Books matching: raw and honest memoir
57 result(s)
Loud in the House of Myself: Memoir of a Strange Girl by Stacy Pershall is a raw and honest memoir that delves into the author's struggles with mental illness, including anorexia, bulimia, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder. The book follows Pershall's journey from her early childhood in Arkansas to her adulthood, portraying her battles with self-loathing, despair, mania, and depression. Through vivid storytelling and introspection, Pershall shares her experiences of being misdiagnosed, her relationships, her therapy sessions, and her quest for self-acceptance.
Pershall's writing style is described as open, honest, and unflinchingly authentic. She shares her story with raw emotion and insight, providing a deep look into the thought processes and struggles associated with mental disorders. The book also touches on themes of love, self-acceptance, authenticity, and the complexities of mental health, offering a compelling narrative that resonates with readers.
In first grade, I won a dead frozen rabbit at school for making up the best poem for my teacher’s husband’s frozen foods packing company, Pel-Freez, up on Zero Mountain, where everybody says the Satan...'Something Fierce: Memoirs of a Revolutionary Daughter' by Carmen Aguirre is a gripping memoir that provides a unique perspective on South American politics, particularly during the 80s. It portrays the life of a child affected by political strife, offering new insights into a world that many readers may not have had much knowledge about. The author's storytelling is informative, providing details that textbooks cannot offer, while also incorporating the perspectives of other characters, such as her grandma and younger sister, which enhances the narrative.
Carmen Aguirre's writing style is captivating and engrossing, carrying the reader through the tumultuous landscape of South America during a challenging period. delves into Aguirre's personal experiences growing up in the Chilean resistance after the Pinochet coup, offering a raw and honest account that is both political and deeply personal. Readers are drawn into Aguirre's world, gaining a better understanding of the historical events and personal struggles that shaped her life.
AS MY MOTHER bit into her Big Mac, her glasses caught the reflection of a purple neon light somewhere behind me. Barry White’s “Love’s Theme,” my favourite song, blasted from the loudspeaker. Mami loo...- #3
Save:'Cool for You' by Eileen Myles is a memoir that captivates readers with its raw and honest portrayal of the author's life. The book delves into Myles' memories, jumping back and forth in time like snapshots, providing a fresh and effective style of storytelling. The writing style is described as flat-footed, precarious, lyrical, and epigrammatic, stemming from Myles' decades of experience in verse-making. The book offers a tough and honest view into Myles' life, sharing memories of sexual experiences, horrible jobs, and family life without artifice or regard for chronology.
Myles' memoir also explores themes of displacement, class struggles, and identity, painting vivid scenes of her Catholic school experiences and working in challenging environments. The author refuses to codify her various descriptors - Irish Catholic, working class, lesbian, alcoholic - into identities, yet illuminates them beautifully in her narrative. Through Myles' storytelling and philosophizing, readers are taken on a journey that is both heartbreaking and insightful, providing a unique perspective on the complexities of life and memory.
I’ve made up a myth in my life that any time you push yourself through something uncomfortable, say a snowstorm and you don’t have boots on, then you will get the job, because you have been so doggedl... 'Does the Noise in My Head Bother You?' by Steven Tyler is a raw and honest rock 'n' roll memoir that delves into the life of the Aerosmith lead singer. The book takes readers on a journey through Tyler's childhood, personal life, the making of Aerosmith, his relationships with band members, his struggles with addiction, and his songwriting process. Tyler's writing style is described as big, flashy, and unapologetic, providing readers with a personal and intimate look into the real Steven Tyler behind the rockstar persona.
The memoir is filled with vivid details, anecdotes, and personal insights, allowing readers to experience a mix of entertainment, sadness, silliness, and poignancy. Tyler's storytelling is nonlinear and sometimes meandering, offering a unique perspective on his life experiences. Despite occasional tangents and lack of structure, readers appreciate the personal touch in Tyler's writing, finding it more relatable and engaging than a traditional autobiography.
“You gotta learn how to read ’em yourself,” she said. Up until then I’d been reading along with her as she pointed to the words. We did this for months until she knew I kinda had the idea, then sudden...- #5
Save:Prozac Nation by Elizabeth Wurtzel is a memoir that delves into the author's struggle with depression, offering a raw and honest account of her battle with mental illness. Wurtzel narrates her experiences with atypical depression, detailing her personal journey from childhood through her time at Harvard, and her eventual reliance on Prozac to manage her condition. The writing style is described as poetic and beautifully capturing the complexities of depression, providing readers with an intimate look into the author's inner turmoil and emotional struggles.
I start to get the feeling that something is really wrong. Like all the drugs put together—the lithium, the Prozac, the desipramine, and Desyrel that I take to sleep at night—can no longer combat what... - #6
Save:'Chickenhawk' by Robert Mason is a memoir that provides an intense and honest account of the author's experiences as a UH-1 Iroquois helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War. The book details Mason's journey from enlistment, flight training, deployment, combat missions in Vietnam, and the challenges he faced upon returning home. The narrative captures the fear, belligerence, quiet insights, friendships, and madness experienced by Mason during his time in the war and his struggles with PTSD and readjustment to civilian life.
The experimental division authorized to try out [the air assault] concept is stirring up the biggest inter-service controversy in years. There are some doubts about how practical such a helicopter-bor... - #7
Save:'Dharma Punx' by Noah Levine is a memoir that delves into the author's journey of overcoming self-destructive behavior through the teachings of Dharma and Buddhism. The book provides a raw and honest account of Levine's past struggles with addiction and his transformation towards a more centered and sober life. Through his writing, Levine introduces readers to the Buddhist approach to recovery and highlights the power of Buddha's teachings in navigating modern-day challenges. Despite some criticisms of being self-indulgent and ego-driven, the book resonates with individuals seeking a different path to sobriety and spiritual growth.
The narrative of 'Dharma Punx' captures the author's experiences in the punk rock scene, intertwining themes of addiction, self-discovery, and spiritual awakening. Levine's writing style, although criticized for being heavy on profanity and lacking emotional depth, manages to engage readers by providing a relatable account of his struggles and triumphs. The book serves as an inspirational read for those looking to explore alternative methods of recovery and find solace in the teachings of Buddhism.
Waking up in a padded cell, my head bruised and bloody, I scream with rage at an unknown assailant. My wrists are raw and tender from the previous evening’s suicide attempt. The padded walls and cushi... - #8
Save:'My Childhood' by Maxim Gorky is a poignant memoir that delves into the brutal and impoverished upbringing of the author in late 19th-century Russia. Gorky vividly portrays the harsh realities of his childhood, including the violence, poverty, and suffering that shaped his early life. Through his candid storytelling, he offers a window into the struggles and resilience of the Russian people during that era. The narrative is a blend of hard realism, heartfelt compassion, and rich Russian folklore, providing a raw and honest portrayal of the societal challenges faced by the have-nots in a divided society.
Gorky's writing style in 'My Childhood' is described as eloquent, poetic, and deeply moving. He intricately weaves together descriptions of the brutality and beauty of Russian village life, showcasing his keen observation and emotional depth. The memoir is praised for its nuanced character depictions, vivid imagery, and the author's ability to capture the essence of his experiences as a child navigating a world filled with hardships and moments of unexpected kindness.
IN a narrow, darkened room, my father, dressed in a white and unusually long garment, lay on the floor under the window. The toes of his bare feet were curiously extended, and the fingers of the still... - #9
Save:'Half a Life' by Jill Ciment is a memoir that delves into the author's tumultuous childhood growing up in a dysfunctional family in the San Fernando Valley during the 1960s and 1970s. The book portrays a raw and honest depiction of poverty, familial struggles, and the author's journey of self-discovery amidst challenging circumstances. Ciment's writing style is described as clear, honest, and humorous, offering a poignant narrative of her coming of age and the impact of her family dynamics on her life choices.
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Save:'The Weight of Air: A Story of the Lies about Addiction and the Truth about Recovery' by David Poses is a raw and honest memoir that delves into the author's personal journey through addiction and recovery. Poses shares his struggles with drug addiction, his experiences with sobriety, and the impact of addiction on his relationships. The writing style is described as thoughtfully written, invoking compassion for those suffering with addiction, and easy to read like a casual conversation. The author's storytelling is compelling, drawing readers in with his humor, passion, and realness.
It made perfect sense yesterday. I’d kick here at Mom’s house while she was in Florida. No distractions. No one around. Rob would have my car so I couldn’t leave. This would be different, not like the...
