4 Autobiographies to Read Right Now to be Inspired

Everyone who’s anyone is telling their story these days … and everyone’s listening. Why not, right? After all, we love to hear how another person is doing, comparing notes with our own lives.

But when someone famous or influential tells their story, we really listen. Many times, their stories are inspirational, detailing how they got to where they are. Most times, it’s sensational, sharing all the sordid and juicy details we’re dying to know. Hence why the autobiography section at your favourite bookstore is eternally popular!

Ready to hop on the autobiography bandwagon for some inspiration? Here are some you’ll want to get started on.

Spare by Prince Harry
Of course, you can’t mention an autobiography without mentioning this popular title! Did you know that “Spare” sold more than 1.43 million copies in all formats in the United States, Canada, and Britain (including pre-orders) on the first day it was released? This makes it the largest first-day sales for any nonfiction book ever published by Penguin Random House, the world’s largest publisher.

In his book, Prince Harry obviously tells all about life as a royal – from his side of the coin. He talks about life before Diana’s death, life after and the struggles, as well as his years in the British Army. Then of course, he tells his love story with Meghan, their fairy-tale wedding, and the aftermath of being preyed upon, hounded on by the press as well as being subjected to many other challenges. Raw and honest, “Spare” is the book you’ll want to read if you’ve always been intrigued by the Royals and what life is really like for a modern-day prince.

Trivia: Why is it called “Spare”? Well, you’ll have to read the book to find out!

First Decade: My Journey From Blogger to Entrepreneur by Vivy Yusof
Always wanted to try your hands at being your own boss? Read this first! Written by none other than Malaysia’s fashion and business icon Vivy Yusof, it details her life as a blogger and then a successful entrepreneur. Yusof opens up about how she started her fashion business, the ups and downs, and everything she went through as a newbie and finally, at 34, building a nine-figure fashion company with over two million followers on Instagram. Oh and in the meantime, getting married, becoming a mum of four, and doing everything else!

If you want to be inspired by a story that’s relatable, read this one.

Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story by Arnold Schwarzenegger
If someone has the greatest success story of all time, it’s Arnold Schwarzenegger. Born in a small Austrian town, he dreamed of moving to America to become a bodybuilding champion and a movie star.

He did exactly that and more – he was crowned Mr. Universe, learnt English, and became the greatest bodybuilder in the world. But did he stop there? Nope, in the next 10 years, Schwarzenegger earned his college degree, was a millionaire, and even became a movie star like he said he would, picking up a Golden Globe Award for his debut in Stay Hungry. There’s more – 36 years after coming to America, he was elected governor of California!

We suggest listening to the audiobook with Schwarzenegger telling the story himself. Definitely a keeper!

My What If Year: A Memoir by Alisha Fernandez Miranda
You may not immediately recognise the writer of this book but her story resonates with everyone. Alisha Fernandez Miranda, CEO of a high-powered consulting firm, decided she had enough. She’s had it all – both personal and professional success. But she’s tired.

At the thought of turning 40, she decided to pause and leave her family and home to spend one year exploring the dream jobs of her youth, seeking answers to the question, “What if?”

Sounds familiar? That’s what many of us dream of doing! In this book, we have Miranda on a spirited journey of self-discovery of a youth she never knew – working in a post Scottish hotel, interning at a Broadway theatre and a London art gallery.

If you’re stuck in a rut, this autobiography will give you the insight that it’s never too late to say yes to the road less travelled or to simply hit pause and enjoy life.

Photo by Stephen Phillips - Hostreviews.co.uk on Unsplash.