Types of Memoirs

PART 2

Types of MemoirsPersonal memoir● It is based on a particular experience

or event. This is the most popular type of memoir.

The Survivor Memoir● The survivor memoir is one in which the author has

performed heroic feats of endurance, sacrifice, intelligence, strength or a combination of these qualities in order to survive. If you have battled a life-threatening illness, survived actual trauma, lived through war or anything along those lines, you may wish to write a survivor memoir. Sometimes people write survivor memoirs in order to assist in their own healing process, and other times they write them to share the lessons they have learned. Either way, many readers find survivor memoirs to be inspirational and helpful in their own lives, particularly when they are going through similarly challenging times.

Confession Memoir

● In this type of memoir, writers reveal life events that have previously been kept secret. It can be a personal, family, or even a community secret. The secret must, however, have impacted the author’s life. These kinds of memoirs can be fascinating to read, especially if they explore the reasons why individuals act the way they do.

Coming of Age Memoir● These are the stories of the transition between childhood and

adulthood. It is a universal theme that everyone can relate to and understand. The coming of age type of memoir offers the writer an opportunity to examine life events in the context of childhood’s end. Family traditions, the neighborhood and community, family relationships and social elements can become central parts of the story. There should be, in this type of memoir (as in all of them), a pivotal event, awakening or lesson to tie the memoir together.

Second Coming of Age MemoirMany people experience a second coming of age. This can happen when new learning, insights, or events in a person’s life causes them to transition from one way of thinking to another.

● The travel memoir gives the writer a chance to create a first person account of unique experiences in unfamiliar surroundings. Many travel memoirs are not only about the writer’s travels, however; they are concerned with how the adventure changed the writer’s life. The setting and the events experienced by the author during his trip lead to a fuller understanding of one’s self. They also combine factual information about specific places with personal insight.

Travel Memoir

The Insider Memoir● Perhaps you have a unique job or

you witnessed something of major significance. If you have a story to tell that can only be told by someone who was there, you should write an insider memoir. If you frequently get asked a lot of questions about your unique perspective at school, it's time to write a memoir.

Celebrity & Political Memoirs● People want to know what it is like to be

famous. In this type of memoir, the writer shares his/her experiences, feelings, thoughts, opinions, point of view about life in the public eye

● A political memoir is written by a person who holds public office. Almost all Presidents write memoirs as a form of historical record and to share their experiences.

Portrait memoir● It is based on an event or

experience of a person who is not the author. These stories recount the lessons learned from the relationship.

● Tuesday’s with Morrie is a portrait memoir.