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Original poster

I'm looking for a non celeb memoir to read

136 replies

Shosha1 · 19/09/2016 21:04

Any ideas.

I don't like misery books either.

OP posts:
Bogeyface · 19/09/2016 21:52

The Girl with Seven Names - Hyeonseo Lee. Its about her escape from N Korea and how she got her mother and brother out. An incredible story.

www.amazon.co.uk/Girl-Seven-Names-Korean-Defectors/dp/0007554834

cheminotte · 19/09/2016 21:48

Not sure what you mean by celeb? If it's famous for being famous rather than doing anything of merit, would Ellen MacArthur be ok? Her autobiography is very good. Also Antonia Fraser's and Betty Boothroyds are very interesting.

elspethmcgillicuddy · 19/09/2016 21:45

A woman in the polar night by Christine Ritter is an autobiography about a woman in the 1930s who over winters with her trapper husband in Svelbard. Utterly fascinating.

TiddlesUpATree · 19/09/2016 21:45

The ranulph fiennes one is pretty interesting.

Lariflete · 19/09/2016 21:42

Agatha Christie's autobiography is fascinating.

dodobookends · 19/09/2016 21:41

The Moon's a Balloon - David Niven
Sport of Queens - Dick Francis

StrawberryFooled · 19/09/2016 21:38

...... and Wedlock; how Georgian Britain's worst husband met his match.

StrawberryFooled · 19/09/2016 21:36

Another vote for Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire. Also enjoyed Daughters of Britannia and The Africa House

TheVirginQueen · 19/09/2016 21:36

Ingrid Bethancourt's account of being kidnapped by the FARC was very good.

Leviticus · 19/09/2016 21:35

Breaking Night - Liz Murray
The Mistress's Daughter - A M Homes

CaveMum · 19/09/2016 21:35

Not non-celeb but topical given recent events but Gene Wilder's biography "Kiss Me Like a Stranger" is a good read.

Also Spike Milligan's war diaries give a great insight into the boredom of war from the point of view of an ordinary soldier. There are 7 books in the series starting with "Adolf Hitler: my part in his downfall" though the second book "Rommel Gunner Who?" is my favourite.

Original poster
Shosha1 · 19/09/2016 21:28

I don't mind a good biography so will look at The Mitgord Girls.

I tried Room, averagebear, but not for me.

OP posts:
Overthinker2016 · 19/09/2016 21:27

Also I really enjoyed the Cuba Diaries by Isadora Tattlin. Written by a diplomats wife.

Also slightly trashy but Eat Pray Love and the follow up.

thenewaveragebear1983 · 19/09/2016 21:26

Not a memoir but fiction, but Room by Emma somebody is brilliant, very gripping story, I couldn't put it down.

CousinCharlotte · 19/09/2016 21:25

I am Malala

Overthinker2016 · 19/09/2016 21:24

The Mitford Girls by Mary S Lovell is great but is a biography rather than memoirs (I think?)

PoloZolo · 19/09/2016 21:23

Georgiana Dutchess of Devonshire

TotalConfucius · 19/09/2016 21:22

For something OTBT, an elderly lady I know has just published her memoir - 'Recollections of Joy' by Joy M Claxton published by Matador/Troubadour.

Joy has had such an interesting life as an animal trainer for the film/tv industry, an animal artist, and as a leading light in establishing the Riding for The Disabled carriage driving - all the illustrations are her own work and are an entertainment on their own. She is truly one of life's great characters (and is still at RDA carriage driving advising us every week!)

Overthinker2016 · 19/09/2016 21:22

Cider with Rosie by Laurie Lee
Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt

Belle De Jour? (!!!)

Original poster
Shosha1 · 19/09/2016 21:22

I loved the James Herriot ones, but read them a long time ago

OP posts:
Original poster
Shosha1 · 19/09/2016 21:21

I like the idea of the Mitford Sisters, which books are the best?

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Original poster
Shosha1 · 19/09/2016 21:20

I've read all Bill Brysons ones and lived them.
Really don't want any celeb ones

Interested in anything that is interesting. 🙂

I have read recently

That Woman : about Wallis Simpson

One of our own : Myra Hindley ( disturbing )

Gardens of Stone : French Resistance

Code name Verity : SOE

Nancy Wake : SOE

A fine day for a hanging : Ruth Ellis Story

Black Diamonds : Wentworth Palace Fitzsimmons Family

OP posts:
Mycatsabastard · 19/09/2016 21:17

How Did all this happen by John Bishop. Yes I know he's a celeb but it was one of the funniest books I have ever read. Really interesting as well as laugh out loud funny.

I agree with Bill Bryson's Thunderbolt kid as well. Fantastic book.

Overthinker2016 · 19/09/2016 21:17

Maya Angelou

Also Andre Agassi's biography is great. I would class him as an athele rather than a celeb!

RatOnnaStick · 19/09/2016 21:16

Ha! Xposts.

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