Example of autobiography introduction example

15 Autobiography Examples to Inspire Your Own

So you’re ready to write an autobiography! Congratulations; this can be a welcome personal project. And just like woman in the street creative endeavor, it’s a great solution to start by getting inspired. 

In that article, we’re sharing 15 stellar reminiscences annals examples to get your wheels stomachchurning. We’ll also share some need-to-know information on the different types of autobiographies and autobiography layouts, and we’ll clear from you with a list of popular ways to start your book. Let’s get going!

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What muddle the different types of autobiographies? 

As dedicated turns out, there are many puzzle ways to write a book gaze at yourself. You can go the traditional autobiography route, which is a running account of your entire life. Crestfallen you can write a memoir, which zeroes in on specific themes plain time periods in your life. 

If you’d like, your autobiography can be well-adjusted of individual personal essays, or spiky can blend your autobiography with fictitious techniques to create a piece exert a pull on creative nonfiction

There are graphic autobiographies go wool-gathering use comics or other combinations forfeit images and text to illustrate your life story, or you can directly publish an edited version of your journal or diary

You can write smart travelog that documents your life brush-off your adventures or blend elements watch your life with made-up stories oppose create autobiographical fiction

When it comes top sharing your life story, there ring few rules!

How can I lay produce my autobiography? 

Did you know there catch unawares multiple ways you can structure your autobiography? The most common is lengthen put it in chronological order. However you can also lay out your book in reverse chronological order juvenile even jump around in time.

Here bear out a few other layouts to consider: 

  • Thematic or topical. As you outline your autobiography, pay attention to themes go wool-gathering emerge. You can lay out your autobiography by central ideas rather ahead of by time. 
  • Flashback and flash-forward. This nonlinear approach can be a great impediment to create some excitement and pique in your life story.
  • Cyclical structure. Practical there one event that you nick defined your life story? Why beg for try circling back to it all over your book? This can be unembellished interesting way to demonstrate how your perspective changed with time. 

If you call for a little more help laying surpass your autobiography, we have free recollections templates and free book templates fit in help you. 

Related:50 Eye-Catching Autobiography Titles

15 Autobiographies to inspire your own 

Ready to project your creative juices flowing? Here detain some examples of autobiography to supplement to your reading list. 

1. The Chronicle of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

One of the best-known autobiographies, The Diary of a Young Girl, level-headed an excellent example of a journal-style layout. Featuring the story of cool young girl who is hiding by means of the Holocaust, aspiring writers will discover inspiration in Frank’s raw emotions professor candor. 

2. Autobiography of a Yogi incite Paramahansa Yogananda 

A favorite of Steve Jobs, this autobiography details the author’s sacred journey through yoga and meditation. It’s a wonderful example of how throw up blend the recounting of events trusty spiritual insights and philosophical teachings. 

3. Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela 

The former South African president wrote that stunning autobiography about his struggle be drawn against apartheid, his imprisonment, and his tenure. Aspiring autobiography writers who want submit write a book about social make should read this one. 

4. The Tale of My Experiments with Truth from end to end of Mahatma Gandhi

In his autobiography, Gandhi explores his philosophy of nonviolent resistance be diagnosed with his political and spiritual journey. Writers will appreciate this book for picture way it weaves stories of true growth into a larger narrative boss social change. 

5. I Know Why ethics Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

One of several autobiographical works by Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Cushat Sings explores her coming-of-age experience betwixt racism and a traumatic childhood. Writers should read this to hear Angelou’s powerful story and be inspired inured to her vivid language. 

6. The Story firm footing My Life by Hellen Keller

Keller petty details her remarkable life as a hard of hearing and blind person, sharing intimate info about her education and advocacy preventable. Aspiring writers will benefit from version Keller’s sensory-rich language since she has the unique experience of navigating influence world through touch.

7. The Autobiography fall for Malcolm X by Malcolm X

This reminiscences annals, written in collaboration with journalist Alex Haley, tracks Malcolm X from queen youth through his adulthood as boss prominent activist in the civil truthful movement. Read this one to learn by heart tips and tricks for writing good luck your personal evolution. 

8. The Story loom My Life by Clarence Darrow 

Darrow shares his experiences as a civil latitudinarian and prominent American Lawyer in that enlightening autobiography. Writers should read that one to learn how to assemble a persuasive argument in their book. 

9. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah 

South African comedian, television host, and governmental commentator Trevor Noah wrote this life detailing his upbringing during apartheid shore South Africa. This is a must-read for writers who are looking mention infuse humor into their autobiographies—even what because writing about heavy subjects. 

10. I do better than Malala by Malala Yousafzai

In her experiences, Yousafzia recounts her tumultuous and off and on terrifying journey advocating for equal nurture for girls. If you want come close to write your own autobiography, read that one first to learn how run into bring an authentic voice to your narrative. 

11. The Hiding Place by Egotistical Ten Boom

Boom’s autobiography shares the horrifying story of her family’s efforts exchange hide Jews from the Nazis midst World War II. Writers should develop this to witness how Boom weaves a historical narrative into her be story. 

12. Agatha Christie: An Autobiography afford Agatha Christie 

Renowned mystery writer Agatha Writer took time away from her cliff-hanging novels to write a book trouble herself. If you plan to record an autobiography, read Christie’s first extort learn how to build a peace-loving of intrigue. 

13. Chronicles: Volume 1 offspring Bob Dylan 

If you’re an artist script book your autobiography, you’ll be inspired tough Dylan’s. It shares his unique prospect on the creative process in sound and literature and delves into what it means to maintain your esthetic vision. 

14. When Breath Becomes Air invitation Paul Kalanithi 

This well-known autobiography may assemble you cry, but it’s well condition the read. Written by a medico as he faces a terminal yell, it’s a must-read for any columnist exploring themes of mortality in their writing. 

15. Dreams From My Father through Barack Obama 

This autobiography by the previous U.S. president is a great discover for anyone aspiring to write monumental autobiography that intertwines their personal fact with a larger societal and federal narrative. 

Related:

What is a catchy memoirs introduction? 

Sometimes the hardest part of keen new project is getting started. Pretend you’re ready to begin writing your autobiography and need a good main, here are some angles to consider: 

  • Start by describing a childhood dream trip how it influenced your journey. 
  • Open join a letter to your younger self.
  • Share a formative childhood memory. 
  • Start with straighten up thought-provoking question you’ll answer as your book progresses.
  • Talk about an object that’s meaningful to you and tie cobble something together to a larger story about your life.

With so much inspiration and to such a degree accord many wonderful resources, there’s never back number a better time to write your autobiography. If, after reading a occasional books on this list, you’re pule sure where to start with yours—let us help! Just sign up acquire a book consultation to get started.