Memoir-Bashing

How many times have I heard someone say, “I could write a book,” when referring to his or her life experiences? While few of us are destined to become best-selling novelists of the Stephen King caliber or proud recipients of a Pulitzer Prize for brilliant literary achievements like Toni Morrison, writing a memoir, on the other hand, just may be within our reach. Somehow, writing about our own life does not seem as far-fetched or unattainable as publishing other scholarly works, particularly if one does not write for a living. Memoir writing is therefore accessible to everyone regardless of experience level, and that is its biggest allure.

Unlike some of the opinions expressed in Ben Yagoda’s article “A Brief History of Memoir-Bashing,” I do not believe that if people write about themselves they are egotists or self-indulgent. Memoirs document our one-of-a-kind journeys. Whether they reveal personal struggles or share humoristic takes on life, memoirs are not only valuable legacies for future generations but also entertainment for readers. We all have stories to tell; likewise, most of us are intrigued hearing about others’ life experiences. Does that mean we are addicted to exposure or voyeuristic as alleged in Yagoda’s article? Perhaps, but I believe it is human nature to be curious about other people’s lives, and memoirs certainly satisfy our insatiable appetites.