Book List

Best Memoirs of 2014

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

THE ANSWER TO THE RIDDLE IS ME

by David Stuart MacLean

A mesmerizing debut. MacLean spares no detail in tracing his formidable reconstruction. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

MY AGE OF ANXIETY

by Scott Stossel

Powerful, eye-opening and funny. Pitch-perfect in his storytelling, Stossel reminds us that, in many important ways, to be... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

OUT OF THE WOODS

by Lynn Darling

Evocative ruminations on getting older and discovering the links between nature and self. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

THE GREAT FLOODGATES OF THE WONDERWORLD

by Justin Hocking

In a book that’s likely far richer than the novel he shelved, Hocking ultimately transcends “the dark Ahab force.” Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

MY LIFE IN MIDDLEMARCH

by Rebecca Mead

A rare and remarkable fusion of techniques that draws two women together across time and space. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

LITTLE FAILURE

by Gary Shteyngart

Though fans of the author’s fiction will find illumination, a memoir this compelling and entertaining—one that frequently... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

CAN'T WE TALK ABOUT SOMETHING MORE PLEASANT?

by Roz Chast illustrated by Roz Chast

A top-notch graphic memoir that adds a whole new dimension to readers’ appreciation of Chast and her work. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

THE SEA INSIDE

by Philip Hoare

A beautifully written memoir/travelogue with readable diversions into philosophy. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

THE OTHER SIDE

by Lacy M. Johnson

Ferociously beautiful and courageous, Johnson’s intimate story sheds light on the perpetuation of violence against women. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

TAKE THIS MAN

by Brando Skyhorse

By turns funny and wrenching, the narrative is an unforgettable tour de force of memory, love and imagination. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

HISTORY LESSONS

by Clifton Crais

This memoir of anguish and struggle is a story of remarkable strength and unlikely, inexplicable resilience. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

GETTING SCHOOLED

by Garret Keizer

A well-written, yearlong chronicle packed with humor, pathos and valued insights on nearly every page. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

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  • The Kirkus Star

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  • The Kirkus Prize

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