In this memoir, a young woman recounts her journey from a sheltered and abusive childhood in a strict and isolated Idaho family to her pursuit of knowledge and education. Despite facing numerous obstacles, including her family's distrust of formal education, Tara Westover manages to escape her oppressive upbringing and eventually earns a PhD from Cambridge University. Through her compelling and thought-provoking narrative, she explores themes of identity, family, and the transformative power of education.

This graphic novel is a poignant exploration of gender violence, identity, and the journey of healing. It intertwines the author's personal narrative of growing up in the 1970s in Northern England with the historical backdrop of the Yorkshire Ripper, a notorious serial killer targeting women. As the author grapples with her own experiences of sexual abuse and societal pressures, the book delves into themes of misogyny, shame, and the societal tendency to blame victims rather than perpetrators. Through powerful illustrations and candid prose, it offers a deeply personal account of the struggle to overcome trauma and the cultural silence surrounding sexual violence.

"Wave" is a memoir by Sonali Deraniyagala, recounting her experience of losing her entire family in the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Deraniyagala, a Sri Lankan-born economist, was on vacation with her husband, two young sons, and parents when the wave hit. She was the only survivor. The book is a raw and emotional account of her grief and struggle to come to terms with the loss of her loved ones, as well as her own identity and sense of purpose. Through her writing, Deraniyagala confronts the complexities of survivor's guilt, trauma, and the enduring power of love.

This graphic memoir is a powerful and deeply personal exploration of a young woman's struggle with eating disorders and trauma. Through evocative hand-drawn illustrations, it chronicles her journey from early signs of anorexia in childhood, through years of battle with her inner demons, to eventual recovery. The narrative delves into the complexities of mental health, the impact of abuse, and the resilience of the human spirit. The author's raw honesty and the visual storytelling create an engaging and poignant tale that brings to light the silent suffering of those dealing with similar issues, offering hope and understanding to others on their path to healing.

"Small Fry" is a memoir by Lisa Brennan-Jobs, the daughter of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. The book details her complicated relationship with her father, who denied paternity for several years before finally acknowledging her as his daughter. Brennan-Jobs describes the emotional abuse she endured at the hands of her father, who alternated between neglect and intense attention. The memoir also explores her own journey towards self-acceptance and forgiveness, as she grapples with the legacy of her famous and flawed parent.

In this candid memoir, a former child actress chronicles her tumultuous journey through the entertainment industry, detailing the intense pressures and emotional abuse she faced from a controlling mother. She opens up about her struggles with eating disorders, addiction, and the quest for independence, all while grappling with the complex grief following her mother's death. The book offers a raw and poignant exploration of her path to healing, self-acceptance, and the difficult process of breaking free from the toxic dynamics that dominated her early life and career.