My Best of 2010: Memoirs

I really enjoy reading memoirs and I just haven't read as many as I would like. I keep adding more and more to my ever going TBR list but rarely get a chance to cross them off. Probably, because of my really strong desire to read all the books I have in my house so I can decide whether to keep them or pitch them. I have been on a self-imposed library ban since about August, otherwise I would never get through my own stack! I also have probably bought the least amount of books EVER this year. My wallet thanks me, but I feel slightly sick about the fact that I don't have some newer books. Okay, confessions of a bookaholic need to end and get on with the main show.

Morning Neurosis: The mostly true story of a girly trying to reconcile her rock n ‘ roll roots by Juliette Miranda

Is there life after music?
Juliette Miranda isn't quite sure. While living out her dreams in Los Angeles, she is forced to make an unexpected return to her hometown where she must struggle to save her relationships, and sanity, from the long shadows of her rock 'n' roll past.

Despite her best efforts, some issues refuse to stay locked in her closet. By recounting tales of her past - like the rock star boyfriend who sang more romantic songs to his dog than to her, or being abandoned in Jamaica by a drugged-out Jim Morrison wanna-be - Juliette hopes to understand her present.

Her chronicle reveals an open, passionately honest look at a girl whose life isn't turning out exactly as she hoped. Her morning neuroses become the vanguard to a broader story that incorporates her loving yet crazy family, indelible friendships, and career mishaps.

Lightly fictionalized to protect the identities of the not-so-innocent, Morning Neurosis is more than a kiss and tell. It's an intimate look into Miranda's real life experiences as she strives to find love, music ... and herself.

I flew through this story and made countless notes in a notepad as I read. Hilarious and

real.

Red Scarf Girl: A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution by Ji-Li Jiang

"Ji-li's deeply moving story should be on the shelf of every person's library. Her courage in the face of adversity and her steadfast loyalty to her family are truly inspirational for young and old alike." --Nien Cheng (Author of A Life and Death in Shanghai)

This one is geared towards middle schoolers but I find the viewpoint of a young girl growing up in China during the Cultural Revolution just as relevant to adults as students. Eye opening and beautifully written.

What was your favorite memoir that you read in 2010?

Also, don't forget to vote in the January Group Read poll, which is on the sidebar!