Have you ever wanted a book that takes you on a journey through someone else’s life?  A life that is so opposite of your own, it almost doesn’t seem real?  Once in a while, I like a “rock bottom” story, even if it feels uncomfortable, because there is usually a nice climbing out process that takes place towards the end, where the uncomfortable then turns to inspiration.  But a little bit of humor is always nice.  Here is a list of a few of my favorite darkly humorous memoirs.

Nowhere Girl: A memoir of a fugitive childhood by Cheryl Diamond

Cheryl Diamond spent her childhood feeling like she was on one adventure after another. She grew up with an extremely close family, her father, mother, and two older siblings. The five would travel across the world, changing identities and erasing their pasts. As a child, Diamond didn’t know that she was in a family of outlaws and fleeing from the highest international law enforcement agencies. 

As Diamond grew older, the trust she had in her family and their closeness started to unravel. As much as she wanted to leave this tumultuous life created for her, it seemed to be too late. She had no proof she even existed. This crazy coming of age story will leave you with some shocking, yet lightly funny, situations and moments of self-discovery and satisfying triumph.

How to Murder Your Life: A Memoir by Cat Marnell

At 26, Cat Marnell seemed to have a wildly glamorous life. She was an associate beauty editor at one of the top fashion magazines in America, Lucky, and could frequently be found at the downtown nightclubs.

What those around her didn’t see was the young woman who grew-up in a privileged, yet emotionally starved household, and at 15 years old became hooked on ADHD medication. Thereafter, she became dependent on Xanax and other prescription drugs, as well as cocaine, ecstasy, etc… By 26, not only was Cat Marnell becoming talented in the magazine world, but she was also becoming talented at manipulating psychiatrists into giving her long-term prescriptions.

While reading this book, you quickly learn just how unsustainable having a double life really is. Upon reading, I found that I didn’t like Cat Marnell at all, and I think that’s the point because she didn’t seem to like herself. This book doesn’t have that moment where the person climbs out of rock bottom, but it leaves you wondering what will become of Cat Marnell, and you secretly hold hope that she does find her turning point.

I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

Jennette McCurdy’s acting career started at the age of 6. Her mother dreamed that her only daughter would become a star, so she jumped at the chance to get Jennette started in child acting. Jennette, on the other hand, didn’t even like acting that much, but would do anything to make her mother happy. Her mother, as the reader will quickly find out, is extremely controlling and manipulative, and Jennette’s life is one of the many things she likes to have control over.

Through the years, Jennette loses herself to acting and her mother’s path for her. She develops an eating disorder extremely young, the signs of OCD, and extreme anxiety. Through this time, her mother goes in and out of her battle with cancer, eventually succumbing to the illness when Jennette is in her early 20s. Losing even more control of herself, Jennette struggles to find balance in her life without her mother. Through many ups and downs, Jennette discovers therapy and recovery.

This book is uncomfortable, slightly chaotic at points, and darkly humorous. I didn’t know much about Jennette McCurdy prior to this book, but through reading her difficult coming-of-age story, I found myself rooting for her through every page.