10 Reviews: Best Autobiography Books in America (Apr 2024)

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is one of the best women’s memoirs. It’s the first of seven volumes about the author’s life and insight. This best-selling compilation includes six autobiographies. Gather Together in My Name, Singin’ and Swingin’ and Gettin’ Merry Like Christmas, The Heart of a Woman, All God’s Children Need Traveling Shoes, and A Song Flung Up to Heaven feature Angelou’s magnificent and distinct voice.

"Loved having all of her works in one place. Book is beautiful and I am proud to have it in my library."

by Garrett Drew Ellis

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, written between 1771 and 1790 and released in the early 1900s, reveals the Founding Father’s childhood and remarkable manhood. A major section of the book details Franklin’s efforts to acquire “moral perfection” by the attainment of 13 virtues, such as purity and etiquette. Even though Franklin’s document was written more than 200 years ago, his advice on how to improve one’s life is as relevant today as it was then.

"I think this would be a great book to teach in high school U.S. history — from Franklin’s humble roots to his dealings abroad. It’s loaded with insights and just plain old good advice. All things considered, it’s a pretty easy read, too."

by Maria McIlwain

This autobiography is regarded as one of the best ever written. It’s a dramatic account of Douglass’ boyhood, the brutality he faced at the hands of slave-owners, and his terrible escape to liberty, after that he became a celebrated orator and notable activist. Reading Douglass’ direct experience is a sad but vital step to understanding the injustice of the past and how it influenced the present. Consider these Black-owned bookstores for autobiographies.

"Tremendous American history right here! Necessary historical information, a must read!"

by Food By The Word

On the list of the best biographies are Grace Lee Boggs and her husband James Boggs’s dual biography. But even if you’ve already read that account, Grace Lee Boggs’ life story in her own words is still an interesting and educational read. There were numerous important social movements in her 100-year life. Boggs chronicles her intellectual and activist growth in this broad autobiography, describing her interactions with other luminaries like Malcolm X and C. L. R. James, as well as her own spouse.

"She is inspirational and her activism is so relevant for America right now. I am glad I read this autobiography to learn more about Grace Lee Boggs, and her accomplishments and contribution to civil rights, which are human rights, really."

by MD

This isn’t your average autobiography; it was written in 1918 for a therapeutic audience, making it all the more valuable for its rarity. Jennie’s life narrative is told in simple prose, and he also makes a case for the acceptance and respect of persons who don’t fit society’s binary definitions of identity. Pioneering work for queer and transgender work, Autobiography of an Androgyne shows that nonbinary, trans, and queer individuals have been there for a long time. 

"One of the first memoirs of a transfeminine person ever. Really foundational and important and heartbreaking."

by Alok Vaid-Menon

Some call Becoming a memoir, but the manner it covers Michelle Obama’s life makes it an autobiography. The book takes us through her Chicago childhood, early days with Barack, and time in the White House. Readers understand the agony and stress this tremendous duty caused, and how only a strong, funny lady like Michelle Obama could handle it with grace. Obama narrates the audiobook, which is on the top audiobooks list.

"I’m absolutely happy, this book show me the resilience about the public life that Michelle decide to live with Barack and the importance of humble pm our action to become the best version that we have ever share to the world."

by Amanda Jara

Malala is one of the very few public individuals whose first name is instantly recognizable. This young woman has become a powerful symbol of the strength, tenacity, and hope of her generation. It’s only right that her autobiography, which covers the years up to 2013, continues the story she started by writing as an activist. You may expect more autobiographies from this remarkable young woman who’s already laid her life on the line to champion girls. 

"This was a great book. I’m a fast reader so it only took me a few hours to finish on a long car ride. I’m thankful to hear Malala’s story beyond what happened to her. Her story is so much more than being shot. Amazing read."

by Lexi M.

Writer, lecturer, and transgender rights campaigner Jamison Green. His autobiography has acted as a perspective for some in the female-to-male (FTM) movement and as a resource for trans allies who want to better comprehend this journey. Green mixes theory, personal anecdotes, and activism history. Since this book was published, trans masculine persons have been overlooked. Some of the terminologies are antiquated, but this autobiography provides historical context for the trans rights movement.

"Recommended for all! This book is big only for trans men but ever human being that walks this Earth. I truly enjoyed every page."

by Isoke

You shouldn’t miss Janet Mock’s debut novel, which is a coming-of-age tale and a multiple-award winner, is a New York Times bestseller. She revealed her identity as a trans woman for the first time in a Marie Claire piece in 2011, saying she had nothing left to hide. With Surpassing Certainty: What My Twenties Taught Me, she built on the success of her previous inspirational book. The story of Mock’s rise to prominence will serve as an example for any young person trying to discover their direction.

"Thank you Janet for sharing your story! It was easy to read and I could not put this book down!I Janet you are an excellent writer and I fully enjoyed your story.God bless you!"

by Amazon Customer

A wonderful and heartwarming story of how a shy, mistreated youngster followed her passions and soared above us all. Cecilia Aragon felt alienated and afraid as a child, yet excelled in math. When a coworker introduces her to flying as an adult, she can’t get enough, learning the basics and eventually aerobatics. In these pages, she takes us on a voyage where the sky isn’t the limit. This is a terrific book for math-loving girls, Latinx authors, and fear-fighters.

"I enjoyed every aspect of the book. For those that love flying, and especially aerobatics, it is a very interesting read. What makes it special is how the author overcame her fear, and all obstacles in her path to achieve her goals. It is truly an inspirational story."

by David Dean