Top 5 memoirs I read in 2021

As a big reader and a huge fan of the memoir genre, I wanted to put together a list of favorite memoirs that I read in 2021. These are not all new releases from the year but I consumed all of them this year. These are listed in alphabetical order because I couldn’t possibly rank these because I truly enjoyed them all so much.

Eat a Peach by David Chang

This was my first chef memoir and I loved it so much that it sent me on a journey of reading more and more books from chefs. I have never related to an author more than when David was talking about his workaholism. If you love reading about creative business journeys, food, and philosophy - you’ll love this one.

Group by Christie Tate

This book made me want to go to group therapy. Christie shares her journey through group therapy and a therapist with unique methods. This book really made me look at my relationships and interactions with the people around me and reminded me that slow progress over time can be monumental in the long run.

Men We Reaped by Jesmyn Ward

Jesmyn shares her story as it is intertwined with five young men in her life who each died too soon. This memoir opened my eyes to a multitude of things in the South that affected young Black men and led to early deaths. Her writing connected me deeply with each of the men in the stories told and Jesmyn’s emotions were palpable throughout the book.

Notes From a Young Black Chef by Kwame Onwuachi

I told you I read more books by chefs. I knew Kwame from Top Chef, which is one of my favorite television shows of all time. The way he shared his unique career journey from selling drugs to working in kitchens to opening restaurants was entertaining, interesting, and inspiring.

Stolen by Elizabeth Gilpin

WOW. This books is a MUST READ. I know I said I couldn’t pick a favorite but this one might be it. I had heard a minuscule amount of information on the Troubled Teen Industry prior to reading this book but this memoir was eye opening and mind blowing. The stories of what happened in wilderness programs and boarding schools around the country is disturbing. This was very much in line with memoirs I have read from survivors of cults. Elizabeth did a fantastic job sharing her story.

You can listen to my thoughts on this one on my book podcast - pish posh pages HERE

What was YOUR favorite memoir of the year?? Let me know in the comments!