Biographies and memoirs to read
Not sure which biographies and memoirs to read? We ranked 122 of them using 39,412 reader ratings; the average is 8.1/10. Below: three books to start with, then short reads, series starts, new books, and classics.
If you read only one, make it Know My Name by Chanel Miller (9.0/10). If you prefer a series: Auschwitz Trilogy starts with If This Is a Man.
Start here
Three biographies and memoirs that many readers rate highly — each one a first volume or a book that stands alone.
Know My Name“Know My Name” is a memoir of rare clarity about living through a sexual assault, its aftermath and the trial that followed.
Just Mercy“Just Mercy” is a lawyer’s account of the American justice system that leaves readers shaken and, against the odds, hopeful.
Born a CrimeTrevor Noah recounts a South African childhood that was, under apartheid law, illegal from the moment of his birth, and he does it as a comedian would.
Short reads: under 300 pages
For a weekend or a commute. 39 of the rated biographies and memoirs are this short; these score best.
Series worth starting
The first volume of each series, with the full reading order one click away.
New in 2025 and 2026
The best-rated new books with at least 50 reader ratings.
Classics from before 1976
Still read, still rated: the older books that hold up best.
Liked this? Try that
Pairs from our similarity data: the same kind of story, a different author.
| If you liked | try |
|---|---|
| I'm Glad My Mom DiedMore like this in “Find a book” → | Born a Crime |
| I Know Why the Caged Bird SingsMore like this in “Find a book” → | Night |
How long are the rated biographies and memoirs?
76 of 122 rated titles with a known page count. Largest group: under 300 pages.
Narrow it down with “Find a book”
“Find a book” holds 107 biographies and memoirs. Pick a shortcut — the filters are already set:
Questions readers ask
What biographies and memoirs should I read first?
Know My Name by Chanel Miller: 9.0/10 from 322 ratings, and it needs no earlier book. Next on our list: Just Mercy and Born a Crime.
What is a good biography or memoir under 300 pages?
In the Dream House (288 pages, 8.7/10) is the highest-rated one under 300 pages.
Which biography or memoir series should I start?
Auschwitz Trilogy: begin with If This Is a Man, the first of 3 books. The reading order page lists every volume.
What are the best new biographies and memoirs?
The House of My Mother (2025) leads the recent titles at 8.4/10 from 182 ratings.
How are these books chosen?
Only books with enough reader ratings to be ranked (at least 50) are picked. The score is a weighted average across independent rating sources, pulled toward the category average when ratings are few.