Apr 9, 2023·edited Apr 9, 2023Liked by Bowen Dwelle
Damn, that's a good list. Wish I could live another 100 years, just to get to all of them. Lots of overlap with my faves, but I'd mention In Pharaoh's Army, by Tobias Wolff as well. And while we're in Vietnam, Dispatches, by Michael Herr is incredible.
What a great list Bowen. So much to do!! 🤔 I’ve only read but a few of those on your list. I’d add “Scar Tissue” by Anthony Kiedis. So raw and funny and reads like what you’d imagine a kid growing up in Hollywood as the son of a drug dealer to the stars might read like ☺️
yeah, I loved Kiedis' book too... I will add it! Good to read in conjunction with Flea's book—and a ton more rock 'n roll memoirs, I love how they all tie together, with my own life as well.
One of the first memoirs I truly loved is I am, I am, I am by Maggie O’Farrell. It’s a life story told using seventeen near death experiences, so beautifully told and harrowing. I’m planning to reread it soon, and I can’t recommend it enough.
Thanks for all the great recs! And for mentioning my newsletter again.
One of my favorite books period is A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers. It’s mostly a memoir with some small narrative tweaks and parts that are definitely, and obviously fictional
It’s almost cheating, but all three of Mary Karr’s memoirs. The Liars Club, Cherry, and Lit. I adored This Boys Life, but you mentioned that one. The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien. I don’t know if it’s technically memoir but it had the same function for me when I read it.
The Glass Castle, Jennette Walls -- her first few sentences are stunning. Excellent read. Norah Vincent! Now that's a name from 90s NYC. Interesting book indeed.
Well my reading list just grew! Three of my favorites: Wasted by Maria Hornbacher (a memoir of anorexia and bulimia), The Surrender by Toni Bentley (erotic memoir), and The Chronology of Water by Lidia Yuknavitch which I don’t exactly know how to describe - a full body metaphorical experience dripping with exciting and strange and chaotically grounded poetic prose. That one rearranged my thought patterns quite a bit
Hi Faye, thanks so much for stopping by, and for the recommendations! I've been reading some of your work and really enjoying the intimacy—and strangeness—of it.
Last year I read David Grohl’s memoir and really enjoyed it. I’ve never been a Foo Fighter’s fan, per se, but his relationship with his mom is delightful!
This Will All Be Over Soon by SNL alum Cecile Strong hit me at the right time. She lost someone close to her to cancer right as the pandemic hit, so she conveys the mixture of personal and collective grief of that season, plus a side of fear and uncertainty.
Hi Jen -- thanks for stopping by -- and for the reminder about Dave Grohl's book!
I've been meaning to read it. I don't like the Foos music much either, but I love Dave. He's such a cool cat, a sweet guy and so impressively prolific. The series (Sonic Highways, I think) that he did recording with different people at various historic recording studios was really touching -- and now I see he's got a new series out out rock 'n roll moms.
some more favorites: Susan Faludi, In the darkroom. Adam Minter, Junkyard Planet (part memoir, part a wonderful history or recycling and logistics). Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, Tightrope. Frank Bruni, The beauty of dusk. Kati Marton, Enemies of the people. Fiona Hill, There is nothing for you here. SHerry Turkle, The empathy diaries. Leana Wen, Lifelines. Deborah Tannen, Finding my father. Brittany Kaiser, Targeted. More on request!
Esther! Amazing to see you here, thanks for stopping by -- and for your list! I haven't heard of any of these. Much appreciated, and I hope you are well. Sending my best to you from sunny Sausalito.
This is an awesome list, thanks Bowen.
You’re very welcome. Please share.
Damn, that's a good list. Wish I could live another 100 years, just to get to all of them. Lots of overlap with my faves, but I'd mention In Pharaoh's Army, by Tobias Wolff as well. And while we're in Vietnam, Dispatches, by Michael Herr is incredible.
What a great list Bowen. So much to do!! 🤔 I’ve only read but a few of those on your list. I’d add “Scar Tissue” by Anthony Kiedis. So raw and funny and reads like what you’d imagine a kid growing up in Hollywood as the son of a drug dealer to the stars might read like ☺️
yeah, I loved Kiedis' book too... I will add it! Good to read in conjunction with Flea's book—and a ton more rock 'n roll memoirs, I love how they all tie together, with my own life as well.
And of course Keith’s. Never knew about his distinctive 5-string sound 😉
yeah, funny, his was on my list on bookshop, I just hadn't quite yet added it to this article. thanks!
Thanks so much for the mention, friend!
One of the first memoirs I truly loved is I am, I am, I am by Maggie O’Farrell. It’s a life story told using seventeen near death experiences, so beautifully told and harrowing. I’m planning to reread it soon, and I can’t recommend it enough.
Thanks for all the great recs! And for mentioning my newsletter again.
One of my favorite books period is A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers. It’s mostly a memoir with some small narrative tweaks and parts that are definitely, and obviously fictional
It’s almost cheating, but all three of Mary Karr’s memoirs. The Liars Club, Cherry, and Lit. I adored This Boys Life, but you mentioned that one. The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien. I don’t know if it’s technically memoir but it had the same function for me when I read it.
The Glass Castle, Jennette Walls -- her first few sentences are stunning. Excellent read. Norah Vincent! Now that's a name from 90s NYC. Interesting book indeed.
Same prompt, different reader.... Fascinating! yours from cosmopolitan New York.
Well, of course, my books. Memoirs that aren’t memoirs in a conventional sense. 😎🦩🥃
Well my reading list just grew! Three of my favorites: Wasted by Maria Hornbacher (a memoir of anorexia and bulimia), The Surrender by Toni Bentley (erotic memoir), and The Chronology of Water by Lidia Yuknavitch which I don’t exactly know how to describe - a full body metaphorical experience dripping with exciting and strange and chaotically grounded poetic prose. That one rearranged my thought patterns quite a bit
Hi Faye, thanks so much for stopping by, and for the recommendations! I've been reading some of your work and really enjoying the intimacy—and strangeness—of it.
Oh I’m so happy you’ve been enjoying! Oh, the gifts of strangeness 🙃😂 there was no escaping writing for me
Thanks for the shout out!
Last year I read David Grohl’s memoir and really enjoyed it. I’ve never been a Foo Fighter’s fan, per se, but his relationship with his mom is delightful!
This Will All Be Over Soon by SNL alum Cecile Strong hit me at the right time. She lost someone close to her to cancer right as the pandemic hit, so she conveys the mixture of personal and collective grief of that season, plus a side of fear and uncertainty.
Hi Jen -- thanks for stopping by -- and for the reminder about Dave Grohl's book!
I've been meaning to read it. I don't like the Foos music much either, but I love Dave. He's such a cool cat, a sweet guy and so impressively prolific. The series (Sonic Highways, I think) that he did recording with different people at various historic recording studios was really touching -- and now I see he's got a new series out out rock 'n roll moms.
some more favorites: Susan Faludi, In the darkroom. Adam Minter, Junkyard Planet (part memoir, part a wonderful history or recycling and logistics). Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, Tightrope. Frank Bruni, The beauty of dusk. Kati Marton, Enemies of the people. Fiona Hill, There is nothing for you here. SHerry Turkle, The empathy diaries. Leana Wen, Lifelines. Deborah Tannen, Finding my father. Brittany Kaiser, Targeted. More on request!
Esther! Amazing to see you here, thanks for stopping by -- and for your list! I haven't heard of any of these. Much appreciated, and I hope you are well. Sending my best to you from sunny Sausalito.
Cool! I just found your substack and much appreciate this post.
Thanks Brett, glad you are digging it! Any memoirs to recommend?
Thanks so much for mentioning me. 🦩💕🥃
Hi Laurie, thanks for stopping in! Any memoirs to recommend?
Memoirs are my jam! I’d also recommend: Hollywood Park, I’m Glad My Mother Is Dead, Stay True, and Dirtbag, Mass.