12 Best Memoirs on Audio, Read by Margaret Atwood, Viola Davis and More

The audiobook-versus-print debate isn’t going away anytime soon, but memoirs make one of the strongest cases for pressing play instead of turning pages—especially when an author narrates his or her own story, as most of the memoirs below do. You’re not just reading their words—you’re hearing the exact pauses, laughs and cracks in their voice as they relive it. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best memoirs on audio, from Read With Jenna picks to a memoir narrated by Shania Twain herself. Keep scrolling to find your next favorite listen! 

‘Finding Me’ by Viola Davis 

Originally published in 2022, this memoir written and narrated by actress Viola Davis reveals what really happens when the cameras aren’t rolling. From growing up in Central Falls, Rhode Island, to becoming one of the most respected women in Hollywood, Viola leaves nothing out. She even discusses how sometimes, despite her talent, people never saw past her past and race. A moving tale went on to win a Grammy for Best Audio Book, Narration and Storytelling Recording in 2023. 

What listeners are saying: “This book is a powerful punch in the gut with its unapologetic honesty. Just like any other Viola Davis performance, it will leave you moved and maybe even changed a little.” 

‘Down the Drain’ by Julia Fox 

Uncut Gems actress Julia Fox opens up about her troubled past in this powerful memoir that she narrates. Growing up, Julia witnessed her parents’ volatile relationship. Then she entered into a relationship with an abusive drug dealer boyfriend, only to end up in a psychiatric hospital before eventually getting involved with a new man, facing a heroin addiction and nearly dying. Eventually, she decided to change her life.  

What listeners are saying: “Julia, I have loved you for the past few years but reading your memoir was inspiring to me. I have written down so many quotes in my phone to reflect on. Your story is a testimony to life’s ups and downs. Throughout all of life’s turbulence, you remained true to who you are and never wavered. Thank you. You’ve made me feel like I too can make it in life.” 

‘Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts’ by Margaret Atwood 

Margaret Atwood is best known for writing The Handmaid’s Tale series, which was made into an award-winning Hulu series—and in her memoir, which she narrates,  she reveals how she did it. She also opens up about her past, her love for writer Graeme Gibson and what really happens when some celebrities are around. 

What listeners are saying: “Margaret Atwood is a wonder of the world. From the opening words of her memoir, it was clear this book would be something special. I kept pausing it to laugh, or look up one of her books I wasn’t familiar with. I’m in awe of her brain and the way she kept me entranced for 86 years of life. She kept startling and delighting me with her unique viewpoints and dry, humor-filled assessments.” 

‘This Is Me: A Reckoning’ by Hayden Panettiere 

Just months before her death, Hayden Panettiere released her highly anticipated memoir. From a young age, Hayden was in the spotlight, thanks to her various TV and movie gigs, but here the late actress reveals what happened when people weren’t around. From her domestic assault to dealing with postpartum depression, Hayden holds nothing back in this story that she narrated. 

What listeners are saying: “I loved this glimpse into the heart and soul of Hayden, not the actor but the human being. She had so much raw passion for life but so many people, places and things lurking in dark corners trying to rob her of her light.” 

‘Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage’ by Belle Burden 

Belle Burden’s memoir has everyone talking—and for good reason. In this candid audiobook, Belle shares how her seemingly stable marriage of 10 years came crashing down when her husband suddenly left. The announcement forced her to question everything about her life and identity. Through Belle’s own voice, listeners experience her journey through brutal honesty, devastating setbacks and an inspiring transformation. 

What listeners are saying: “Beautifully written and read, this memoir is both heartbreaking and uplifting. It is the first time I have finished an audible book within a day, and it is the first time an audiobook has made me cry- multiple times. It is multilayered, introspective, and full circle. I am so happy Belle found herself and her voice. It is a beautiful story.” 

‘Homeschooled’ by Stefan Merrill Block 

In this Read With Jenna pick, Stefan Merrill Block shares his childhood, after his mother took him out of school at age 9 because she believed the school was “stifling his creativity.” As his mother tries to homeschool him, her erratic behaviors emerge. Soon, Stefan’s hair is dyed blonde and she is forcing him to crawl around the house. A jaw-dropping story about a real-life mother/son relationship that Stefan himself narrates.

What listeners are saying: “Some memoirs stick with you because of the extreme life circumstances that the authors endured and often overcame—this one is quieter but just as impactful. Our relationships with our mothers are complex and the author’s portrayal of his own mother was powerful and relatable. It’s an excellent memoir and the narration was perfect.” 

Entertainment

Our 10 Best Books From Goodreads' Past Decade List

The popular book app Goodreads just announced their most popular books over the past decade and all we can say is that Goodreads readers have great taste! The list of 120 books features incredible stories that had readers staying up way past their bedtimes, sobbing into their pillows and immediately texting friends “you HAVE to […]

‘A House in The Sky’ by Amanda Lindhout and Sara Corbett 

Growing up, Amanda Lindhout found comfort in National Geographic and vowed that when she was older, she would visit these beautiful places. At 19, she worked as a cocktail waitress to save money so she could travel. Eventually, she was able to backpack through Latin America, Laos, Bangladesh and traveled to Sudan, Syria and Pakistan before eventually becoming a TV reporter. Then in August 2008, on a trip to Somalia she was abducted by a group of masked men. Amanda was held captive for 460 days. In her memoir,  she and her co-author Sara Corbett share how Amanda survived. 

What listeners are saying: “Amanda writes a beautiful account of a horrible kidnapping and torture she endured in Somalia. It’s very difficult to read at times but what a wonderful story of survival!” 

‘From Here to The Great Unknown’ by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough

In 2022, Lisa Marie Presley asked her daughter Riley Keough to help finish her memoir. A month later, Lisa Marie died, leaving her story untold. As Riley grieved, she listened to her mother’s recorded tapes about Graceland, Elvis, marriages and more, and she knew she had to keep her promise. Written by Lisa Marie and Riley and narrated by Riley, this heartbreaking story is deeply moving, revealing and filled with never-before-heard details about the Presley family.

What listeners are saying: “Riley Keough has done a wonderful job on finishing her mother’s story- a story that is filled with both loss and joy, heartbreak and happiness, cruelty and kindness. You cannot sit down and read this for a happy ending; you can read this knowing that it is truth beautifully bared.” 

‘What My Bones Know’ by Stephanie Foo 

When a book is named one of the best books of the year by NPR, Publishers Weekly and The Washington Post, you just know it’s going to be enthralling. As an adult, Stephanie Foo seems to have it all: She has her dream job as a radio producer and has a loving boyfriend. So why is she having panic attacks? Doctors believe it’s because she has Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) from her traumatic past, which included her parents abandoning her after years of physical and emotional abuse. Here Stephanie details what exactly happened in her childhood and how she is working on overcoming it as an adult. An interesting tale that the author narrates.

What listeners are saying: “This very evocative memoir gives a glimpse into the lives of those living with CPTSD, and their journey toward healing. Stephanie Foo is a beautiful writer with the ability to draw you into her life. Whether or not you have struggled with childhood trauma, this book is a must read for everyone because the reality is many suffer in silence. Thank you Stephanie for your bravery and courage to produce this piece of gold.” 

Entertainment

Our 10 Picks From Goodreads’ Most-Read Books List

There are only three months left in the year, which means time is running out on your Goodreads reading challenge—but don’t panic just yet. The popular reading app just released one of its most useful lists of the year: the the one that highlights books readers have actually been finishing in 2026—books so compelling you […]

‘From This Moment On’ by Shania Twain

In 2011, country music star Shania Twain released her memoir. Now, 15 years later, she’s re-narrating it with a new introduction. In the book, the singer details what it was like to grow up in poverty with four siblings and a mother who was a victim of domestic violence. She also details how she dealt with the loss of her parents and how those tragic events shaped her into the storyteller she is today. (The new version of this memoir releases on October 6, 2026.)

What listeners are saying: As of publication, no readers have heard the new version of this audiobook. 

‘I’m Glad My Mom Died’ by Jennette McCurdy

Jennette McCurdy is best known for playing Sam Puckett on the hit Nickelodeon shows iCarly and Sam & Cat, but in her powerful self-narrated memoir, Jennette reveals the dark reality behind her childhood fame. From age 6, Jennette’s mother controlled every aspect of her life: She forced Jennette to audition, restricted her diet and decided what she wore and how she looked. As Jennette’s career skyrocketed, her mother’s grip only tightened. Eventually, her mother dies and Jennette finally learns who she really is and what she really wants.

What listeners are saying: “From beginning to end, I was hooked. I could not stop listening to this book and loved Jennette’s articulation of her story. It was funny, sad, and real. I highly recommend it.” 

‘Nobody’s Girl’ by Virginia Roberts Giuffre

Virginia Roberts Giuffre made headlines when she became one of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell’s most outspoken victims, and here she shares what really happened before she met them and after. Virginia grew up in Florida in an abusive family that never protected her. Eventually, she landed a job at Mar-a-Lago, where she met Ghislaine, and from there was brought on as one of Jeffrey’s “travel masseuses.” It’s a deeply disturbing, yet important, story narrated by Thérèse Plummer and Gabra Zackman, since Virginia ended her own life before the book was released.

Deal of the Day

This Deep Conditioning Collagen Hair Mask for Has 4.9 Stars and Is 80% Off — Get It for $20! View Deal

What listeners are saying: “Virginia Giuffre’s memoir is a beautiful listen. Her story is horrific and heartfelt. She not only relates facts, but takes the time to explain her thinking at almost every turn. It must’ve been a very difficult book to write, but it is fantastic to listen to.” 

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. If you or someone you know is a human trafficking victim, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

Ready for more? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcasts, health tips and uplifting stories designed for women 40, 50, 60 and beyond.