Memoirs

Reading memoirs allows us to connect with each other through our mutual humanity. Memoirs are about the everyday joys and heartaches of ordinary people and are the closest thing we have to walking a mile in another’s shoes. For a sneak peak at the books on display, below are quotes from different memoirs the Grinnell College Libraries own.

“There Has Ceased to Be a Difference Between My Awake Clothes and My Asleep Clothes.”

Mindy Kaling, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?

“My brother, who grew up with three sisters, was I won't say how many years old when he finally realized that he did not have to wrap the towel around his chest when he came out of the shower.”

Amy Krouse Rosenthal, Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life

“Control is a drug, and we are all hooked, whether or not we believe in the prosperity gospel’s assurance that we can master the future with our words and attitudes.”

Kate Bowler, Everything Happens for a Reason

“After a few months in my parents' basement, I took an apartment near the state university, where I discovered both crystal methamphetamine and conceptual art. Either one of these things are dangerous, but in combination they have the potential to destroy entire civilizations.”

David Sedaris, Me Talk Pretty One Day

Curated by Mai Vu ’21 who is from Omaha, Nebraska, and a second year biological chemistry major with a concentration in neuroscience. She works as the mending and bindery student in Burling and loves being in the outdoors.