6 Powerful Memoirs That Will Change How You See Strength

The fierce woman behind Beyoncé and Solange shares her story of strength, sacrifice and unstoppable creativity from girlhood to womanhood. And yes, it truly is her story. You might come for Beyoncé but you’ll stay for Miss Tina and her raw, inspiring journey through family, fame and breaking barriers.

For fans of: Beyoncé, knowing the drama without getting involved in the drama, behind-the-scenes videos

The inside story of New Zealand’s trailblazing PM, who led with empathy and grit. Sharp, timely and inspiring – a must-read for anyone craving real leadership with heart.

For fans of: political memoirs, women in power, TED Talks

Given parkrun’s household-name status – because seriously, who hasn’t had their Saturday morning marked by that 8am meet-up in the park? – you’d never guess it all started from one man (who grew up in South Africa) feeling lost, burnt out and a tiny Saturday run. No matter where you’re from, what you’re facing or how fast you move, this proves one small idea (or step) can change the world.

For fans of: feel-good fitness stories, Eat, Pray Love, parkrun

A brutally honest, darkly funny memoir about surviving the highs and lows of life and finding light even in the messiest moments. You’ll feel like a child curled up at their grandparents’ feet, eagerly awaiting the next laugh-until-you-cry story to be told. Real, hilarious, unforgettable.

For fans of: your granny’s life stories, unapologetically chaotic main characters, doing it for the plot

The Iron Cowboy reveals how he pushed past every limit to achieve the impossible. And what is the impossible, you ask? Just the small feat of completing 100 triathlons in 100 *consecutive* days. Yes, 100. This is a powerhouse story of endurance, grit and mental toughness that will fire you up (and leave your knees aching in sympathy).

For fans of: extreme feats of fitness, reading about extreme feats of fitness while lying on the couch, motivational videos,

A palliative doctor gives honest and moving reflections on love, loss and what it really means to live well in the face of death. Heartbreaking and hopeful – this work of narrative nonfiction delves into the lives of two families who have been intertwined through organ donation. While not technically a memoir, it’s a deeply personal, true story told with the emotional weight and intimate storytelling style that readers of memoirs will appreciate. It’ll stay with you long after your tears have dried.

For fans of: When Breath Becomes Air, My Sister’s Keeper, purposely making yourself ugly cry with a sad book or movie