Ever feel like you’re the only one fumbling through life’s twists and turns?

Trust me, you’re not – and these memoirs prove it.

Written by fearless women who’ve faced their own share of challenges, these stories are full of relatable moments, hard-earned wisdom, and plenty of heart.

Whether you’re looking for inspiration, a good laugh, or just some validation, you’ll find it here.

Let’s check out these books that feel like a warm hug and a pep talk rolled into one.

Must-Read Memoirs by Female Authors

1. The Mother of Black Hollywood by Jenifer Lewis

Jenifer Lewis doesn’t hold back in this funny, wild, and deeply honest memoir about her journey from a small-town girl to a Hollywood legend.

She talks about everything—mental health, fame, and finding herself—with humor and grit. It’s inspiring, outrageous, and totally unforgettable.

2. Negroland by Margo Jefferson

Margo Jefferson dives into her life growing up in an elite Black community and balancing privilege, race, and identity.

Her story is full of contradictions and tough questions, but it’s also packed with heart.

It’s a peek into a world I didn’t know much about, and now I can’t stop thinking about it.

3. Know My Name by Chanel Miller

Chanel Miller’s memoir is raw, powerful, and impossible to forget.

Her story of surviving assault and finding her voice hits hard but also inspires.

She challenges everything we think we know about justice and healing. It’s heartbreaking, but wow, what an incredible book.

4. Uncultured by Daniella Mestyanek Young

Daniella grew up in a cult and later joined the military, but both worlds had more in common than you’d expect.

Her story is about breaking free and rebuilding her life. It’s gripping, shocking, and full of courage—her strength really blew me away.

5. From the Corner of the Oval by Beck Dorey-Stein

Beck’s life takes a wild turn when a Craigslist ad lands her a job in Obama’s White House.

From traveling the world to office drama and romance, she shares it all.

It’s fun, messy, and full of heart – a perfect behind-the-scenes look.

Also See: 45 Non-Fiction Classics You’ll Want to Pick Up (and Won’t Want to Put Down)

6. Unbowed by Wangari Maathai

Wangari Maathai’s life story is straight-up inspiring.

She fought for women, the environment, and democracy in Kenya, and her courage changed the world.

This is one of those books that makes you believe anything is possible if you’re determined enough.

7. Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton

This book feels like a heart-to-heart with your funniest friend.

Dolly writes about bad dates, great friends, and figuring out who you are with so much honesty and humor.

It’s messy, relatable, and made me want to call my besties immediately.

8. Becoming by Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama’s memoir is like sitting down with a wise, funny friend who’s lived an extraordinary life.

From growing up in Chicago to the White House, she shares her struggles and triumphs. It’s inspiring and warm – her story will stick with you.

9. An Honest Woman by Charlotte Shane

Charlotte Shane opens up about her life as a sex worker and what it taught her about love, relationships, and feminism.

It’s raw, complicated, and brutally honest. Her insights into love and power will leave you thinking long after you’ve finished.

10. Easy Beauty by Chloé Cooper Jones

Chloé’s memoir is about seeing and being seen, living with a disability, and challenging ideas of beauty and belonging.

Her journey is smart, emotional, and totally unique. It made me rethink so much about how we move through the world.

Best Memoirs by Black Women to Read Now

1. The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl by Issa Rae

Issa Rae knows what it’s like to be the odd one out.

In this hilarious collection of essays, she shares her journey as an awkward, introverted Black woman trying to find her place in a world that loves “cool.”

From cringe-worthy cybersex to learning to love her natural hair, Issa’s stories are painfully relatable and laugh-out-loud funny.

Also See: 24 Honest and Heartfelt Celebrity Memoirs to Read Now

2. Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body by Roxane Gay

Roxane Gay gets real about her relationship with food, weight, and self-image in this raw and powerful memoir.

She opens up about trauma, the way she tried to protect herself by hiding in her body, and her journey to self-acceptance.

It’s vulnerable, emotional, and deeply relatable.

3. Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes

Shonda Rhimes – the genius behind Grey’s Anatomy – shares how she went from saying “no” to everything to turning her life around with one simple word: yes.

It’s funny, inspiring, and full of life lessons for anyone looking to shake things up.

4. Men We Reaped by Jesmyn Ward

Jesmyn Ward’s memoir is heartbreaking and beautiful.

Over five years, she lost five men in her life to addiction, accidents, and poverty.

She reflects on grief, racism, and the struggles of growing up in the rural South.

5. Love Me as I Am by Garcelle Beauvais

Garcelle Beauvais shares her journey from Haiti to Hollywood, opening up about her struggles, triumphs, and everything in between.

It’s juicy, funny, and real – she even spills tea about The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills!

6. Just as I Am by Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson’s memoir is as graceful and powerful as her career.

She shares her life story – from a shy church girl to a trailblazing actress – while reflecting on love, loss, and faith.

You May Also Like: 15 Powerful LGBTQ Memoirs That Deserve Your Attention Right Now

7. Memorial Drive: A Daughter’s Memoir by Natasha Trethewey

Natasha Trethewey writes about losing her mother in a devastating act of violence and how it shaped her life.

It’s a deeply moving exploration of grief, love, and resilience, set against the backdrop of the segregated South.

8. The Yellow House by Sarah M. Broom

This is a story about family, home, and identity. Sarah M. Broom looks at the history of her family’s house in New Orleans East and what it meant to them—until Hurricane Katrina wiped it off the map.

9. Around the Way Girl by Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson gets real about her rise from D.C. to Hollywood, the hustle it took to get there, and the love for her family that keeps her grounded.

It’s funny, inspiring, and full of behind-the-scenes Hollywood stories.