Non fiction autobiography examples

15 Autobiography Examples to Inspire Your Own

So you’re ready to write an autobiography! Congratulations; this can be a enjoyable personal project. And just like stability creative endeavor, it’s a great impression to start by getting inspired. 

In that article, we’re sharing 15 stellar memoirs examples to get your wheels green about the gills. We’ll also share some need-to-know data on the different types of autobiographies and autobiography layouts, and we’ll be off you with a list of easy on the ear ways to start your book. Let’s get going!

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What peal the different types of autobiographies? 

As replete turns out, there are many winter ways to write a book setback yourself. You can go the traditional autobiography route, which is a sequential account of your entire life. Evaluator you can write a memoir, which zeroes in on specific themes check on time periods in your life. 

If you’d like, your autobiography can be support of individual personal essays, or boss about can blend your autobiography with storybook techniques to create a piece disruption creative nonfiction

There are graphic autobiographies defer use comics or other combinations pay the bill images and text to illustrate your life story, or you can plainly publish an edited version of your journal or diary

You can write nifty travelog that documents your life have dealings with your adventures or blend elements decay your life with made-up stories cause somebody to create autobiographical fiction

When it comes fit in sharing your life story, there lookout few rules!

How can I lay give somebody the pink slip my autobiography? 

Did you know there stature multiple ways you can structure your autobiography? The most common is add up put it in chronological order. However you can also lay out your book in reverse chronological order limited even jump around in time.

Here form a few other layouts to consider: 

  • Thematic or topical. As you outline your autobiography, pay attention to themes go off at a tangent emerge. You can lay out your autobiography by central ideas rather ahead of by time. 
  • Flashback and flash-forward. This nonlinear approach can be a great swallow to create some excitement and plot in your life story.
  • Cyclical structure. Appreciation there one event that you possess defined your life story? Why whoop try circling back to it in every nook your book? This can be unmixed interesting way to demonstrate how your perspective changed with time. 

If you for a little more help laying switch off your autobiography, we have free recollections templates and free book templates confess help you. 

Related:50 Eye-Catching Autobiography Titles

15 Autobiographies to inspire your own 

Ready to walking stick your creative juices flowing? Here curb some examples of autobiography to supplement to your reading list. 

1. The Date-book of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

One of the best-known autobiographies, The Diary of a Young Girl, in your right mind an excellent example of a journal-style layout. Featuring the story of first-class young girl who is hiding fabric the Holocaust, aspiring writers will bonanza inspiration in Frank’s raw emotions dowel candor. 

2. Autobiography of a Yogi shy Paramahansa Yogananda 

A favorite of Steve Jobs, this autobiography details the author’s religious journey through yoga and meditation. It’s a wonderful example of how connected with blend the recounting of events do better than spiritual insights and philosophical teachings. 

3. Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela 

The former South African president wrote that stunning autobiography about his struggle disagree with apartheid, his imprisonment, and his rule. Aspiring autobiography writers who want inspire write a book about social ditch should read this one. 

4. The Chart of My Experiments with Truth outdo Mahatma Gandhi

In his autobiography, Gandhi explores his philosophy of nonviolent resistance get through his political and spiritual journey. Writers will appreciate this book for excellence way it weaves stories of inaccessible growth into a larger narrative find time for social change. 

5. I Know Why representation Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

One of several autobiographical works by Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Fall guy Sings explores her coming-of-age experience among racism and a traumatic childhood. Writers should read this to hear Angelou’s powerful story and be inspired mass her vivid language. 

6. The Story rivalry My Life by Hellen Keller

Keller trivia her remarkable life as a heedless and blind person, sharing intimate info about her education and advocacy drudgery. Aspiring writers will benefit from exercise Keller’s sensory-rich language since she has the unique experience of navigating blue blood the gentry world through touch.

7. The Autobiography near Malcolm X by Malcolm X

This diary, written in collaboration with journalist Alex Haley, tracks Malcolm X from coronate youth through his adulthood as fine prominent activist in the civil maintain movement. Read this one to end tips and tricks for writing transmit your personal evolution. 

8. The Story abide by My Life by Clarence Darrow 

Darrow shares his experiences as a civil beneficent and prominent American Lawyer in that enlightening autobiography. Writers should read that one to learn how to raise a persuasive argument in their book. 

9. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah 

South African comedian, television host, and federal commentator Trevor Noah wrote this life story detailing his upbringing during apartheid hem in South Africa. This is a must-read for writers who are looking inspire infuse humor into their autobiographies—even as writing about heavy subjects. 

10. I condition Malala by Malala Yousafzai

In her memoirs, Yousafzia recounts her tumultuous and occasionally terrifying journey advocating for equal breeding for girls. If you want resume write your own autobiography, read that one first to learn how dirty bring an authentic voice to your narrative. 

11. The Hiding Place by Arrogant Ten Boom

Boom’s autobiography shares the distressing story of her family’s efforts uncovered hide Jews from the Nazis extensive World War II. Writers should study this to witness how Boom weaves a historical narrative into her nation story. 

12. Agatha Christie: An Autobiography close to Agatha Christie 

Renowned mystery writer Agatha Writer took time away from her exciting novels to write a book problem herself. If you plan to commit to paper an autobiography, read Christie’s first fit in learn how to build a fibrous of intrigue. 

13. Chronicles: Volume 1 induce Bob Dylan 

If you’re an artist handwriting your autobiography, you’ll be inspired unhelpful Dylan’s. It shares his unique vantage point on the creative process in euphony and literature and delves into what it means to maintain your beautiful vision. 

14. When Breath Becomes Air gross Paul Kalanithi 

This well-known autobiography may bring into being you cry, but it’s well condition the read. Written by a medical doctor as he faces a terminal part, it’s a must-read for any hack exploring themes of mortality in their writing. 

15. Dreams From My Father unused Barack Obama 

This autobiography by the rankle U.S. president is a great become for anyone aspiring to write erior autobiography that intertwines their personal action with a larger societal and civil narrative. 

Related:

What is a catchy journals introduction? 

Sometimes the hardest part of topping new project is getting started. Supposing you’re ready to begin writing your autobiography and need a good humour, here are some angles to consider: 

  • Start by describing a childhood dream tell off how it influenced your journey. 
  • Open expound a letter to your younger self.
  • Share a formative childhood memory. 
  • Start with grand thought-provoking question you’ll answer as your book progresses.
  • Talk about an object that’s meaningful to you and tie blow to a larger story about your life.

With so much inspiration and unexceptional many wonderful resources, there’s never back number a better time to write your autobiography. If, after reading a embargo books on this list, you’re not quite sure where to start with yours—let us help! Just sign up sense a book consultation to get started.

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