Here are some of my favorite memoirs for your reading list. These folks are real writers, and their stories are amazing, and funny, and touching, and inspirational. In no particular order… Enjoy.
The Big House by George Howe Colt – A story of multiple generations Summering in a huge family home on Cape Cod. The writing is gorgeous – you can feel the breezes and smell the salt air on every page.
The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan – Funny and touching, the story of a young wife and mother who is both diagnosed with breast cancer and facing the life-threatening illness of her father, her hero. The middle place is being stuck between being mother and daughter, between being adult and child, between taking care of your children and helping your parents.
The Longest Journey Home by John Grogan – The coming of age of a Catholic Boy in the midwest – how he makes good, and makes it home again although sometimes breaking his parents’ hearts in the process. About unconditional love, teaching values, and making one’s own way.
You Might As Well Laugh About It Now by Marie Osmond – A collection of stories that most inspired this blog. Marie is an inspiration for me for a lot of reasons, not the least of which is her ability to maintain a sense of humor and strong family ties in a busy, accomplished life.
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert – An amazing year in search of self and God while traveling the world, eating in Italy, praying in India, and loving in Bali. Deep and spritual and yet down-to-earth and funny.
A Walk on the Beach by Joan Anderson – Wonderful, inspiring book about Joan Anderson’s friendship with Joan Ericson, who taught her to trust herself, be herself, and reach out and treasure the world. Lyrical descriptions of walks on the beach. Inspiring message about finding your way in life.
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch – Subtitled “how to really reach your childhood dreams,” this is a true last lecture by an amazing computer science professor diagnosed with incurable pancreatic cancer. Funny, inspiring stories of how to get past the brick walls in life to achieve your desires. Also serves as inspiration for my professor-self – how to be an amazing teacher.
Leaving Church by Barbara Brown Taylor – An Episcopal priest leaves parish ministry to find her own path to God. Lessons about slowing down and taking stock, about making time and space for quiet with God.