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Hi Reader,

There’s something special about this time of year. The holiday season is perfect for slowing down, cozying up, and catching up on all the reading (or listening!) you’ve been meaning to do.

And if you’re anything like me, there’s nothing better than a good memoir—especially one read by the author. It’s like sitting across from them, tea in hand, having a real conversation about their life. The way they tell their story hits differently—like they’re letting you into a part of their world that you wouldn’t get anywhere else.

I’ve always been into memoirs, and Audible has been my go-to. Whether I’m driving in the city, prepping dinner, or winding down at the end of the day, I love letting the author’s voice guide me through their story. And when the book is really good? I’ll admit...I miss the author when it’s over.


Reader, please tell me I’m not the only one who gets this attached!

With the holidays in full swing, now is the perfect time to add some inspiring, emotional, and truly unforgettable memoirs to your list.

Here are 20 memoirs I couldn’t put down:

  • Be Ready When the Luck Happens - Ina Garten
  • Walk Through Fire - Sheila Johnson
  • Bits and Pieces - Whoopi Goldberg
  • Who's That Girl? Eve
  • The Woman I Wanted to Be - Diane von Furstenberg
  • Over the Influence - Joanna "JoJo" Levesque
  • Brutally Honest - Melanie Brown
  • The Woman in Me - Britney Spears
  • Thicker than Water - Kerry Washington
  • Will - Will Smith
  • Finding Me - Viola Davis
  • Greenlights - Matthew McConaughey
  • The Meaning of Mariah Carey - Mariah Carey
  • Bamboozled by Jesus - Yvonne Orji
  • Becoming - Michelle Obama
  • More Myself - Alicia Keys
  • The Mother of Black Hollywood - Jenifer Lewis
  • Around the Way Girl - Taraji P. Henson
  • We're Going to Need More Wine - Gabrielle Union
  • The Last Black Unicorn - Tiffany Haddish

Each one of these has stayed with me long after the last page and I hope you will say the same.

Whether you’re looking for your next Audible listen or just a good read, these stories are worth adding to your list.

Shop the full collection on Amazon here

Have a favorite memoir? I’d love to learn about a book that’s inspired you—reply to this email and let me know. I need more recs!


Until next time,

KIMBERLY BROWN Career + Leadership Expert Founder, Brown Leadership™

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Kimberly Brown, @kimberlybonline

Welcome to my Insider Notes where I'm sharing weekly career and leadership insights and the most up to date information on the Your Next Move Podcast and Brown Leadership™.

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