The screenwriter responsible for Silkwood, When Harry Met Sally, and Sleepless in Seattle was also an insightful novelist, director and essayist. This hilarious essay collection depicts Nora Ephron’s reflections on ageing. As usual, Ephron is relatable and charming while dishing out insights on parenting and relationships and their inevitable changes. You can’t go wrong with Ephron’s wit and charm showing you how to deal.
5. Blackout by Sarah Hepola
Sarah Hepola’s memoir is addictive as it chronicles the ups and downs of the drinking habit she needs to curb. It’s one of those can’t-put-it-down, just-one-more-page, keep-you-up-all-night books. Her voice is relatable and funny, honest and open. Hepola manages to be critical of her alcoholism while at the same garnering all your sympathy. The book is also about how the author finds her voice as a writer and a woman. It’s a stunning debut from a fantastic writer.
Here are 13 books you never knew were banned.
Written by Molly Pennington. This article first appeared in Reader’s Digest. Find more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, here’s our best subscription offer.