Brian Longo

Demi Moore’s memoir, Inside Out, published in 2019 by Harper, is a profoundly moving and unflinchingly honest account of a life marked by resilience, vulnerability, and self-discovery. From her tumultuous childhood to her meteoric rise as one of Hollywood’s brightest stars, Moore invites readers into the depths of her personal struggles and triumphs, crafting a narrative that is both universally relatable and uniquely iconic. This memoir is not just a celebrity tell-all; it is a testament to the power of owning one’s story, embracing imperfections, and finding strength in the face of adversity. With its raw candor, emotional depth, and inspiring message, Inside Out is a must-read for anyone seeking insight into the complexities of fame, family, and personal growth. A Courageous and Candid Narrative From the very first page, Inside Out grips readers with its raw honesty. Moore begins with a harrowing account of her 2012 hospitalization, a moment that encapsulates the chaos and pain ...

Michele Harper’s The Beauty in Breaking is a luminous and profoundly moving memoir that transcends the boundaries of a traditional medical narrative. As an African American female emergency room physician, Harper brings a rare and vital perspective to the literary landscape, weaving together her personal journey of self-healing with the poignant stories of her patients. This book is not merely a collection of ER anecdotes; it is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the transformative power of empathy, and the courage required to confront both personal and systemic brokenness. With its eloquent prose, unflinching honesty, and hopeful outlook, The Beauty in Breaking is a must-read that lingers long after the final page. Harper’s narrative begins with her own experiences of brokenness, rooted in a childhood marked by domestic violence in Washington, D.C.’s Black elite. Her father’s abuse left deep scars, yet it also ignited her determination to become a healer, a calling s...

Michelle Zauner’s Crying in H Mart is a luminous, gut-wrenching memoir that transcends the boundaries of personal storytelling to become a profound meditation on grief, cultural identity, and the unspoken language of love. As the lead singer of the indie pop band Japanese Breakfast*, Zauner is no stranger to crafting art that resonates deeply with audiences, but in her literary debut, she unveils a narrative voice that is raw, lyrical, and achingly honest. Published in 2021, this memoir—born from a viral New Yorker piece of the same name—has rightfully earned its place as a New York Times bestseller, captivating readers with its vivid prose, emotional authenticity, and celebration of Korean American heritage. For anyone who has navigated the complexities of family, loss, or identity, this book is a treasure to be cherished and revisited. At its core, Crying in H Mart is a love letter to Zauner’s mother, Chongmi, whose battle with pancreatic cancer and subsequent death in 2014 serves ...

Stitches: A Memoir by David Small is a hauntingly beautiful and profoundly moving graphic novel that stands as a testament to the power of visual storytelling. Published in 2009, this National Book Award finalist and #1 New York Times bestseller is a searing exploration of a traumatic childhood, rendered with such emotional depth and artistic precision that it lingers long after the final page. Small, an award-winning children’s book illustrator, turns his considerable talents inward to craft a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally resonant, weaving a tale of survival, resilience, and redemption through the lens of a child’s perspective. A Visually Stunning Narrative From the opening pages, Stitches immerses readers in Small’s world, set in 1950s Detroit, where the veneer of suburban conformity masks a family fractured by emotional repression and unspoken pain. Small’s black-and-white pen-and-ink illustrations are nothing short of extraordinary, blending a stark, al...

Augusten Burroughs’ Running with Scissors is a memoir that defies convention, weaving a tapestry of chaos, humor, and resilience that is as captivating as it is unsettling. Published in 2002, this New York Times bestseller chronicles Burroughs’ unconventional and often shocking adolescence, offering readers an unflinching look at a childhood marked by dysfunction, absurdity, and unexpected moments of tenderness. Through his razor-sharp wit and vivid storytelling, Burroughs transforms a harrowing coming-of-age tale into a darkly comedic masterpiece that lingers long after the final page. The memoir begins with a young Augusten, born Christopher Robison, navigating a turbulent home life with his poet mother, Deirdre, and his alcoholic father, Norman. Deirdre, who harbors delusions of grandeur akin to Anne Sexton, struggles with severe mental health issues, while Norman’s abusive and distant demeanor exacerbates the family’s volatility. When their marriage dissolves, Deirdre sends Augus...

Running from the Mirror by Howard Shulman is a profoundly moving and inspirational memoir that chronicles the extraordinary life of a man who faced unimaginable adversity from the moment he was born. This beautifully crafted narrative is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, blending raw honesty, emotional depth, and moments of triumph that make it a must-read for anyone who appreciates stories of personal growth and perseverance. From the outset, Shulman’s story grips the reader with its heart-wrenching premise. Just three days after his birth, he contracted a devastating staph infection that ravaged his face, leaving him with severe physical challenges and, tragically, abandoned by his biological parents. Becoming a ward of the state of New Jersey, Shulman’s early years were marked by countless reconstructive surgeries and the emotional weight of growing up without a traditional family. Yet, what makes this memoir so compelling is not merely the recounting of these har...

Antwone Quenton Fisher’s Finding Fish: A Memoir is a remarkable and deeply inspiring autobiography that chronicles the author’s extraordinary journey from a childhood filled with unimaginable hardship to a life of triumph, self-discovery, and success. Published in 2001, this New York Times bestseller is a testament to the power of the human spirit, offering readers a gripping narrative that resonates with themes of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of self-determination. Fisher’s raw, authentic voice, combined with his unflinching honesty, makes this memoir a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration or a deeper understanding of the complexities of overcoming adversity. The memoir opens with Fisher’s harrowing beginnings: born in prison in 1959 to a single mother, Antwone, referred to as “Baby Boy Fisher” in child welfare records, is immediately placed in foster care. His early life was marked by profound loss—his father was killed before his birth, and his mother was una...