Some of my faves are coming of age memoirs by women carving out their space in the world in dialogue with culture, close relationships, and creativity of different kinds <3
- The Outrun by Amy Liptrott - a gorgeous exploration of identity and nature in the wreckage of, and then recovery from, alcoholism. Set in 2010s London and Orkney (very neurodivergent coded).
- Mean by Myriam Gurba - electrifying coming of age as a queer mixed-race Chicana. So original and sharp.
- Just Kids by Patti Smith - beautiful coming of age as an artist in late 60s/early 70s NYC in companionship with a creative best friend.
- Run Towards the Danger by Sarah Polley - essays on navigating disability and identity as a child star with a dysfunctional family.
- The Plague and by Betty MacDonald - gorgeously witty account of life in a tuberculosis sanatorium in the 1940s.
