Popular African Memoir Books
Find memoir books written by authors from Africa for the next part of the Read Around The World Challenge. (89)
41.
Love and Justice: A Journey of Empowerment, Activism, and Embracing Black Beauty by Laetitia Ky EN
Country: Africa / 
Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast
Description:
"The personal story in words and photos of artist and activist Laetitia Ky, known for sculpting her own hair to create powerful and joyful artwork that embraces the beauty of Black hair and style, the fight for social justice, and the journey toward self-love"--
42.
Memoirs of a Woman Doctor by Nawal el Saadawi EN
EgyptDescription:
A young Egyptian woman clashes with her traditional family when she chooses a career in medicine. Rather than submit to an arranged marriage and motherhood, she cuts her hair short and works fiercely to realise her dreams. At medical school, she begins to understand the mysteries of the human body. After years of denying her own desires, the doctor begins a series of love affairs that allow her to explore her sexuality – on her own terms.
43.
Mighty Be Our Powers : How Sisterhood, Prayer, and Sex Changed a Nation at War by Leymah Gbowee EN
LiberiaDescription:
Recounts the experiences of a Liberian activist as she discusses how she united Christian and Muslim women to campaign for an end to war in her nation.
44.
Description:
“I defy any woman to flick through Modestly, through Dina’s musings on bullying, eating disorders, maternity wear, contouring and feminism, and not find something they can relate to” – METRO ‘This is the story of my life. It’s about me as a Muslim Brit embracing dual identities, surviving the turbulent teens and transitioning from self-doubt to self-belief. There is a little bit of drama, lots of laughs, plenty of practical advice and a shedload of bold statements. You can’t get a Muslim woman in a hijab with no opinion, am I right?!' Dina x Guys, get ready. YouTuber and social media sensation... continue
45.
More Than One Thing Can Be True: A Story of Survival by Caroline Brunne EN
MauritiusDescription:
In this work of deep reflection, insight, and vulnerability Caroline Brunne shares her story. At the heart of her journey is her experience of trauma, childhood sexual abuse and her ongoing quest to support her fellow survivors.
46.
North to Paradise : A Memoir by Ousman Umar EN
GhanaDescription:
The inspiring true story of one man's treacherous boyhood journey from a rural village in Ghana to the streets of Barcelona--and the path that led him home. Ousman Umar is a shaman's son born in a small village in Ghana. Though his mother died giving birth, he spent a contented childhood working the fields, setting traps in the jungle, and living off the land. Still, as strange and wondrous flying machines crisscrossed the skies overhead, Ousman dreamed of a different life. And so, when he was only twelve years old, he left his village and began what would be a five-year journey to Europe. Eve... continue
47.
Of Beetles and Angels: A Boy's Remarkable Journey from a Refugee Camp to Harvard by Mawi Asgedom EN
EthiopiaDescription:
Read the story that has inspired millions The desert, I remember. The shrieking hyenas, I remember....I remember playing soccer with rocks, and a strange man telling me and my brother Tewolde that we had to go on a trip and Tewolde refusing to go. The man took out a piece of gum and Tewolde happily traded it for his homeland.... So begins the remarkable true story of a young boy's journey from civil war in east Africa to a refugee camp in Sudan, to a childhood on welfare in an affluent American suburb, and eventually to a full-tuition scholarship at Harvard University. Following his father's a... continue
48.
Of Water and the Spirit—Ritual, Magic, and Initiation in the Life of an African Shaman by Malidoma Patrice Somé EN
Country: Africa / 
Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso
Description:
Maliodoma Patrice Some was born in a Dagara Village, however he was soon to be abducted to a Jesuit school, where he remained for the next fifteen years, being harshly indoctrinated into european ways of thought and worship. The story tells of his return to his people, his hard initiation back into those people, which lead to his desire to convey their knowledge to the world. Of Water and the Spirit is the result of that desire; it is a sharing of living African traditions, offered in compassion for those struggling with our contemporary crisis of the spirit.
49.
One Day I Will Write about This Place by Binyavanga Wainaina EN
KenyaDescription:
A groundbreaking memoir by the acclaimed Kenyan Caine Prize winner.
50.
Princesse des rugo : mon histoire by Esther Kamatari, Marie Renault FR
BurundiDescription:
Espoir. J'ai fui ma patrie après le massacre des miens. Princesse burundaise devenue top-model à Paris, j'en appelle aux valeurs qui ont fondé mon pays pour que les enfants ne paient pas le prix de la folie des hommes.