I really only enjoy a certain kind of memoir: it has to be by a person who was in some kind of extraordinary situation and the book has to focus mostly on that particular situation, not their life as a whole. And then, of course, it should be beautifully written, thoughtful, reflective, etc.

Last year, my top favorite book was a memoir: In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado, about her experience in an abusive relationship. I've also loved When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanathi, a neurosurgeon who was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

When I've tried to read memoirs that fall outside this formula, no matter how interesting the person's life seems or how much I might like them as a celebrity figure, I end up feeling bored or like the story is too meandering.