Autobiographies are one of the most popular genres of books. They give the public unparalleled insight to the lives of sports stars, celebrities and leading politicians. Unlike memoirs, autobiographies generally tend to focus on the broader scope of the author’s life instead of specific moments. The works of Anne Frank and Malcolm X have become hugely influential as historic literature for the 20th century but neither occupy the best of all time status, according to Forbes.
These are the top 10 autobiographies as ranked by the US publication.
10. The Soul of a Butterfly by Muhammad Ali and Hannah Yasmeen Ali (2003)
Muhammad Ali’s co-authored The Soul of a Butterfly is a look into the renowned hree-time World Heavyweight Champion’s focuses personal and spiritual evolution outside of his boxing. His perspective throughout the book is overarching and meditative at the same time. It covers his views on civil rights, challenges with Parkinson’s disease as well as his professional expereiences.
9. Becoming by Michelle Obama (2018)
The once First Lady, Michelle Obama has written about from the South Side of Chicago to the White House in this intimate and powerful biography. Becoming shares stories from behind-the-scenes of an iconic life that’s filled with humour and romance. She recalls moments for her childhood, her university years at Princeton and Harvard Law School, her love story with Barack Obama and the trials and tribulations of helping him with his political career as well as her journey with motherhood.
8. A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway (1964)
A Moveable Feast was published after the death of Ernest Hemingway and shows the writer at his most vulnerable. If youare looking for an insight into his life and caree that looks beyond the controversy that often shrouded his art, this is the book for you. It details on his experiences as an expatriate, a journalist and as a husband. The book mirrors the sense of wit and romanticism that defined Hemingway’s work but it also captures his bohemian lifestyle and his deepest thoughts.
7. Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela (1994)
In a powerful depiction of his life, Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom follows the origins of his unique existence. He takes readers through his remarkable history and recalling his early days as a young child growing up in the South African countryside. Mandela gives a detailed account of his family background, education, vision and intent fight against apartheid. The account explores the 27 years he spent in prison and why it proved to be some of the most reformative of his life and culminated in hm becoming the first Black South African president.
6. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah (2006)
This is a humorous look into comedian Trevor Noah’s experiences growing up as a mixed-race child in apartheid and post-apartheid South Africa. Born a Crime delves into a set of vivid stories, often focusing on his strong and resilient mother, whose humor and protection aided him make his way through a world defined by poverty, racial divides and hardship.
5. The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music by Dave Grohl (2021)
The Storyteller is a vivid memoir that takes readers along forthe journey of David Grohl’s extraordinary career. Here, he reflects on moments from his early years as a member of punk group Scream as well as his time as a drummer for Nirvana in the lead up to him forming the Foo Fighters. Grohl discusses fame, rising to rock stardom and personal stories and handles them with grit and passion.
4. The Autobiography of Malcolm X as Told by Alex Haley (1965)
This autobiography is a cultural milestone and was released only nine months after Malcolm X was assassinated. It looks back at his story of his troubled childhood and the decisions that defined his future. It’s somewhat of an origin story detailing on his move to Michigan, where his father, Earl Little, Sr., was killed. The book focuses heaving on the systemic oppression, influenced his trasition from a disenfranchised youth into a militant advocate for Black empowerment and the Nation of Islam.
3. Educated by Tara Westover
The inspiring Tara Westover’s Educated is a deep dive on education and its the impact on a person’s life. Growing up with no formal schooling, Westover, who came from a Mormon family in rural Idaho, was isolated from the outside world. She dealt with extremist beliefs throughout her childhood and ended up teaching herself enough to be admitted into Brigham Young University, and therfore allowed her grow.
2. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank (1947)
The Diary of Anne Frank is porbbaly the most infamous memoir to exist. It’s a deeply moving and vulnerable firsthand account of the Holocaust. Perhaps it’s one of the most visceral accounts of how it was to live during this time and it comes from the perspective of Anne, a brave Jewish teenager grappling with desire, ambition and an uncertain future. Anne’s voice is both intimate and universal and it truely captures a life brimming with potential that was so tragically lost.
1. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou (1969)
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou is remains one of the most influential autobiographies of our time. It’s themes of racial trauma, American conscience and identifying self, are told so poetically. Angelou disucesses her Black childhood experience in the segregated South sticks and becomes a symbol for others who faced simialr experiences. It’s a hugley informative book critiquing racism and the trauma that it leaves behind.