Meet New Books
Meet New Books

Books Like...

Angela's Ashes - Frank McCourt by Frank McCourt
Angela's Ashes
Book 1 in the series:Frank McCourt

Angela's Ashes is a powerful memoir by Frank McCourt that delves into his childhood growing up in poverty in Limerick, Ireland. The book vividly portrays the struggles faced by the McCourt family, including extreme poverty, alcoholism, and loss of siblings. Despite the bleak circumstances, McCourt's writing style combines humor with tragedy, offering a poignant and emotional account of his upbringing.

The narrative follows Frank McCourt from his boyhood to his late teens, chronicling the hardships and adversities he faced while highlighting moments of resilience and hope. Through McCourt's honest and raw storytelling, readers are immersed in the bleak yet sometimes hopeful world of a poverty-stricken Irish family, offering a unique perspective on survival, family dynamics, and the impact of poverty on childhood.

If you liked Angela's Ashes, here are the top 100 books to read next:

Page 1
Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
    Save:

    The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls is a memoir that delves into Walls' tumultuous childhood growing up in poverty with two unstable and neglectful parents. Walls details astounding anecdotes of her unconventional upbringing, showcasing a family that lived an offbeat, nonconformist lifestyle. The book portrays the struggles of the author and her siblings as they navigate through a challenging and unusual childhood, fending for themselves and raising each other while their parents prioritize their own desires over responsibilities.

    Walls' writing style is described as compelling, emotional, and honest, drawing readers into her story with vivid descriptions and a witty voice. The book offers a window into a world that many readers may never experience, shedding light on themes of resilience, forgiveness, and love in the face of adversity. The narrative unfolds through a series of shocking and heart-wrenching events, leaving readers both saddened and inspired by the author's journey from a difficult past to an uncertain future.

    I WAS SITTING IN a taxi, wondering if I had overdressed for the evening, when I looked out the window and saw Mom rooting through a Dumpster. It was just after dark. A blustery March wind whipped the ...

  2. #2

    Fat Girl: A True Story by Judith Moore
    Save:

    In "Fat Girl: A True Story" by Judith Moore, readers are taken on a journey through the author's brutally honest and painful childhood, marked by abuse, neglect, and self-loathing. The narrative delves into the author's struggles with obesity, stemming from a deep-seated need for love that was unfulfilled, leading to a complex relationship with food. Moore's writing style is described as haunting, compelling, and deeply emotional, drawing readers in with vivid imagery and poignant storytelling.

    The book sheds light on the impact of a dysfunctional family dynamic, showcasing the author's battle with her weight, body image, and the societal pressures of beauty standards. Moore's memoir offers a raw and unfiltered look into her experiences, from enduring cruel taunts as a child to navigating the complexities of self-acceptance and love as an adult, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read for those seeking insight into the struggles of living as an overweight woman.


  3. #3

    Educated by Tara Westover
    Save:

    Educated by Tara Westover is a memoir recounting the author's tumultuous childhood growing up in Idaho in a dysfunctional family. Tara's father, a strict Mormon and anti-government supporter, forbids her from attending school, leading her to work in the family's scrap yard instead. Despite the isolation and abuse she faces at home, Tara eventually breaks free and pursues education, earning scholarships and grants to study at prestigious universities like Cambridge and Harvard. The book delves into themes of familial dysfunction, survivalism, mental illness, and the transformative power of education.

    My strongest memory is not a memory. It’s something I imagined, then came to remember as if it had happened. The memory was formed when I was five, just before I turned six, from a story my father tol...

  4. Trevor Noah's memoir, "Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood," offers a unique perspective on growing up during and after apartheid in South Africa. Through a series of vignettes, Noah intertwines seemingly unrelated stories to illuminate the forces that shaped his childhood. The book delves into the complexities of race and culture in South Africa, providing insights into the author's upbringing, his family dynamics, and the societal norms that influenced his life.

    Sometimes in big Hollywood movies they’ll have these crazy chase scenes where somebody jumps or gets thrown from a moving car. The person hits the ground and rolls for a bit. Then they come to a stop ...

  5. #5

    Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali
    Save:

    'Infidel' by Ayaan Hirsi Ali is a powerful autobiography that chronicles the extraordinary life journey of the author from her childhood in Somalia to her escape from an arranged marriage, seeking asylum in Holland, and eventually becoming a member of Parliament. Through her candid storytelling, readers are exposed to the harsh realities of growing up in a Muslim culture full of religious traditions, her struggle for survival, and her unwavering determination to expose Islam for its treatment of women. The book not only delves into Ali's personal experiences but also sheds light on broader issues of human rights, religious fundamentalism, and immigrant integration.

    The writing style of 'Infidel' is captivating and thought-provoking, drawing readers into Ayaan Hirsi Ali's journey of self-discovery and advocacy for women's rights. The narrative flows seamlessly from her childhood in various countries to her transformation into a fearless activist who challenges the oppressive practices of Islam. Through her words, readers are taken on a harrowing yet inspiring exploration of resilience, courage, and the pursuit of freedom in the face of adversity.

    I am sitting with my grandmother on a grass mat under the talal tree. Behind us is our house, and the branches of the talal tree are all that shields us from the sun blazing down on the white sand. “G...

  6. #6

    I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
    Save:

    Jennette McCurdy's memoir, 'I'm Glad My Mom Died', delves into her harrowing experiences with childhood abuse, manipulation, and the struggles of being a child star. The writing is described as straightforward and brutally honest, not shying away from the darker aspects of her life. Readers are taken on an emotional journey through Jennette's traumatic past, from her mother's abusive behavior to her battle with an eating disorder, all while navigating the complexities of fame and Hollywood.

    The book is praised for its candid and vivid descriptions of Jennette's life, showcasing her resilience and courage in sharing her story with the world. Readers are left with a deep understanding of the challenges she faced growing up in the shadow of a narcissistic parent and the toll that child stardom took on her mental and emotional well-being.

    THE PRESENT IN FRONT OF me is wrapped in Christmas paper even though it’s the end of June. We have so much paper left over from the holidays because Grandpa got the dozen-roll set from Sam’s Club even...

  7. #7

    Red Scarf Girl by Ji-li Jiang
    Save:

    'Red Scarf Girl' by Ji-li Jiang is a memoir that chronicles the life of a young girl, Ji Li, during the Cultural Revolution in China. Ji Li starts off as an enthusiastic supporter of Mao's ideas but soon realizes the harsh realities of the revolution as her family is targeted due to their class status. The book portrays Ji Li's struggles with her loyalty to her family and the pressure to conform to the government's ideology, ultimately leading to difficult choices and sacrifices. The writing style is engaging and simple, effectively conveying the confusion, fear, and emotional turmoil experienced by a child living under a dictatorship.

    Chairman Mao, our beloved leader, smiled down at us from his place above the blackboard. The sounds and smells of the tantalizing May afternoon drifted in through the window. The sweet breeze carried ...

  8. #8

    All Over But the Shoutin' by Rick Bragg
    Save:

    'All Over But the Shoutin'' by Rick Bragg is a memoir that delves into the author's childhood memories and his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful writer. The book narrates the story of overcoming obstacles, reaching goals against all odds, and the deep devotion of a boy to his mother. Bragg writes with style, wit, and compassion, offering a heartfelt account of growing up poor in the South and the impact of familial relationships on his life.

    The narrative captures the struggles of poverty, dysfunctional family dynamics, and the author's rise to becoming a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist. Bragg's writing style is described as powerful, evocative, and emotionally generous, with a focus on authenticity and storytelling. The book resonates with readers through its poignant depiction of courage, adversity, and the unconditional love of a mother, making it a compelling and touching read.

    I used to stand amazed and watch the redbirds fight. They would flash and flutter like scraps of burning rags through a sky unbelievably blue, swirling, soaring, plummeting. On the ground they were a ...

  9. #9

    Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
    Save:

    'Crying in H Mart' by Michelle Zauner is a poignant memoir that delves into the author's journey through grief and self-discovery following her mother's battle with cancer. Through heartfelt storytelling and rich descriptions of food and Korean heritage, Zauner navigates the complexities of familial relationships, cultural identity, and the profound impact of loss. The book beautifully captures the author's emotional turmoil, personal growth, and the enduring bond between a mother and daughter, making it a compelling and moving read for those seeking a deeper understanding of love, grief, and the power of memory.

    H Mart is a supermarket chain that specializes in Asian food. The H stands for han ah reum, a Korean phrase that roughly translates to “one arm full of groceries.” H Mart is where parachute kids flock...

  10. #10

    Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart
    Save:

    Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart is a heart-wrenching novel set in the impoverished neighborhoods of Glasgow in the 1980s. The story follows young Shuggie as he navigates life with his alcoholic mother, Agnes, and his dysfunctional family. The book delves into themes of addiction, poverty, courage, and love, painting a vivid and raw portrait of life in the slums of Glasgow. Through Stuart's poignant writing, readers are taken on a journey filled with despair, hope, and the unwavering love between a son and his troubled mother.

    The day was flat. That morning his mind had abandoned him and left his body wandering down below. The empty body went listlessly through its routine, pale and vacant-eyed under the fluorescent strip l...

Page 1 of 10Next Page