Books Like...

In "Nobody Will Tell You This But Me," Bess Kalb beautifully captures the heartfelt and humorous conversations she had with her late grandmother, Bobby. Through emails, voicemails, and memories, the book delves into the close relationship between Bess and Bobby, showcasing the strong bond between four generations of women in their family. Bobby's candid and opinionated nature shines through in her guidance and love for Bess, creating a touching narrative that explores themes of family, love, and legacy.

'High Achiever: The Incredible True Story of One Addict's Double Life' by Tiffany Jenkins is a gripping memoir that delves into the author's harrowing journey through addiction and recovery. Jenkins candidly shares her experiences of living a double life, struggling with drug addiction while engaged to a police officer, which adds a layer of complexity and intrigue to her story. Readers are taken on an emotional rollercoaster as Jenkins recounts her past, highlighting the challenges she faced, the mistakes she made, and the strength she found within herself to overcome her struggles.

The writing style of 'High Achiever' is described as raw, real, and captivating. Tiffany Jenkins' storytelling is praised for its ability to draw readers in from the first sentence, making them feel like they are experiencing her journey alongside her. Through her honest and open narrative, Jenkins sheds light on the harsh realities of addiction, mental illness, and the power of resilience, leaving readers both inspired and deeply moved by her story.

Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese is a powerful and heartbreaking story that delves into the life of Saul Indian Horse, an Ojibway boy who was taken from his family and sent to a residential school in Canada. Despite the brutalities he faced, Saul finds solace in the game of hockey, using it as an escape from his traumatic past. The book beautifully captures Saul's journey of healing and self-discovery as he navigates through the challenges of racism, abuse, and addiction, ultimately finding strength in his cultural roots and community support. Wagamese's writing style is described as poignant and poetic, with vivid descriptions that evoke strong emotions in the readers.

Mikel Jollett recalls his horrifying childhood in his memoir, 'Hollywood Park,' where he details his surreal early years spent in a cult environment, his escape from it, and the challenges he faced including mental and physical cruelty, poverty, addiction, and mental illness. Jollett's journey from a traumatic childhood to finding success as a musician and writer is narrated with determination and fortitude, showcasing his resilience and ability to overcome personal struggles.

'Hollywood Park' by Mikel Jollett is a beautifully written memoir that delves into his life growing up in a cult, escaping it with his family, and navigating through addiction, abuse, and mental health challenges. The book transitions from his childhood to adulthood, chronicling his journey from a life born in a cult to achieving success in the music industry. Jollett's storytelling is infused with emotion, trauma, and ultimately, triumph, highlighting his resilience and ability to overcome great obstacles.

'The Bitter Taste of Dying: A Memoir' by Jason Smith provides a fascinating insight into the world of drug addiction through a raw and honest account of the author's personal journey. Readers found the writing style to be compelling, well-written, and captivating, making it difficult to put down. The memoir delves into the extraordinary lengths an addict will go to feed their addiction, shedding light on the struggles, despair, and eventual redemption experienced by the author.

'How We Fight For Our Lives' by Saeed Jones is a memoir that delves into the author's experiences growing up as a gay Black man in the South. Through a series of vignettes, Jones navigates themes of identity, belonging, grief, and love in America. The writing style in the book is described as breathtakingly gorgeous, with each story contributing to a larger narrative about race and queerness.

The memoir captures Jones' journey of coming to terms with his sexuality and race, exploring his relationships with his mother and grandmother, and reflecting on the challenges he faces as a young man. It is a poignant coming-of-age story that intricately weaves together personal experiences, societal issues, and emotional revelations, all while showcasing Jones' poetic writing style that is both evocative and honest.

'Know My Name' by Chanel Miller is a powerful memoir that chronicles her journey as a sexual assault survivor, her experience with the legal system, and her fight for justice. Through raw and sincere storytelling, Miller sheds light on the emotional distress and pain she endured, while also highlighting the flaws within society, the court system, and the treatment of victims of sexual assault. Her writing style is described as luminous, crystalline, and deeply impactful, providing readers with a gripping narrative that exposes the harsh realities of assault and the challenges faced by survivors.

In "Medicine Walk" by Richard Wagamese, the story follows Franklin Starlight, a young man who embarks on a journey into the British Columbia back country with his estranged and dying alcoholic father, Eldon. As they traverse the wilderness, Eldon shares the story of his life with Franklin, revealing deep-seated emotions of guilt, loss, and a search for belonging. The narrative unfolds over a few days, exploring themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the power of storytelling to heal past wounds and connect with one's heritage. Wagamese's writing style is praised for its vivid descriptions of the natural settings, heartfelt dialogue, and ability to convey the challenges faced by First Nations people without being preachy.

"The Inconvenient Indian: A Curious Account of Native People in North America" by Thomas King is a history book that provides a unique perspective on the treatment of indigenous people in North America by European settlers. The author blends memoir and history, exploring the impact of colonization on native cultures and the ongoing struggles faced by Native Americans today. King's engaging and entertaining writing style, infused with humor, helps shed light on the often grim subject matter, challenging readers to rethink their perceptions of Native Americans and their history.

The book covers a wide range of topics, including the history of native involvement in Hollywood, the portrayal of natives in film, the challenges faced by North American tribes in determining identity, and the injustices perpetuated by various governments since the 1600s. Through a conversational and witty narrative, King skillfully presents the complexities of Native White relationships, historical misfortunes, and the ongoing political strategies that have perpetuated racial inequities. Overall, "The Inconvenient Indian" offers a thought-provoking and eye-opening account of the struggles and resilience of Native peoples in North America.

Amy Liptrot's 'The Outrun' is a memoir chronicling her journey of recovery from alcohol addiction, starting with her descent into addiction in London and culminating in her return to the Orkney Islands where she finds healing and a new sense of self. The book weaves together her personal struggles with addiction, her rediscovery of the natural world in Orkney, and her reflections on life and identity, creating a poignant and honest narrative that explores themes of self-discovery and resilience.