The Greatest "Nonfiction, Autobiography" Books Since 1990

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Nonfiction

Autobiography

Autobiography is a literary genre that focuses on the life story of the author. It is a first-person account of the author's experiences, thoughts, and emotions, often including significant events and milestones that have shaped their life. Autobiographies can be written by anyone, from famous public figures to ordinary people, and can cover a wide range of topics, including personal growth, career achievements, struggles, and relationships. This genre provides readers with a unique insight into the author's life and perspective, making it a popular and engaging category of books.

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  1. 26. Chronicles: Volume One by Bob Dylan

    "Chronicles: Volume One" is an autobiography that takes readers on a journey through the life of a renowned musician and lyricist. The book provides an intimate look into his early years, his rise to fame, and his struggles and triumphs along the way. The author's unique narrative style and vivid storytelling bring to life the various experiences that shaped his music and his perspective on life. The book also provides a glimpse into the music industry, the cultural changes of the 1960s, and the author's creative process.

    The 3061st Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. My Struggle by Karl Ove Knausgaard

    The book in question is an autobiographical novel that delves deeply into the minutiae of the author's life, exploring his personal relationships, emotions, and the everyday experiences that shape his identity. It is a candid and introspective narrative that spans across various stages of his life, from childhood to adulthood, and examines themes such as family, death, love, and ambition. The author's unflinching honesty and detailed prose invite readers to reflect on the complexities of their own lives, as he scrutinizes the ordinary moments that, collectively, define who we are.

    The 3062nd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Persepolis Two by Marjane Satrapi

    This graphic novel continues the story of a young girl growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. After being sent to Europe for her safety, she struggles with feeling out of place and longs for her homeland. Eventually, she returns to Iran, only to find it vastly different from the place she remembered. The book explores themes of identity, culture, and the effects of political upheaval on a personal level.

    The 3156th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom

    The book is a poignant memoir that recounts the series of visits the author makes to his former sociology professor, who is dying from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Through weekly meetings every Tuesday, the professor imparts wisdom on various aspects of life such as love, work, community, family, aging, and death. These conversations, rich with emotional depth and life lessons, transform into a final "class" on the meaning of life, where the professor's insights and experiences serve not only as a guide for the author but also offer profound lessons for the readers about the importance of human connection, compassion, and living a life filled with purpose.

    The 3182nd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. Bad Blood by Lorna Sage

    "Bad Blood" is a memoir about a woman's escape from a repressive childhood in post-WWII Britain. The author recounts her experiences growing up in a dysfunctional family with a philandering vicar for a grandfather and a depressed and distant mother. Despite the bleak surroundings, she manages to find solace in literature and education, ultimately earning a scholarship to university. The book is a testament to the transformative power of education and the author's fierce determination to escape her past.

    The 3263rd Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. Personal History by Katharine Graham

    "Personal History" is an autobiography of a woman who inherited a media empire, The Washington Post, following her husband's suicide. The book explores her journey from a privileged yet sheltered upbringing to leading one of the most influential newspapers in the United States. It provides an intimate look into her personal life, including her struggles with self-confidence and her role in the coverage of significant historical events such as the Pentagon Papers and the Watergate scandal.

    The 3635th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. Brother, I'm Dying by Edwidge Danticat

    "Brother, I'm Dying" is a memoir that explores the author's life growing up in Haiti, her immigration to the United States, and the lives of her father and uncle. The story delves into her father's struggle with illness in America, her uncle's experience as a pastor in Haiti during political turmoil, and his subsequent death in U.S. immigration custody. The book serves as a poignant exploration of family, immigration, love, and loss.

    The 3787th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi

    The book is a memoir that takes place in Iran from 1979 to 1997, during the Islamic Revolution and the Iran-Iraq War. The story focuses on a professor who secretly gathers seven of her most committed female students to read forbidden Western literature in her home. As they read and discuss works by authors such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jane Austen, and Vladimir Nabokov, they explore their personal dreams and the losses they suffered due to the political, social, and cultural climate of the time.

    The 4107th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. Love's Work by Gillian Rose

    "Love's Work" is a deeply personal memoir that explores the life of a renowned philosopher as she grapples with her terminal cancer diagnosis. The book is a profound exploration of love, suffering, and the human condition, as the author reflects on her personal relationships, her career, and her Jewish faith. It is a philosophical and emotional journey that challenges readers to confront their own mortality and the complexities of human life.

    The 4372nd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. Pictures From Home by Larry Sultan

    "Pictures From Home" is a compelling photographic and narrative exploration of family, memory, and the passage of time. The book combines intimate photographs with various forms of text, including interviews, family dialogue, and personal reflections, to paint a complex portrait of suburban life and the American Dream. The work delves into the artist's own family history, focusing particularly on his parents, to examine the intersections of private and public histories, revealing the emotional undercurrents that run through seemingly mundane domestic scenes. Through this poignant blend of image and word, the book invites readers to reflect on the nature of photography, storytelling, and the intricate tapestry of family dynamics.

    The 4389th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

    This poignant memoir is a reflection on life and death by a young neurosurgeon who is diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. He grapples with the role reversal from doctor to patient, and confronts the reality of his mortality. The narrative explores the intersection of medicine and philosophy, and the meaning of life when faced with death. Despite his deteriorating health, he continues to find joy in his relationships and work, leaving behind a powerful message about the value of every moment.

    The 4464th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. Cash by Johnny Cash

    This autobiography provides an intimate look into the life of one of country music's most iconic figures, chronicling his journey from a humble upbringing in rural Arkansas to international superstardom. The book candidly explores his struggles with addiction, his experiences with the highs and lows of fame, and his deep spirituality. It also delves into his relationships with family, friends, and fellow musicians, offering personal anecdotes and reflections on a life filled with both triumphs and tribulations. Through his own words, the narrative captures the essence of a man who faced his demons, found redemption, and left an indelible mark on the world of music.

    The 4493rd Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. We Tell Ourselves Stories in Order to Live: Collected Nonfiction by Joan Didion

    This book is a compilation of seven works of nonfiction that explore the themes of American culture, politics, and landscape. The author's sharp observational skills and distinctive narrative voice provide insightful commentary on a range of topics, from the counterculture of the 1960s to the breakdown of the nuclear family. Her essays are deeply personal, often reflecting on her own experiences and emotions, while also offering a broader critique of society. The collection is a testament to the power of storytelling, both in shaping our understanding of the world and in helping us navigate through life.

    The 4523rd Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. Patrimony by Philip Roth

    The book is a poignant non-fiction account that delves into the complex relationship between a son and his aging father, who is grappling with a fatal brain tumor. As the father's health deteriorates, the son is confronted with the impending loss and the weight of familial duty, love, and the shared history that binds them. The narrative is a deeply personal exploration of identity, memory, and mortality, offering a raw and honest look at the challenges of caregiving and the process of saying goodbye to a loved one. Through this journey, the son gains a deeper understanding of his father's life and legacy, as well as his own place in the continuum of their family's story.

    The 4543rd Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. Dark Star Safari by Paul Theroux

    In this travel memoir, the author recounts an overland journey across Africa, starting from Cairo and ending in Cape Town. Along the way, he traverses a continent rich with diverse cultures, landscapes, and histories, while also confronting the stark realities of poverty, political turmoil, and the complex legacies of colonialism. His encounters with aid workers, missionaries, and locals provide a nuanced perspective on the challenges and beauty of Africa, as well as a critical look at the effects of foreign aid and development. The narrative is a blend of adventure, reflection, and social commentary, revealing the author's deep fascination with the continent and its people.

    The 4736th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. Red Scarf Girl by Ji-li Jiang

    "Red Scarf Girl" is a memoir of the author's childhood during the Cultural Revolution in China. The story follows a 12-year-old girl from a previously respected family who is labeled a class enemy and forced to turn against her own parents. The book provides a deeply personal account of the extreme political and social upheaval during this period in China's history, highlighting the fear, confusion, and courage of a young girl struggling to reconcile her loyalty to her family and her loyalty to her country.

    The 4771st Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. I Have Lived a Thousand Years by Livia Bitton-Jackson

    This memoir tells the harrowing story of a 13-year-old Jewish girl's survival during the Holocaust. The narrative follows her life from her quiet existence in Hungary through the horrors of Auschwitz and other concentration camps, and finally to her liberation and the struggle to rebuild her life in the aftermath of such trauma. The memoir is a powerful testament to human resilience and the will to survive against all odds.

    The 4774th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. Falling Leaves by Adeline Yen Mah

    "Falling Leaves" is a heartbreaking autobiography that recounts the life of a young girl who grows up in a wealthy but abusive family in 20th century China. Despite being the daughter of a prosperous businessman, she is treated as an outcast and blamed for her mother's death, who died shortly after her birth. The story portrays her struggle for acceptance and love within her family, her journey through the cultural revolution in China, and her eventual success as a physician in the U.S. It's a poignant exploration of the themes of familial bonds, resilience, and the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity.

    The 4778th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. The Places In Between by Rory Stewart

    "The Places In Between" is a memoir by Rory Stewart about his journey on foot across Afghanistan in 2002, shortly after the fall of the Taliban. He travels from Herat to Kabul, encountering a variety of people and landscapes along the way. The book provides a unique insight into the culture and history of Afghanistan, as well as the challenges faced by the country in the aftermath of war. Stewart's writing is both lyrical and informative, making for a compelling read.

    The 4782nd Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson

    This book is a profound work of non-fiction that focuses on the author's experiences as a young lawyer fighting for the rights of those wrongfully convicted or excessively punished. The narrative primarily revolves around the case of a black man sentenced to death for a crime he didn't commit. The author not only exposes the inherent racial bias and systemic flaws in the American criminal justice system, but also provides a compelling argument for compassion in the pursuit of justice.

    The 4835th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. The Argonauts by Maggie Nelson

    "The Argonauts" is a genre-bending memoir that chronicles the author's romantic relationship with her fluidly gendered partner, their journey to become parents, and their experiences with queer family-making. The narrative intertwines personal anecdotes with critical theories on gender, sexuality, and identity, challenging traditional notions of family, motherhood, and love. It offers a powerful exploration of desire, limitations, and the possibilities of language, pushing the boundaries of what memoirs can do and be.

    The 4887th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. In My Hands by Irene Opdyke

    This memoir recounts the story of a Polish woman who, during World War II, worked as a housekeeper for a Nazi major while secretly aiding the Jewish resistance. She risked her life by hiding Jews in the basement of the Nazi officer's house, stealing food and supplies for them, and eventually leading them to safety. Despite the constant threat of discovery and the moral complexities she faced, she persevered in her efforts to save lives, demonstrating remarkable courage and resilience.

    The 5003rd Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. Chinese Cinderella by Adeline Yen Mah

    This book is a memoir of a young girl growing up in China during the 1940s and 1950s. The protagonist is considered unlucky by her family after her mother dies giving birth to her. She is mistreated by her stepmother and largely ignored by her father, leading to a lonely and challenging childhood. Despite these difficulties, she finds solace in her academic achievements and her Aunt Baba's support. The story is a testament to the power of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity.

    The 5012th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers by Loung Ung

    This memoir recounts the author's experiences as a young girl in Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge regime. She is forced from her home in Phnom Penh to a labor camp in the countryside along with her family, where they face starvation, disease, and brutality. The book details her survival through the genocide, her eventual escape to Thailand, and finally her immigration to the United States. It is a powerful story of resilience, courage, and the human spirit's ability to overcome overwhelming adversity.

    The 5030th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. Darkness Visible by William Styron

    "Darkness Visible" is a memoir that explores the author's personal struggle with depression. It provides an intimate account of his descent into a severe and debilitating state of depression, his contemplation of suicide, and eventual recovery. The book offers a candid and insightful perspective on the nature of depression, its impact on the individual, and the process of healing and recovery, shedding light on a topic often shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding.

    The 5072nd Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

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If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download