The Greatest Autobiography Books Since 2018

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 759 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Genres

Autobiography

Autobiography is a literary genre that focuses on the life story of the author. It is a first-person account of the author's experiences, thoughts, and emotions, often including significant events and milestones that have shaped their life. Autobiographies can be written by anyone, from famous public figures to ordinary people, and can cover a wide range of topics, including personal growth, career achievements, struggles, and relationships. This genre provides readers with a unique insight into the author's life and perspective, making it a popular and engaging category of books.

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  1. 26. The Collected Schizophrenias by Esmé Weijun Wang

    Essays

    This compelling collection of essays offers a deeply personal and insightful exploration of living with schizoaffective disorder, a condition that straddles the realms of schizophrenia and mood disorders. Through a blend of memoir, cultural criticism, and scientific inquiry, the author navigates the complexities of mental illness, challenging societal perceptions and stigmas while delving into the nuances of diagnosis, treatment, and the impact on identity. The narrative is both raw and eloquent, providing a poignant reflection on the intersection of mental health, creativity, and resilience.

    The 12460th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  2. 27. The Golden Hour by Matthew Specktor

    A Story of Family and Power in Hollywood

    Matthew Specktor uses his childhood in a Hollywood household and his later work as a studio executive and screenwriter to trace how the American film industry changed over the past seventy‑five years. Mixing memoir and cultural history, he interweaves family stories with episodes involving agents, studio heads, artists, unions, and corporations to show how Hollywood shifted from a cultural center to a global business and how that shift intensified tensions between art, labor, and capital.

    The 12896th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  3. 28. How To Lose Your Mother by Molly Jong-Fast

    A Memoir

    Molly Jong‑Fast recounts growing up as the daughter of author Erica Jong, navigating a childhood shaped by public fame, emotional distance, and a complicated mother–daughter bond. Blending sharp humor and candid reflection, the memoir explores how that relationship influenced her identity and how she comes to terms with love, loss, and family.

    The 12917th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  4. 29. A Mind Of My Own by Kathy Burke

    Kathy Burke traces her journey from a childhood in Islington to discovering the Anna Scher Theatre and forging a career as an actress and writer. The memoir offers candid, often funny reflections on her life and the social and cultural forces that shaped her.

    The 12939th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  5. 30. The Tell by Amy Griffin

    Amy spent decades running—from her Texas childhood through athletic success and a busy adult life—while unknowingly carrying a secret. After a question from her daughter, she seeks to recover buried memories, turning to psychedelic-assisted therapy, the legal system, and a return to her roots. The story follows her search for truth, healing, and a more authentic life.

    The 13016th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  6. 31. Art Work by Sally Mann

    Art Work is Sally Mann’s reflective exploration of creativity and artistic practice. Using personal stories, photographs, journal entries, and letters, she offers candid lessons on work, risk-taking, rejection, luck, and the persistence required to make art, all delivered in a direct, personal voice.

    The 13104th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  7. 32. The Running Ground by Nicholas Thompson

    Nicholas Thompson traces how running has shaped his life—from a childhood mile shared with his father, through a medical scare and the grief after his father’s death, to an intense period of later-life training for the Chicago Marathon. Over seven years he transforms his body and outlook, using the discipline of distance running to explore ambition, aging, family relationships, and resilience.

    The 13116th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  8. 33. We Did Ok, Kid by Sir Anthony Hopkins

    The 13129th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  9. 34. Vagabond by Tim Curry

    Vagabond is Tim Curry’s memoir, tracing his journey from childhood and early stage experiences to a long career across theatre, film, television and voice work. He offers candid, behind-the-scenes stories about creating memorable characters, moving between stage and screen, and the personal moments that shaped his life and craft—presented in an engaging, spoiler-free recollection.

    The 13130th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  10. 35. Truly by Lionel Richie

    A candid memoir that traces the singer’s journey from a modest upbringing in Alabama through early success with a breakthrough band to a chart‑topping solo career, blending behind‑the‑scenes anecdotes about songwriting and touring with frank reflections on relationships, family, loss, and the pressures of fame, ultimately revealing the personal resilience and creative drive behind a celebrated musical life.

    The 13131st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  11. 36. Frankly by Nicola Sturgeon

    My Story

    Nicola Sturgeon traces her journey from a shy child in Ayrshire to Scotland’s first female and longest-serving First Minister, offering a personal, in-the-room account of her political life. She reflects on key events she experienced firsthand, including the creation of the Scottish Parliament, the SNP’s rise to government, the independence referendum, Brexit, and the Covid pandemic.

    The 13133rd Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. A Different Kind Of Power by Jacinda Ardern

    In this personal memoir, Jacinda Ardern recounts her path from a small New Zealand town to national leadership and describes how her values shaped a people‑centered, empathetic approach to governing. She reflects on leading through major national crises and on balancing public responsibilities with private life, offering practical insights into resilience, conviction, and compassionate leadership.

    The 13134th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  13. 38. Belonging by Nora Krug

    A German Reckons with History and Home

    The book is a graphic memoir that explores the author's journey to understand her family's history and her own identity as a German in the post-World War II era. Through a blend of illustrations, photographs, and narrative, the author delves into her family's past, uncovering stories of relatives who lived through the Nazi regime. As she grapples with the legacy of her heritage, she reflects on themes of guilt, memory, and the complex nature of belonging, ultimately seeking reconciliation with her country's troubled history and her place within it.

    The 13961st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  14. 39. Heart Berries by Terese Marie Mailhot

    A Memoir

    A raw, lyrical memoir that traces a woman’s struggle to reclaim her voice amid intergenerational trauma, mental illness, and the fraught realities of love, motherhood, and Indigenous identity. Through fragmented, intimate prose she recounts her painful childhood, abusive relationships, psychiatric hospitalization, and the ongoing work of healing while interrogating how history, colonization, and family shape selfhood. The narrative is both confessional and defiant, blending vulnerability and fierce intelligence to insist on the necessity of being seen and heard.

    The 14025th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  15. 40. Ordinary Girls by Jaquira Díaz

    Stories

    A raw, lyrical coming-of-age memoir that traces a young Puerto Rican girl’s turbulent upbringing in working-class neighborhoods marked by violence, addiction, and poverty, following her sexual awakenings, fraught family bonds, brushes with the foster system, and the slow, stubborn work of claiming identity and belonging; vivid scenes and reflective prose show how language, memory, trauma, and resilience shape her life and the fierce, fragile relationships that sustain her.

    The 14078th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  16. 41. Everything Happens For A Reason by Kate Bowler

    And Other Lies I've Loved

    This book is a poignant memoir that delves into the life of a young historian who faces an unexpected stage IV colon cancer diagnosis. As she navigates the complexities of her illness, she examines the prosperity gospel—a belief system that suggests that fortune is a divine reward for faith and righteousness—and its impact on her understanding of suffering, faith, and the human desire to find meaning in tragedy. Through her journey, she confronts the cliché that "everything happens for a reason," offering a raw and insightful exploration of the realities of facing death, the struggle to find hope, and the quest for understanding in the midst of the inexplicable. Her narrative is a powerful reflection on faith, love, and the human capacity to endure in the face of uncertainty.

    The 14833rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  17. 42. Me by Elton John

    In this candid autobiography, a legendary musician takes readers on a roller-coaster journey through his tumultuous and colorful life, from his early days as a shy piano prodigy to his rise to global stardom. He shares intimate details about his struggles with addiction, relationships, and his sexuality, as well as the highs and lows of his career. With a mix of humor and honesty, he reflects on his personal evolution, the friendships that shaped him, and the music that made him an icon. The memoir is a testament to resilience, the transformative power of music, and the artist's enduring legacy in the world of rock and pop.

    The 14986th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  18. 43. Spare by Prince Harry

    The book is a candid memoir by a British royal, offering an intimate glimpse into his life, struggles, and experiences growing up in the public eye. It delves into his personal journey, including the impact of his mother's tragic death, his military service, and his challenges with mental health. The narrative also explores his relationship with the media, his family dynamics, and his decision to step back from royal duties. Through this memoir, he seeks to share his truth and the lessons he has learned along the way.

    The 14986th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  19. 44. They Called Us Enemy by George Takei, Justin Eisinger, Steven Scott

    This poignant graphic memoir delves into the harrowing experiences of a young boy and his family during World War II, when they were forcibly relocated to internment camps in the United States due to their Japanese heritage. Through vivid illustrations and heartfelt narrative, the story explores themes of resilience, identity, and the enduring impact of prejudice. It offers a deeply personal perspective on a dark chapter in American history, highlighting the strength of family bonds and the enduring hope for justice and understanding.

    The 14986th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  20. 45. The Happiest Man On Earth by Eddie Jaku

    The Beautiful Life of an Auschwitz Survivor

    This poignant memoir recounts the life of a Holocaust survivor who, despite enduring unimaginable horrors, chooses to embrace life with gratitude and joy. Through his experiences in concentration camps and the loss of loved ones, he discovers the profound power of kindness, resilience, and the human spirit. His story is a testament to the enduring strength of hope and the belief that happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, offering readers a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion and the capacity for healing.

    The 14986th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  21. 46. The Ride Of A Lifetime by Robert Iger

    Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company

    This book offers an insightful look into the professional journey of one of the most successful CEOs in the entertainment industry, detailing his rise through the ranks to lead a major media conglomerate. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, the narrative delves into key leadership principles, the importance of innovation, and the necessity of integrity and fairness in business. The author shares behind-the-scenes stories of major acquisitions and transformations within the company, highlighting the challenges and triumphs encountered along the way. This memoir not only serves as a roadmap for aspiring leaders but also provides a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of the entertainment world.

    The 15570th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  22. 47. The Moment Of Lift by Melinda Gates

    How Empowering Women Changes the World

    This book is a compelling call to action for global gender equality, weaving together personal anecdotes, rigorous research, and powerful stories of women from around the world. The author, a philanthropist deeply involved in global development, shares her journey of understanding the critical role that empowering women plays in overcoming poverty and achieving societal growth. Through her experiences and the initiatives of her foundation, she highlights how issues such as access to contraceptives, education, and equal participation in the workforce are pivotal in lifting communities out of poverty. The narrative is both an eye-opening account of women's struggles and a hopeful testament to the transformative power of lifting women up.

    The 15570th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  23. 48. From The Ground Up by Howard Schultz

    A Journey to Reimagine the Promise of America

    This book is an inspiring memoir and a call to action by the visionary leader who transformed a small Seattle coffee shop into one of the world's most beloved companies. It details the author's journey from growing up in public housing to becoming the CEO of a global coffee empire, emphasizing the importance of compassion, responsibility, and ethics in business. Through personal stories and insights, the narrative explores the challenges of building a company with a conscience and the commitment to not only achieving profitability but also contributing positively to society. It's a testament to the power of dreaming big, the value of hard work, and the impact of thoughtful leadership.

    The 15570th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  24. 49. Prepared by Diane Tavenner

    What Kids Need for a Fulfilled Life

    This book offers a transformative approach to education, focusing on preparing students for the real world rather than just academic success. The author, drawing from her extensive experience in education, outlines a model that emphasizes life skills, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence alongside traditional learning. Through personal anecdotes, research, and practical advice, the book advocates for a system that equips students to handle the challenges of adulthood, pursue their passions, and achieve personal and professional fulfillment. It serves as a guide for parents, educators, and policymakers on how to support children in becoming independent, capable, and compassionate individuals.

    The 15570th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  25. 50. Play Nice But Win by Michael Dell

    A CEO's Journey from Founder to Leader

    This book offers an insider's perspective on the high-stakes world of technology and business, chronicling the journey of a visionary entrepreneur who transformed a small startup from his dorm room into a global powerhouse. Through a blend of personal memoir and business strategy, the narrative delves into the challenges and triumphs faced in the competitive tech landscape, emphasizing the importance of innovation, leadership, and strategic decision-making. The author shares candid insights and behind-the-scenes stories of battles fought both in and out of the boardroom, advocating for a balanced approach to competition that combines fierce determination with ethical conduct. It serves as both an inspirational roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs and a reflective look at the relentless pursuit of success in the ever-evolving tech industry.

    The 15619th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

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