Here Are 8 Memoirs That People Couldn't Stop Raving About

As recommended by BuzzFeed Book Club members.

Last month, we asked BuzzFeed Book Club members to share memoirs they love in honor of our October selection The World According to Fannie Davis: My Mother's Life in the Detroit Numbers by Bridgett M. Davis. Here are the books that people were most passionate about:

1. The Valedictorian of Being Dead by Heather Armstrong

Gallery

"About two hours into reading this book, I tasted my tears as they poured down down my cheeks and it startled me. I had no idea that this book was so much more than a story about treatment-resistant depression. This is a really, really long love letter that Heather B. Armstrong writes not only to her mother, her two daughters, and her doctors, but also to herself. I did not put this book down, I could not put this book down. If you have ever loved someone who suffers from depression and want to catch a glimpse of their lives, you must read this book." — A. Kutter, Amazon

Find it at Amazon for $13.80.

2. Mo' Meta Blues by Questlove and Ben Greenman

Grand Central Publishing

"I'm so glad I picked up Quest's memoir. This was truly an insightful book that offered a look at his work within our world, interwove with music and hip-hop. I loved many things about it, including the structure; it was different. His book was about music, but so much more. I enjoyed reading about his creative journeys — success, failure, success, failure, success...the never-ending cycle of highs and lows, the intricate relationships, the everything." — K.L. Brady, Amazon

Find it at Amazon for $10.11.

3. Love Thy Neighbor by Ayaz Virji

Convergent Books

"This amazing book should be required reading. The author attacks all the hateful myths that are spread about Islam. A well-written true account of a Minnesota small town doctor and the trials he faced after the 2016 election. Once you start reading, you won’t put this book down until you’ve finished." — Bob, Amazon

Find it at Amazon for $16.99.

4. Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes

Simon & Schuster

"I loved this book. Not only does Shonda Rhimes talk about the introvert struggle, but she also allows the reader to follow her as she pushes outside of her comfort zone. Living in a world of our own creation limited only by our imagination is great, but Shonda teaches us that the world outside can provide you with the unexpected, which you cannot get in your own mind. This is an introvert must-read." — Julia, Amazon

Find it at Amazon for $12.79.

5. How to American by Jimmy O. Yang

Hachette Books

"I really enjoyed this. Jimmy's story is relatable to a lot of modern first-gen Asian immigrants trying to find their way in Western society, without leaving their home culture behind. Even more important than the story are the insights he shares with it, and arguably the most important ones come from the point where he thinks he's 'made it.'" — Jason G, Amazon

Find it at Amazon for $13.39.

6. I Was Told There'd Be Cake by Sloane Crosley

Riverhead

"This is one of my favorite books. I had never really been into short stories or essays before I picked up this book at a friend's house, read the first chapter, and had to get it for myself. It is a very funny, insightful, and very well-written book.

There is a nice balance of humor and vulnerability from the author." — Sam, Amazon

Find it at Amazon for $9.48.

7. Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt

Scribner

"This is literally MY FAVORITE BOOK OF ALL TIME! The story is heartbreaking but the way it's told is HILARIOUS!!! I couldn't put the book down! I would read it on the train everyday, literally laughing out loud, and I'm sure people would wonder what the hell is wrong with me. His sense of humor is over the top. I've never read a story this sad, yet so funny. Reading this book brought me so close to McCourt even though I never met him. I could relate to so many anecdotes he told, even though I grew up in a totally different country. This book is written in such a beautiful way with such a free, powerful voice." — Sokhna, Amazon

Find it at Amazon for $10.60.

8. Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson

Flatiron Books

"I laughed my ass off throughout this entire book, loving and totally relating to Jenny's twisted humor and eccentric adventures that no one could possibly make up! I also related in countless ways to her struggles with depression, severe sleep deprivation, inner criticism, fear of judgement, and being lost or found (or even both). Battling physical illness, chronic pain, and loneliness, yet wanting to hide so you can be alone. I want this book available to me when I need to laugh about bizarre things in life, or when I simply need someone who understands this rollercoaster in my not-so-normal life. To be reminded that there are others just like me...unique, but likely better because of it." — KC, Amazon

Find it at Amazon for $12.79.

What's the best memoir you've ever read? Tell us in the comments!