12 Best Books Based on True Stories 2024 Review
Exploring ‘books based on true stories’ is like peeking into the lives of real people, and sometimes, real heroes. Our selection criteria focused on captivating narratives, real-world impact, and emotional depth. From harrowing tales of survival to inspiring journeys of self-discovery, this list captures the essence of human experience. We avoided spoilers, but rest assured, each choice promises a memorable and thought-provoking read.
On this list:
- Unbroken
- Into the Wild
- The Glass Castle
- The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
- A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier
- Night
- The Diary of a Young Girl
- Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail
- Educated
- The Wright Brothers
- Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood
- When Breath Becomes Air
12 Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
This incredible book got me hooked with the story of a real WWII hero. It shows grit, survival, and resilience that left us in awe.
11 Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
We followed Christopher McCandless’s journey with our mouths open. His search for meaning in a world of chaos is both tragic and inspiring.
10 The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
Walls takes her rocky childhood story and turns it into art. We laughed, cried, and then laughed again. Truly a rollercoaster of emotions.
9 The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
Science and personal stories mesh beautifully here. We learned so much about ethics and research from this gripping real-life drama.
8 A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah
Beah’s steeped memoir made us appreciate peace more. His youth story, kidnapped into war, broke our hearts and then gave us hope.
7 Night by Elie Wiesel
We walked with Wiesel through his Holocaust experience in ‘Night.’ A simple, raw, powerful tale of survival and hope that we had to share.
6 The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
Reading Anne’s diary, we got a fresh insight into her life during WWII. It’s a touching, personal look at history we’ll never forget.
5 Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
Strayed’s solo hike adventure compelled us with her healing journey. We felt her pain, her struggle, and cheered for her triumph.
4 Educated by Tara Westover
Westover’s journey from no education to a doctorate moved us deeply. Her fierce spirit and will to learn made this a standout book for us.
3 The Wright Brothers by David McCullough
McCullough tells the sibling’s tale of flying the first plane. His vivid storytelling made us feel their struggles and triumphs.
2 Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah
Noah’s humorous yet poignant stories about growing up in apartheid South Africa made us reflect and giggle. It’s both enlightening and entertaining.
1 When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
This memoir hits hard, with a life story cut short by cancer. It’s chosen as the best because of the deeply moving reflection on life and death. As Kalanithi navigates his terminal diagnosis, we see a transformation. His transition from doctor to patient is touching and enlightening. It put our own life and priorities into perspective. Paul’s honesty and vulnerability showcase a human experience like no other. He shares insights and wisdom that continue to resonate with anyone who’s been touched by mortality. This book, last but not least, leaves an impact, making it a must-read in the ‘books based on true stories’ category.
