7 Amazing Autobiographies That Deal with Tough Issues ...

By Holly

There are so many amazing autobiographies out there, and there are none more controversial and thought-provoking than the ones that deal with tough issues such as mental illnesses, abuse, disease and drug-taking. The autobiographies included in this list are all truly incredible and will really make you look at life in a different way. Head to your local bookshop and take some time to have a look at these amazing autobiographies.

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1

‘Black like Me’ by John Howard Griffin

‘Black like Me’ by John Howard Griffin This book was the first autobiography I had ever read as a child. My dad gave it to me and I though it was seriously incredible. It’s the story of a caucasian man who takes medication to turn his skin brown. He then travels through America experiencing the racism and injustices of life as a coloured man. This is definitely one of the most amazing autobiographies I’ve ever read.

2

‘I Am Malala’ by Malala Yousafzai

‘I Am Malala’ by Malala Yousafzai We all know the story of Malala, the young girl who spoke out about education and was shot in the head by the Taliban. This autobiography is just as special as you would imagine: we see life through Malala’s eyes and share her experiences with her. This is a wonderful book written by a phenomenal girl.

3

‘Girl, Interrupted’ by Susanna Kaysen

‘Girl, Interrupted’ by Susanna Kaysen This is a book about Susanna, who was placed in a psychiatric hospital at the age of just eighteen, where she would spend the next two years of her life. The techniques used on the patients in this hospital will shock you, and Susanna remembers them and her fellow inmates perfectly. You will probably have trouble believing that a place like this could possibly exist.

4

‘a Child Called It’ by Dave Pelzer

‘a Child Called It’ by Dave Pelzer Dave Pelzer was the victim of one of the most horrific child abuse cases ever, and this his survival story. On more than one occasion, Dave Pelzer was nearly killed by his mother and was often left to starve for days on end. This is a super confronting book and definitely not for the faint-hearted. This will certainly make you see life in a different way.

5

‘Scar Tissue’ by Anthony Kiedis

‘Scar Tissue’ by Anthony Kiedis Lead singer of rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers, Anthony Kiedis, has written this brutally honest autobiography about his life and his dependency on drugs. This book will definitely make you cry, so you have been warned! This is a book about bravery and new beginnings, and is seriously wonderful.

Famous Quotes

Silence at the proper season is wisdom, and better than any speech.

Plutarch
6

‘Look Me in the Eye’ by John Elder Robison

‘Look Me in the Eye’ by John Elder Robison ‘Look Me in the Eye’ is an autobiography by someone suffering from Aspergers Syndrome, which is a form of Autism. John Elder Robison was picked on as a child due to his inability to make eye contact with people, or recognise how they were feeling. This book follows Robison’s journey to accepting his disorder and learning to live with it.

7

‘the Spiral Staircase: My Climb out of Darkness’ by Karen Armstrong

‘the Spiral Staircase: My Climb out of Darkness’ by Karen Armstrong Reading ‘The Spiral Staircase’ will make you bond with the storyteller more than you perhaps thought possible. You are lead on her journey through leaving the Roman Catholic Church after being a nun for years, her inability to cope with the outside world and her diagnosis with epilepsy. This book takes you on an emotional whirlwind of a journey, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll love every minute of it!

Autobiographies are a great way to gain insight into the lives of others and the things they have dealt with throughout their lifetime. There are so many wonderful, interesting ones out there just waiting to be read! Whose autobiography is your absolute favourite?

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Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

"I am Malala" is a must-read ! It's a powerful autobiography and it remains one of my fav books. The other books on this list are surely going on my "to-read" list.

Love this list but trigger warning: A Child Called It is NOT for the faint of heart. I had to stop reading a few times to catch my breath because some of the things this child experiences are truly horrific. Just a warning :)

I too am excited to read some of these autobiography!! Thanks for sharing.

I downloaded A Child Called "It" last night and it is gripping and horrifying!! Unbelievable that mother could ever do such unimaginable things to her own child!! There are two others done by David detailing his life afterwards, can't wait to read!! Check them out!!! He gives new meaning to the term "survivor!!"

Chrissie rock from benidorm has written a great autobiography

All great choices, and you are a very compassionate. Good luck with opening your coffee shop.

You should take a look at Zoyas Story. Its astounding to say the least

Completely agree with Camila. A Child Called It is heartbreaking. But the fact that he was able to overcome his horrific childhood is so inspiring.

Just kids by patti smith is a beautiful book as well!

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