Memoir Book Reviews

A no-holds-barred look at the life and mind of an unconventionally wild spirit, MMMM: and the Music that Made Me by Heather Joy is an unapologetic and lyrical memoir. Boasting thirteen M-themed chapters composed of long-form personal essays, and accompanied by essential listening material, this is a blunt and charming downpour of social observation and fearless personal reflection.

Slow-burning and clever, like a sharp standup routine stretched over a few hundred pages, these anecdotal recollections feel deeply personal and specific to the author, yet the revelations and lessons she reaches are often universally profound. There is a restless wonderment to […]

The story of a determined and principled protector who consistently chose the hard road in his dynamic life, Coincidence, You Say? by Patrick Hogan is a heartfelt memoir and a revelatory snapshot of a different time.

A mischievous child growing up in a picturesque middle-class American life, Hogan offers brief vignettes and glimpses into his youth, as well as his first encounters with coincidences. In numerous instances -often when injury or even death was imminent – he explains a strange experience of time dilation, as though the world would cinematically slow down, leaving him time to react and leave miraculously […]

A revealing and eidetic tour through the life of a perennial adventurer, Water Lust by Gerhard Pohle is a meticulously crafted and inspiring memoir for weekend warriors and veteran wanderers alike.

Bouncing from India and Madagascar to Indonesia, Germany, and more, the author’s life began as an “international vagabond,” forcing him to adapt and make connections quickly, as his father’s work took their family across the world. Navigating the troubles of high society, boarding school isolation, early romantic interests, and the emotional topography of his own family, the first half of the book takes an unflinching look at a truly […]

A neatly woven memoir of stories, lessons, and time-tested insight, Fireside Reflections: A Papa’s Lessons for a Successful Life by Alan Dahl is a touching portrait of a life well-lived.

Through detailed recollections and well-organized advice, the author captures his own life story and weaves it together with sage wisdom for his beloved family to remember when he’s gone. From philosophical musings about what lies beneath the surface via a fishing trip to finding a healthy balance of work and play as a distracted Scouts chaperone, Dahl imbues his tales with humble self-knowledge and honest reflection.

These stories may be […]

A compelling and lesson-laden memoir that echoes with wisdom, Base Oasis: Finding My Way Home Again! by Jack Dunsmoor is a raw and unflinching collection of essays.

From youthful confusion over his absent father and empathy for those mistreated by vicious societal systems to secret UFO sightings and casual violations of child labor laws, this is a rich and detailed memoir of a truly remarkable life. These forty essays delve into broadly relatable experiences of growing up and making mistakes, outsmarting bullies, managing mental health as an awkward teenager, lifelong struggles with self-esteem, finding a sense of belonging and purpose, […]

Earnestly exploring the perennial struggle of being a stranger in a strange land, Le Yankee Noir: The Power of Acceptance by Samuel E. Pair is a powerful reflection on communication, respect, and the revelatory nature of connection.

In the midst of a modest career in the aerospace industry, Samuel E. Pair was offered an unexpected opportunity to travel to France and oversee the rescue operation for the new A330 Airbus propulsion system that was behind schedule and at risk of failing entirely. Initially leaving his family behind and heading for Toulouse, with no knowledge of French and no connections in […]