Every book has a story to tell. But there’s something special about a memoir, don’t you think? Honestly, a good memoir is inspiring and intriguing. It takes you to a world or through a journey of someone sharing what they have gone through and learned to get to where they are.

In this article, I am excited to share some of my top-rated women’s memoirs with different experiences and lessons to take in.

I have put together a rich tapestry with memoirs that delve into women’s experiences from personal and identity struggles, friendship, political activism, professional triumphs, the power of art, grief, and more. Here is my list of six memoirs by women that have highly resonated with me.

What Are The Top Women's Memoirs From Recent Years?

From Princess To Porn Star, by Tasha Reign (2023) 

From Princess to Pornstar is a frank, heartfelt and vulnerable read that tells the story of Rachel Swimmer, professionally known as Tasha Reign.

Growing up, she was very privileged, but her family was messed up. She joined the adult entertainment world on her journey to forge her path, where she finally felt fulfilled. However, Tasha’s fairy tale began to fall apart after her father’s death. She was left with her evil stepmother, who also took charge of her father’s estate. This led to her disowning.

Here, Tasha talks about how she gave everything into her work to eventually become an erotic royal highness in a twisted journey.

This read will answer all the questions you may have regarding adult entertainment. I particularly loved how Reign addresses aspects surrounding a patriarchal industry, such as the misogyny and racism that pornography sustains and the empowering elements it offers.

Tasha talks about consent and feminism tensions that sex workers experience and I feel like this raw account will be great for helping these groups overcome the shame that may keep them from living to their fullest. It is also a reminder that we do not have to judge others based on their choices. If you don’t like anything, you don’t have to engage.

Tasha with her baby reading From Princess To Porn Star

Oath and Honor, by Liz Cheney (2023)

This book will highly appeal to you if you are a political enthusiast at large, but more specifically, if you are interested in how America is run.

Through this book, Liz excellently drives the agenda that philosophies are essential in politics, but the Constitution will always remain the most important. Upon its violation, a nation can lose a lot; in this case, America has lost its democracy.

Liz details what happened on the January 6, 2021, insurrection and discusses the subsequent events that still haunt America. She accounts for how the Republican party supported Trump despite the fact that he was a key player in the insurrection.

Upon reading this book, I thought of how brave Liz must have been to put it out there. It is candid, and Liz backs up her discussions with reference recommendations.

This book is an excellent addition and a reminder to Americans about how fortunate they are to have people like Liz ready to set things right. Even if you are not American, this book will be an eye-opener and a pushing tool to propel you to stand for what you believe in as long as it is right, with brevity.

America and the world truly need more people like Liz. Her honesty in depicting what happened is admirable, and as America gets ready to vote, there are valuable lessons and considerations to be made. As Liz says, there are still many risks Americans face.

Two things will stand out as you read this book: Cheney’s commitment and knowledge of the US Constitution and the value she puts on HONOR.

American Negra, by Natasha S. Alford (2024)

Natasha has been a media executive driven by her innate power to tell inspiring and transformative stories. In this searing memoir debut, she candidly and excellently examines what being Black and Latina in Puerto Rico and New York meant for her.

When she joined Harvard University, she fought for a lot more than just her ethnic identity. She battled imposter syndrome, an appalling diagnosis, while still struggling to define success in her way.

Her visit abroad altered her Afro-Latinidad perspective, setting her on a journey to understand her roots. Eventually, she found her authentic voice and became a big name in the journalism world.

This memoir is for you if you yearn to understand intersectionality intricacies for inspiration. It is heartening and gives you an instructive portrait of Natasha’s search for identity.

Like her journalistic style, Natasha’s writing is highly engaging, making this account highly sentimental.  This is an eye-opener in many ways and a distinct picture showing how different we and the world are, primarily due to our identities and experiences.

Reading about how Natasha navigated her multiple identities encouraged me to do much more to find my power and prioritise my well-being and dreams. I must say that I am ready for more of Natasha’s work, and I really hope more will come from her.

Grief Is for People, by Sloane Crosley (2024)

Grief is for People is a wholly original but also heartbreaking memoir that captures Sloane’s experience following her friend’s death; Russell, who had worked with Sloane for a considerable time, committed suicide during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following his death, Sloane went on a quest to discover what family and possession mean and to right what may have seemed ‘unrightable’ in the wake of the pandemic. Russel died a month after Sloane was robbed.

I enjoyed this grief memoir and must praise Sloane for keeping the topic bearable with wit and funny moments. I have known Sloane to be a commentator of contemporary behaviour, and seeing her attest to her pain publicly is highly commendable.

This book is for you if you are going through grief and trying to figure out how to live without someone dear to you. It is an essential tribute to ended and unsung relationships but also a provocation about the rage, secrets, and the community we keep.

Sloane talks about three significant losses but excellently unifies them with sparkling prose, honesty, and commitment. This book is a reminder that we must never take those close to us for granted. There may be no medicine for loss, but it will be a close companion for your grieving journey.

Beautiful People, by Melissa Blake (2024)

This memoir is empowering and an eye-opener about disabled people. In 2019, Melissa was trolled for her disability, driving her to write this book and, as she says, to make a statement to society. Melissa aimed to address how we view disability and the toxicity we spread around for ridiculous beauty standards. She wanted to push back the insults and the ableist narrative.

I love how Melissa candidly talks about her disability and how society tries so hard to render those with disabilities invisible. All of this happens knowingly and unknowingly, but the fact is that it leaves a mark. I enjoyed the compilation of stories from some of America’s disability rights movement heroes and Melissa’s highlights of other disabled influencers and activists.

This book could be beneficial for those who champion disability rights or individuals who have different abilities. I consider Melissa a hero for her willingness to talk about her experiences and give practical insights about disability.

This read made me gain an appreciation for creating more accessible environments. I also gained insight that language matters and that a lot of the well-meaning engagements some of us have with disabled individuals are immensely condescending.

Legitimate Kid, by Aida Rodriguez (2023)

 Legitimate Kid is a book that feeds your soul. You will feel Aida on every page, laugh, and even possibly cry as you flip the pages. I highly recommend this book if you have been struggling to open your life to yourself or others. It is an assurance and a validation that our experiences can be substantial lessons even for those we do not know.

Aida lived a twisty life. Her mother kidnapped her as a child first, then her grandmother and uncle kidnapped her again to Florida. She got herself into a difficult marriage and became homeless, but through it all, she kept her sense of humor.

In this debut memoir, she tells her story about overcoming hardship and birthing laughter from pain and tragedy.

I knew Aida as an insightful stand-up comedian, but I had no idea how her power and vulnerability to tell a story would resonate with me. This is just one of the simple reasons I loved this memoir. The way she narrates her journey to the stage she is at now felt like a reflection of my struggles and a reminder to embrace who I am wholly.

I loved Aida, but I am sure my love for her has deepened. If you do not know her, grab this read and meet a friend you will want to know more about. At its core, this book teaches us about what makes us legitimate.

Final Thoughts on Women’s Memoirs

These memoirs are not only powerful reflections on life. They are universal lessons on resilience, the human condition, and identity. They are standing testaments to the power of storytelling and the endurance of the female spirit. As you discover these stories, you will understand the authors further and be inspired to cruise through life authentically and courageously.

If you are into real life stories, check out our favorite memoirs.

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