8 Memoirs To Read If You’re Looking For Inspiration This Holiday Season

It's the most wonderful time the year...to read an inspirational memoir! From a collection of tips and tricks from authors in The Magic of Memoir to learning how to be comfortable in your own skin in LaToya's Life, these 8 memoir will will leave you feeling inspired and ready to take on the winter months and new year ahead.

1. The Magic of Memoir: Inspiration for the Writing Journey by Linda Joy Myers PhD and Brooke Warner

Editors Linda Joy Myers and Brooke Warner have coached hundreds of writers to finish their memoirs. This new motivational read features a collection of writing stories, tips and tricks from 38 different writers. The Magic of Memoir is the perfect companion for anyone who’s looking for inspiration in his or her writing life.

2. Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance by Simone Biles with Michelle Burford

Her performances at the 2016 Rio Olympics earned her 4 gold medals and now Simone Biles is a name known around the globe. In Courage to Soar, Simone documents the years of training, courage and perseverance it took to get to the Olympics and achieve her dreams. Filled with passion, heart and inspiration, Simone’s story will stay with readers long after they’ve finished reading.

3. Settle For More by Megyn Kelly

Courage plus common sense makes Megyn Kelly one of the most respected journalists on both sides of the political spectrum. In Settle For More, Kelly focuses on the values and experiences that have shaped her into the woman, journalist and mom she is today. From her father’s tragic death while she was in high school to leaving a successful legal career to be a journalist, Kelly’s settle for more mantra will have readers inspired to reach for their goals.

4. Pressure Makes Diamonds: Becoming the Woman I Pretended to Be by Valerie Graves

The road to being as one of the most successful advertising executives in the country was not an easy one for Valerie Graves. As an African-American woman trying to “be somebody” in the 60’s and 70’s, she faced criticism and discrimination on the path to success. In her new memoir, Graves shares her stories of struggle but the inspirations and hope that kept her going. Readers will see a new side to the advertising mogul and learn that nothing is impossible.

5. Jo Malone: My Story by Jo Malone

Jo Malone has long been known in the fragrance and beauty industry from her successful fragrances and scented candle business. From humble beginnings, Jo began her business in her kitchen in 1983 and soon opened her first store in London. Beauty giant Estée Lauder Companies bought her brand in only a few years later. Jo recently started a new brand Jo Loves, igniting excitement all over the world. As a sufferer of dyslexia and a breast cancer survivor, Malone knows the road to success is not easy but her inspirational words will make it more enjoyable.

6. Scrappy Little Nobody by Anna Kendrick

Before becoming the Academy Award-nominated actress we know from films such as Pitch Perfect, Up In the Air and Twilight, Anna Kendrick was just a kid trying to make it big. In Scrappy Little Nobody, Kendrick tells about her path to stardom, which may have included balancing middle school and starring on Broadway at the same time. In her familiar amusing voice she shares the good, the bad, the hilarious and even the inspirational moments that have paved her way.

7. LaToya's Life: Uncut Mishaps of a YouTube Star by LaToya Ali

LaToya Ali has been entertaining people since 2009 with her vlog on YouTube. Latoya shares her thoughts, funny stories and inspiration weekly in her videos, but her new memoir takes it a step further. In LaToya’s Life she looks back on the path to Internet fame, beginning at self-conscious and friendless to being confident and proud, Latoya’s story will touch readers everywhere.

8. Defiant: A Broken Body Is Not a Broken Person by Janine Shepherd

Janine Shepherd’s dreams of skiing in the Olympics were cut short by a tragic accident. She spent 6 months in the hospital strengthening her damaged body and overcoming the odds. Along with teaching herself how to walk again, she soon became a certified pilot and an aerobics instructor. But she experienced pain again when she was hit with a divorce, home loss and financial ruin. Janine began to reinvent herself as she once did after her accident. In Defiant she shares what made her strong and how anyone has the capability to be their own hero.