How To Write A Book Review On Memoir

Memoirs are windows into real lives—filled with vulnerability, resilience, heartbreak, joy, and everything in between. When you read a memoir, you’re not just turning pages of a story; you’re stepping into someone’s truth. But how do you turn that experience into a powerful, well-structured, and helpful book review for a memoir?

Whether you’re a blogger, Goodreads enthusiast, or just someone who loves sharing thoughtful critiques, writing a book review for a memoir is different from reviewing fiction or how-to guides. This guide will walk you through everything you need to craft a compelling memoir review that resonates with readers and honors the story being told.

📚 What Makes a Memoir Unique?

Before diving into how to write a review, it’s essential to understand what sets memoirs apart.

• True Storytelling: A memoir is non-fiction, meaning it’s based on real events from the author’s life.
• Personal Reflection: Memoirs often include emotional introspection, exploring how events shaped the author.
• Voice and Authenticity: The narrative style often mimics the author’s actual voice or personality.

Unlike an autobiography (which usually spans a whole life), a memoir focuses on a particular theme or period—like grief, addiction recovery, travel, or growing up in a war zone. So, when reviewing a memoir, you’re not just evaluating the story but the lived experience and how it’s presented.

✍️ Why Writing a Memoir Review Matters

Memoir readers are usually looking for connection, inspiration, or understanding of a world unfamiliar to them. A good review helps potential readers know:

• Is the memoir emotionally authentic?
• Does it tell a story worth reading?
• Is the writing compelling and honest?
• Who might benefit most from reading it?

By writing a thoughtful review, you’re not only critiquing a book—you’re guiding others toward (or away from) a personal narrative that could impact them deeply.

📝 Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Memoir Book Review

Here’s how to break down your review into digestible, engaging parts:

1. Start with a Strong Hook

Begin your review with a personal connection or a striking quote from the memoir. This sets the tone and immediately draws in your reader.

Example:

“Grief isn’t a straight road, and in ‘The Year of Magical Thinking,’ Joan Didion reminds us how messy and surreal it can be. From the first chapter, I found myself nodding, crying, and reflecting on my own losses.”

2. Introduce the Book and Author

Provide the memoir’s full title, author’s name, and a short summary—but avoid spoilers. This section should tell readers:

• What the memoir is about
• When and where it takes place
• The central theme or focus

Example:

In Educated by Tara Westover, the author recounts her journey from a survivalist family in rural Idaho to earning a Ph.D. from Cambridge. It’s a powerful story of self-education, identity, and breaking free from toxic family systems.

3. Evaluate the Narrative Voice

The “voice” in a memoir is everything—it’s what makes the story feel alive and honest. Ask yourself:

• Does the author’s voice feel authentic?
• Is it consistent throughout the memoir?
• Does it match the emotional tone of the subject?

Tip: Memoirs with a unique, compelling voice stand out. Mention this in your review.

Example:

Westover’s voice is both poetic and raw—like you’re hearing her thoughts in real-time. The emotion is palpable, yet the prose is polished.

💡 Things to Highlight in Your Memoir Review

Here’s a checklist of elements to touch upon in your review:

✅ 1. Themes and Universal Lessons

• What themes are explored (e.g., resilience, mental health, cultural identity)?
• Are there lessons that can apply to readers’ lives?

Example:

Cheryl Strayed’s Wild isn’t just about hiking the Pacific Crest Trail—it’s about forgiveness, letting go, and finding peace after immense loss.

✅ 2. Pacing and Structure

• Is the memoir told chronologically or thematically?
• Is the pacing consistent, or does it drag in parts?

Example:

The non-linear structure of When Breath Becomes Air mirrors the author’s mental state, making it emotionally effective but, at times, slightly jarring.

✅ 3. Emotional Impact

• Did the book move you? Make you think?
• Were there moments that made you pause and reflect?

Example:

I had to put the book down several times just to cry. That’s how deeply Jeannette Walls’ The Glass Castle affected me.

✅ 4. Writing Style

• Is the language lyrical, blunt, witty, or academic?
• Does it suit the story being told?

Example:

Trevor Noah’s Born a Crime balances humor and pain through a conversational, comedic tone that makes heavy topics digestible.

🚫 What to Avoid in a Memoir Review

❌ Critiquing the Author’s Life Choices

Remember, memoirs are real. You’re reviewing the book, not judging the author’s decisions.

❌ Spoiling Key Moments

Some memoirs hinge on shocking or emotional revelations. Don’t ruin them in your review.

❌ Being Overly Academic

Unless your audience is scholarly, avoid too much jargon. Keep your tone accessible and conversational.

🔍 Sample Structure for a Memoir Review

Here’s a basic outline you can follow:

1. Hook/Personal Connection
   Start with a line that immediately connects you or the reader to the memoir’s core theme.
2. Brief Summary (No Spoilers)
   Mention the title, author, and what it’s about—keep it short and to the point.
3. Key Strengths
   Discuss narrative voice, emotional depth, themes, writing style, etc.
4. Weak Points (If Any)
   Gently note anything that felt lacking—maybe pacing, repetition, or an abrupt ending.
5. Favorite Moments or Quotes
   Add a specific example to give your review texture.
6. Who It’s For
   Mention who might benefit from or enjoy this memoir.
7. Final Thoughts and Rating (Optional)
   End with a reflective comment and a star rating if you wish.

🌟 Bonus Tips for Writing a Standout Memoir Review

• Compare it to other memoirs: “Fans of Elizabeth Gilbert will love this.”
• Use rich adjectives: Emotional, heartbreaking, triumphant, lyrical, unflinching.
• Add content warnings if the book covers sensitive topics like abuse, suicide, or trauma.
• Use first-person for authenticity—your voice matters in reviews.
• Be honest: If it didn’t resonate with you, say why—but respectfully.

📖 Example Review Snippet: The Choice by Dr. Edith Eger

“Reading The Choice felt like sitting beside a grandmother who has seen the worst of humanity but still chooses love over bitterness. Dr. Eger’s retelling of her survival in Auschwitz and her journey as a therapist is not only heartbreaking—it’s healing. Her message? We can’t always control what happens to us, but we can choose how we respond. Her story changed the way I look at my own pain.”

🎯 Final Thoughts

Writing a book review for a memoir is both an art and a responsibility. You’re not just reviewing a story—you’re honoring a life lived. Whether you’re highlighting the raw emotion, elegant prose, or inspiring resilience, a great review offers readers the insight they need to decide: Is this the story I need right now?

So the next time you finish a memoir that moved you—don’t just close the book. Share your thoughts, offer your reflections, and let your words help others find the story waiting to touch their lives.