When it comes to biographies, the breadth of choice on offer can be mind-boggling. Every life is a unique story all of its own, so autobiographies naturally capture the twists and turns of a variety of amazing lives. What makes them all the more fascinating is that they are written by the subject themselves, leading to a wealth of inside information and introspection.
We’ll take a look at some amazing examples of the genre and maybe you too can decide that it’s time to record your own life and experiences.
I Am Malala
The story of Malala Yousafzai is one of intense downs and amazing triumph. It is an autobiography written by someone who is still in her youth, but who has lived a life many readers could not comprehend.
Born in Pakistan, Malala was an intelligent, vivacious girl growing up and she loved to learn. She recounts how she cherished nothing more than being able to go to school and expand her mind. At the same time, the Taliban active in Pakistan did not agree that girls should be in education at all. On her way home from school one day, the bus carrying Malala and other students was attacked. Malala suffered serious injuries and it is a testament to her strength that she not only survived, but flourished. Today, she is a Nobel Peace Prize recipient and a fierce champion of education for all.
For someone who is still only 20 years old, the book is a journey of hardship, perseverance and ultimate triumph.
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
Stephen King is widely known as the most successful horror novelist of all time. What is perhaps less known are his struggles pre and post-fame, his near-death accident and the man behind the horror.
As an autobiography, A Memoir of the Craft is a well-crafted, perfectly paced read that throws some light on the man who has created so many iconic horror characters. He discusses his early days, his rise to popularity and fame and the struggles that went along with it. King talks candidly about his problems with substance abuse, the time he was nearly killed by a reckless driver and how he came through it all.
Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike
Shoe Dog is an immensely interesting read, as it details the rise of the most well-known sports brand in the world – Nike – from founder Phil Knight’s starting point of a borrowed 50 dollars.
The book details how Knight parlayed that tiny amount of money into a multi-billion dollar empire, with his Nike ‘Swoosh’ Logo becoming an iconic part of sport and fashion. It’s a great read if you’re interested in how something so huge and well-known can grow from the humblest of beginnings. Aside from that, it’s an absorbing and well-paced autobiography.
With these offerings to whet your appetite, why not think about creating your own autobiography? Recordalife Life Story makes this easier than ever before, with our experienced oral historians guiding you through the process. Your story is then rendered into a hard back book replete with photos, along with an audio CD and USB containing the story of your life. Every life is worth remembering and recording, so get in touch today and create your own story.
