7 Modern Day Memoirs That Won't Fail To Inspire And Enlighten You

From a Nobel Peace Prize winner to the daughter of an undertaker, the founder of The Girly Book Club talks us through seven stories that will give you a new perspective on life.

There are always a handful of bad days in among the weeks of good. The seven authors below have certainly had their fair share of the former, and as a result, have chosen to share their provocative stories with the world. These memoirs will inspire and move readers to live life to its fullest; and to demand more from themselves and the lives they lead.

My Grandfather Would Have Shot Me by Jennifer Teege

Who was Amon Goeth? And more importantly how was author Jennifer Teege related to him? A random visit to the library has Jennifer searching for clues when she finds out that renowned German Nazi Commander Amon Goeth was actually her grandfather. Raised in an orphanage and then adopted, she had limited contact with her biological mother but knew enough to track the lineage. The news sends her into a tailspin and sets her off on a journey for real understanding as she must come to terms with a grandfather that would have wanted her dead.

I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

The true story of a young 15-year-old girl shot in the head at close range because she insisted on her right to an education is a modern classic. The youngest ever winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, Malala Yousafzai's story will bring you to tears while you're emboldened by her braveness and inspired by her passion. A true must read.

The Undertaker's Daughter by Kate Mayfield

This is a true-to-life tale of Kate Mayfield growing up under the watchful eye of her father – an undertaker. Not only is he an undertaker but they live in the funeral home just steps away from the newly passed. Set in a small town in Kentucky, for thirteen years she lives with death, literally on her doorstep, and the coming and going of mourners and grief alike. A very unusual tale told in a fascinating way.

A House in the Sky by Amanda Lidhout

Amanda Lidhout was a photo journalist traveling the most dangerous countries in the world for her next great shot, when she was kidnapped in Somalia and forced to endure the unendurable. Half way through you can't imagine it could get any worse, and then it does. It must have taken a toll to tell this story, but it's well written and incredibly fierce.

Dancing Through It by Jenifer Ringer

Ever wondered what it really involves to make it to the top of the New York City Ballet? In this memoir, principal dancer Jenifer Ringer tells all, from the highest highs and the lowest lows, she covers it all. A revealing and frank insider’s story.

The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer

You many already know Amanda Palmer - she's the lead singer of Dresden Dolls, but she's accomplished a lot more besides. She's a big deal in the crowdfunding arena, having raised the most amount of money ever on a music Kickstarter, and over 6 million people have watched her TED talk. Her book, is all about her journey – about how to mix the art of asking, with music and success. But it goes beyond this and looks at how hard it is for us to ask for help in our daily lives – it encourages us to rethink the rules we live by to give and receive much more freely.

The C Word by Lisa Lynch

Breast cancer at any age is unfair. Breast cancer at 28 is REALLY unfair. An unprecedented account of all the lows that come along with a traumatic diagnosis of grade three breast cancer at such a young age, and the silver lining revelation as Lisa struggles but reaffirms her faith in life and humanity before her untimely death at the age of 33. Sheridan Smith recently played Lisa in a TV adaptation of the candid book - to rave reviews.

Thanks to Erin Woodward from The Girly Book Club.