Book List

Best Memoirs of 2023

NONFICTION

SKINFOLK

by Matthew Pratt Guterl

An earnestly felt, beautifully wrought story of an American family in all its complexity. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

CHINESE PRODIGAL

by David Shih

A profoundly thoughtful, unflinchingly honest Asian American memoir. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

WORM

by Edel Rodriguez ; illustrated by Edel Rodriguez

A sharply observed document of totalitarianism and its discontents—this gifted artist in particular. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

ORPHAN BACHELORS

by Fae Myenne Ng

An exemplary study of the past brought into the present, spanning years and continents. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

BITING THE HAND

by Julia Lee

A lively, wise, and immensely insightful memoir about Asian America's relationship with Whiteness. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

HOW TO STAY MARRIED

by Harrison Scott Key

An exceptional memoir of a humorist’s attempts to deal with his wife’s infidelity. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CURRENT EVENTS & SOCIAL ISSUES

MOTT STREET

by Ava Chin

A lively memoir that limns a long family history and helps us understand the troubled history of our nation. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

HISTORY

FATHERLAND

by Burkhard Bilger

A moving, humane biography of a minor Nazi official who did his job without the usual horrors. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

THE ROOSTER HOUSE

by Victoria Belim

An elegant family narrative of myriad characters traumatized by the deep-seated Russia-Ukrainian struggle. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

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