When it comes to settling down with a cup of tea and a cosy read, your go-to may be a work of fiction - and we don’t blame you. The genre offers necessary escapism, fuels the imagination and can be immensely thought provoking.
However, there are true stories out there that can be even more inspiring and insightful than fictional work - and may even be considered life changing. Autobiographies provide us with the true story behind some of the world’s most renowned people, giving us a chance to learn about their fascinating lives first hand.
We’ve rounded up a collection of hot-off-the-press autobiographies as well classic must-reads that have changed 21st century discourse. There’s everything from the powerful feminist stories by Michelle Obama and Malala Yousafzai to poignant tales of racial struggles as told by Nelson Mandela and Maya Angelou.
So, if you’re after your next read that’s likely to be as, if not more, thrilling as a cosy crime novel or romantic rendezvous, then add these books to your virtual basket now.
Shop the best below
Dior by Dior: The autobiography of Christian Dior
Best for: A fashion autobiography
Get behind the scenes of the formation of one of the biggest luxury fashion houses in the world with Christian Dior’s autobiography that will keep you gripped from beginning to end.
Rising to fame in 1947 with his first collection, this is a wonderful story of the man who revolutionised the fashion industry. There are stories of his childhood in Granville, the beginnings of his great success and an insight into his creative process. Set against the backdrop of 1950s Paris haute couture, this story will transport you to another world entirely.
Buy now £7.77, Amazon
Becoming by Michelle Obama
Best for: A political autobiography
The revered former First Lady reveals all as she documents everything from her childhood in Chicago, to her first date with the the 44th president of the United States Barack Obama and being sworn into the White House. This book is far more than just an autobiography, it’s also an inspiring tale that will motivate a generation of young girls to feel more empowered. One of the bestsellers in recent months, this read is an absolute page-turner and Michelle’s voice is a powerful one that cannot be silenced.
Buy now £10.99, Amazon
This is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay
Best for: A eye-opening autobiography
Recently turned into a BBC comedy-drama, This is Going to Hurt exposes the true stories of life as a junior doctor - there’s almost 100 hour working weeks, constant sleep deprivation and pressurising life and death decisions on a daily basis.
Adam Kay holds nothing back as he shares both the wonders and struggles of working for the NHS in the modern day. The perfect balance of hilarious and heart-breaking, you’re guaranteed to be shocked by what you’re about to read.
Buy now £4.50, Amazon
I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
Best for: A feminist autobiography
Since being a victim of a Taliban shooting in 2013 as she was on her way to school, Malala has become a global advocate for the education and the empowerment of girls. From sharing a platform with world leaders at the UN to completing her studies in the UK, she has gone on to become one of the most influential women in the world.
Her autobiography tells the story of her life before the shooting - there are childhood tales, details of her old home in Pakistan and anecdotes about her family. It’s a hopeful and moving read that reveals more about the young girl we think we know.
Buy now £4.49, Amazon
The Diary of a Young Girl Anne Frank
Best for: A historical autobiography
You’d be hard pushed to find someone who hasn’t heard of Anne Frank and this book is the definitive compilation of her diary entries that span almost two years as she lives in hiding with eight other people fearing discovery by the Nazis. This moving portrayal of adolescence, confinement and struggle is a must read for everyone and is an incredible historical autobiography that will invoke tears, laughter and shock in any reader.
Buy now £7.64, Amazon
Gotta Get Theroux This Louis Theroux
Best for: A humorous autobiography
Much loved TV personality Louis Theroux isn’t shy when it comes to telling us what he thinks, and this book is a whistle-stop tour of the eccentric characters he’s met and the whacky locations he has visited.
Starting out in 1994, Theroux shares the story of his unexpected success as a documentary maker and journalist. His stark observations about life and his experiences - namely challenging the Church of Scientology and exposing gang culture in San Quentin prison - are candid, honest and humorous. A must-read for any Louis Theroux fan.
Buy now £6.99, Amazon
A Life on Our Planet David Attenborough
Best for: A thought-provoking autobiography
If there was ever a book that will remain relevant and impactful for years to come, it would be David Attenborough’s recent autobiography. Aged 94, A Life on Our Planet has been written with the intention of providing a vision for the future and as a call to action for people to take notice of the world around them.
The book reflects on Attenborough’s incredible career that has seen him travel far and wide in order to document and explore the natural world. With the decline in biodiversity, we are urged to protect this beautiful planet and work to preserve and restore its brilliance.
Buy now £5.50, Amazon
Long Walk to Freedom Nelson Mandela
Best for: A powerful autobiography
An extraordinary tale of one of the world’s greatest leaders, Long Walk to Freedom is essential reading for everyone. Alongside tales of his youth in Eastern Cape, there are mesmerising and powerful passages on his political awakening and activism that resulted in his incarceration.
This memoir is a tale not only of one man’s life, but of an entire nation that witnessed decades of turbulence and the journey to peace. The collector’s edition features 41 pages of photographs that bring this awe-inspiring story to life.
Buy now £80.00, Folio Society
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings Maya Angelou
Best for: An inspiring autobiography
The first, and most well-known, of Maya Angelou’s fascinating seven volume autobiographies, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, became an instant bestseller when it was released in 1969 and has continued to capture the hearts and minds of readers today.
A collection of beautifully written poems and stories, Angelou recounts growing up in the segregated Deep South in the 1930s and everything that came with being a young woman of colour. Prepare to fall in love with this fierce and determined woman who battles heroically through adversity. This edition is wonderfully illustrated throughout and the gorgeous hardback cover will take centre stage on your bookshelf.
Buy now £44.95, Folio Society
