Here you will find the list of the 12 best autobiographies of all time. All the books mentioned here are going to tell you some important life lessons and are as well inspirational.
Also, Bonus: for each book, we have written why we specifically liked that book and recommend it to you. And, all books have been arranged in alphabetical order. Because duh, they all are just awesome.
So now, let’s get started!!
#1 Agatha Cristie: An Autobiography – Agatha Cristie
About the Book
Title: Agatha Christie: An Autobiography
Author: Agatha Christie
Genre: Autobiography, Nonfiction, Mystery, history, memoir
Publisher: HarperCollins
Type: Standalone
Pages: 560
Goodreads ratings: 4/5
Agatha Cristie is a well-known mystery writer who has written several bestsellers of all time. We are all aware of her mystery books, but her own life had been quite a mystery until this book was published. Her grandson published this book after her death. From overcoming two world wars to ending two marriages- she recites it all. Some fans say this is her best story of all time. All of her life, beginning from her childhood until her death, is accounted in this book.
Why do we recommend this book?
Don’t you want to know what goes on in the mind of a crime storyteller? I obviously wanted to. It was good to know what was happening in the life of this bestselling author as her life was always kept private.
If you want to buy/gift, Agatha Cristie: An Autobiography by Agatha Cristie click on the link below: 👇
#2 Becoming – Michelle Obama
About the Book
Title: Becoming
Author: Michelle Obama
Genre: Autobiography, Memoir
Publisher: Crown (North America) & Viking Press (Commonwealth)
Type: Standalone
Pages: 488
Goodreads ratings: 4.5/5
Becoming is a personal memoir of the former first lady of the United States of America. As First Lady of the United States of America and the first African American to serve in that role, she helped to create the most welcoming and inclusive White House in history, while also establishing herself as a powerful advocate for women and girls in the U.S. and around the world, and standing with her husband as he led America through some of its most harrowing moments. It is as well about her story before becoming the first lady. Warm, wise, and revelatory, Becoming is the deeply personal reckoning of a woman of soul and substance who has steadily defied expectations—and whose story inspires us to do the same.
Why do we recommend this book?
Michelle tells us why it is important to be ourselves, stand by our thoughts and views, and not change them because of external factors. And also, what I liked was the books’ conversational tone. It feels as if she’s having a conversation with us.
If you want to buy/gift, Becoming by Michelle Obama click on the link below: 👇
#3 Dying to Be Me – Anita Moorjani
About the Book
Title: Dying to Be Me
Author:Anita Moorjani
Genre: Autobiography, health, physiology, memoir
Publisher: Hay House
Type: Standalone
Pages: 218
Goodreads ratings:4.1/5
Anita Moorjani has battled cancer for four years and has faced death as her organs started shutting down because of this disease. Having a near-death experience made her realize the actual cause of the disease. And as she realized this, she was able to heal herself to such an extent that there was not even a single trace of cancer in her body. Within these pages, Anita recounts stories of her childhood in Hong Kong, her challenge to establish her career and find true love, as well as how she eventually ended up in that hospital bed where she defied all medical knowledge. In Dying to Be Me, Anita freely shares all she has learned about illness, healing, fear, “being love,” and the true magnificence of every human being! ”We are all spiritual beings having a human experience… and that we are all one!” she says in the book.
Why do we recommend this book?
This book is slightly on the spiritual side. In this book, Anita has optimistically conveyed her thoughts and has had a positive outlook on life. Reading this made me feel lighter and much better. It provided me with this unexplainable peace while reading it for some unknown reason.
If you want to buy/gift, Dying to Be Me by Anita Moorjani click on the link below: 👇
#4 How to be a Bawse: A Guide to Conquering Life
About the Book
Title: How to Be a Bawse: A Guide to Conquering Life
Author: Lilly Singh
Genre: Autobiography, humor, biography, memoir
Publisher: Doubleday (Canada) Ballantine Books (US) Penguin Books (UK)
Type: Standalone
Pages: 315
Goodreads Rating: 3.96 / 5
Lilly Singh is a Canada-based YouTuber, Actor, Host, and Comedian. Her motto is ‘Hustled Harder’. That is what she is trying to convey through this book. She tells us how she pushed herself in the right way to get where she is. How she overcame the racism she faced for being brown, and how she started her own youtube channel and made it so successful in about a year. She says that there are no shortcuts to success, so don’t expect hopeful quotes and lucky charms because according to her, success needs to be fought for. “There are no escalators for success, only stairs. Get ready to climb.”
P.S.: This book is available on Kindle Unlimited. If you have subscribed to it, then you can read this book for free.
Why do we recommend this book?
This book doesn’t give you false hopes. It states straight facts which might be hard to swallow, but in the end, it’s the bitter truth. It shows you how to truly live a life you imagine and merely not survive it. This book is not just inspiring and serious, but being a comedian herself, Lilly has included humor in this book which balances the heaviness of the topics. So even if you are not a reader, you can pick up this book and get inspired.
If you want to buy/gift How to Be a Bawse: A Guide to Conquering Life, click on the link below: 👇
#5 I am Malala – Malala Yousafzai
About the Book
Title: I am Malala
Author:Malala Yousafzai
Genre: Autobiography, nonfiction, biography
Publisher: Little, Brown, and Company
Type: Standalone
Pages: 327
Goodreads ratings: 4.1/5
It is the story of a girl from Pakistan who stood up for herself and all the girls in Pakistan, believing that everyone deserves the right to education. And for standing up for herself, she was shot by the Taliban, who believed that girls don’t need education. That day, she was not expected to make it alive. But, she wanted to live just to show the Taliban what the real power of education is. This is the story of Malala Yousafzai, who did not back down even after being shot by her enemies.
Why do we recommend this book?
This is a highly inspirational book written by Malala herself. She received a Nobel prize for such bravery and strength. Malala always dreamt of an equal world and made efforts to achieve it. This book makes us realize how important it is to stand up for what you truly believe in despite what others say.
If you want to buy/gift I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai, click on the link below: 👇
#6 I Know Why the Caged Birds Sing – Maya Angelou
About the Book
Title: I Know Why the Caged Birds Sing
Author: Maya Angelou
Genre: Autobiography, nonfiction, memoir
Publisher: Bantam Books
Type: Standalone
Pages: 289
Goodreads ratings: 4.3/5
Maya Angelou is an American Writer and Poet. I Know Why The Caged Birds Sing is a book about the longing of lonely children. Since her childhood, she lived a life full of obstacles. Abandoned by her mother, attacked by a man a lot older than her at the age of 8, it has not been easy. However, years later, when she was an adult, she finally learned that loving herself, being kind to others, and expressing herself through writing are the things that will truly free her. Poetic and powerful, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings will touch hearts and change minds for as long as people read.
Why do we recommend this book?
This book is not only inspiring but is emotional, mysterious, happy, and memorable. It not only teaches you to love yourself but, as well, teaches you to love others around you and express yourself in the right way to make you feel lighter. This book is a wholesome one and definitely deserves a read.
If you want to buy/gift I Know Why the Caged Birds Sing by Maya Angelou, click on the link below: 👇
#7 Not Without My Daughter by Betty Mahmoody and William Hoffer
About the Book
Title: Not Without My Daughter
Author: Betty Mahmoody and William Hoffer
Genre: Non-fiction
Publisher: Transworld Publishers Ltd
Type: Standalone
Pages: 528
Goodreads Rating: 4 / 5
In August 1984, Michigan housewife, Betty Mahmoody, accompanies her husband to his native Iran for a two-week vacation. But then, that vacation turns into a permanent stay. To her horror, she finds herself and her four-year-old daughter, Mahtob, virtual prisoners of a man rededicated to his Shiite Moslem faith, in a land where women are near-slaves and Americans despised. Their only hope for escape lies in a dangerous underground that would not take her child. Not Without My Daughter is a biographical book by Betty Mahmoody detailing the escape of Betty and her daughter, Mahtob, from Betty’s abusive husband in Iran.
Why do we recommend this book?
I had read this book many years ago. But the story has just stayed with me. It is a very heart-touching story. If you want to read some dark true realities then, this is the book.
If you want to buy/gift Not Without My Daughter by Betty Mahmoody and William Hoffer, click on the link below: 👇
#8 The Anti-Cool Girl- Rosie Waterland
About the Book
Title: The Anti-Cool Girl
Author: Rosie Waterland
Genre: Autobiography, biography, memoir
Publisher: HarperCollins
Type: Standalone
Pages: 160
Goodreads ratings:4.1/5
Have you ever felt like you are not good enough? Well, Rosie Waterland always felt that way. Rosie was gifted with nothing but two addicted parents and a near-perfect sister, who she believed was far better than her. She had to see her father getting arrested and had to pull her mother out from killing herself. And if this was not enough, Rosie grew up in a rehab escaping drug dealers and her mother’s sketchy boyfriends. Luckily, soon enough, she realized that she is indeed blessed. And, realized the power of being herself instead of impersonating someone else. But before that, she had to go through eating disorders, mental health issues, nude acting roles, awkward tinder dates, and much more- just to get called the Anti-Cool girl. It is brutal, brave, hilarious – a full-frontal memoir about surviving the very worst that life can throw at you.
Why do we recommend this book?
This is an honest and extremely relevant book because who doesn’t feel out of place? And this is the very reason I would recommend this book to everyone, especially to the people who are having difficulty accepting themselves.
If you want to buy/gift, The Anti-Cool Girl by Rosie Waterland click on the link below: 👇
#10 The Diary of a Young girl – Anne Frank
About the Book
Title: The Diary of a Young girl
Author: Anne Frank
Genre: Autobiography, Biography, Jewish literature, History
Publisher: Contact Publishing
Type: Standalone
Pages: 361
Goodreads ratings: 4.2 /5
This is a story about a 13-year-old girl who likes to keep notes of her daily actions, emotions, happenings, etc. However, she is not a ‘normal’ teenager. She was born in a Jewish family in Germany when the Nazis had taken over Germany and killed all the Jews they could find. Her family and her Neighbours- the Franks moved into a hiding place called the ‘Secret Annexe’ where they faced hunger, boredom, threat, etc. so, this book contains her daily diary entries on their adventure in this Secret Annexe
Why do we recommend this book?
This book will make you realize that if you have the willpower, any problem in this world can be faced, even death. Anne Frank faces many hurdles but still finds a way to stay happy and content with what she has in the present. That is appreciable. This book is easy to read and understand, and not many difficult words and phrases are used. However, it is an emotional book, so be ready to have a good cry after reading this book.
P.S.: This book is available on Kindle Unlimited. If you have subscribed to it, then you can read this book for free.
If you want to buy/gift, The Diary of a Young girl by Anne Frank, click on the link below: 👇
#11 What We Talk Bout When We Talk About Rape
About the Book
Title: What We Talk Bout When We Talk About Rape
Author: Sohaila Abdulali
Genre: Autobiography, social issues, biography
Publisher: Myriad Editions
Pages: 265
Goodreads Rating: 4.41/ 5
For a woman, Rape is the worst crime she can face. Especially being a 17 year old. Sohaila Abdulali is a writer, counselor, social activist, and rape survivor. She was gang-raped 30 years ago. That’s right. 30 Years! A time when rape was not talked about openly, a time when there was no awareness about sexual assault, but she survived it. This is her story. A story where she doesn’t cry about her past incidents, instead, she teaches how to move on. Because what’s done is done. It can’t be undone. Moreover, it is not only her autobiography but an informative book on rape, its after-effects, the development of rape culture in India, and much more.
Why do we recommend this book?
Now, you must be thinking this book is only for rape survivors right? well.. maybe it is targeted towards them. But anyone can read this book. Anyone who is looking to move on from a past traumatic incident. This book is not only about surviving assault but moving on in life. I personally liked this book because it is well thought out and covers all the points relating to sexual assault and rape.
If you want to buy/gift, What We Talk Bout When We Talk About Rape, click on the link below: 👇
#12 Wings of Fire – A.P.J. Abdul Kalam & Arun Tiwari
About the Book
Title: Wings of Fire
Author: A.P.J. Abdul Kalam & Arun Tiwari
Genre: Autobiography, nonfiction, science, biography
Publisher: Universities Press
Type: Standalone
Pages: 180
Goodreads ratings: 4.2/5
As we all know, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam is one of the most renowned scientists in India. By now, a lot about his personal/professional life is well known. But, this book is a bit more detailed and written by the great scientist himself. He addresses his struggles, his rise from being nothing to following his passion and achieving everything he ever wanted. This is also a book about the development of technology in India that has significantly changed over the years. It is a book about science and as well as of politics, both domestic and international.
Why do we recommend this book?
The story of A.P.J. Abdul Kalam is truly inspiring. He did not have a background in science and, still, he strived in this field. His personal and professional struggles were not ordinary, and he still managed to rise. In this book, you will learn about India as much as you’ll learn about Abdul Kalam.
If you want to buy/gift, Wings of Fire by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam & Arun Tiwari click on the link below: 👇
P.S: Some books recommended here are available on Kindle Unlimited. If you have subscribed to it, then you can read these books for free. Check out this article: Is Kindle Unlimited Worth It?
SO, to conclude here are the 12 Best and most Inspiring Autobiographies ever:
| 1. | Agatha Cristie: An Autobiography by Agatha Cristie | Buy the Book |
| 2. | Becoming by Michelle Obama | Buy the Book |
| 3. | Dying to Be Me by Anita Moorjani | Buy the Book |
| 4. | How to Be a Bawse: A Guide to Conquering Life by Lilly Singh | Buy the Book |
| 5. | I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai | Buy the Book |
| 6. | I Know Why the Caged Birds Sing by Maya Angelou | Buy the Book |
| 7. | Not Without My Daughter by Betty Mahmoody | Buy the Book |
| 8. | The Anti-Cool Girl by Rosie Waterland | Buy the Book |
| 9. | The Diary of a Young girl by Anne Frank | Buy the Book |
| 10. | What We Talk Bout When We Talk About Rape by Sohaila Abdulali | Buy the Book |
| 11. | Wings of Fire by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam & Arun Tiwari | Buy the Book |
Read every book on this list of best autobiographies of all time. I am sure they won’t disappoint you.
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