The sidesplitting MA-Moir, “MA In ALL CAPS,” is a heartfelt attempt by Jay Kuo to preserve his fierce, indomitable, yet forbearing mother’s uncountable tales and ensure that she actually outlives her family through this memoir. Ma is the opinionated matriarch of the Chinese Kuo clan, the scion of a once wealthy and powerful Chinese family that lost everything during two devastating wars and has been struggling since to regain its former glory. MA’s blunt judgments and ability to question life’s choices at the dinner table without hesitation will amaze you, making you fall in love with the comedic precision of her assertions. From getting a glimpse of Chinese culture to discovering the uncanny ability of Asian moms to sniff out secrets and steer through the complexities of your lives like a seasoned spy, Jay Kou has penned an incredible memoir that takes you on an emotional rollercoaster ride. 

Next on the list of family memoir books for young adults to read is Frank McCourt’s “Angela’s Ashes,” which transports readers to the dreary streets of Limerick, Ireland. The bleak setting does nothing to dampen McCourt’s humor as he recounts his childhood shrouded in poverty, illness, and the occasional good-natured. Frank’s ability to find joy and laughter despite the hardships is commendable and inspiring. After reading what he and his family went through, your whining about your mother’s cooking or being unable to buy another pair of shoes will stop as things fall into perspective.

Hillbilly Elegy gives a peak into the gritty reality of white working-class America, allowing you to feel the discomfort, constant pressure, and frustration of growing up in a place where gossip spreads faster than wildfire! Vance recounts his journey from a poor town in Ohio to Yale Law School, sharing how his family’s determination, especially his indefatigable and iron-willed grandmother, changed their lives forever.

Through this memoir, Vance uses his personal story to highlight a broken society marred with economic decline and cultural erosion. Addiction, violence, and poverty are frequent, unwelcome guests in his family history, but amidst the hardship, there’s a raw look at how love and resilience can make all the difference. The memoir gives voice to often overlooked stories by blending his own in the broader societal context. Once you keep the book down, you will be overcome with gratitude and respect for your own family’s quirks.

The memoir offers you a witty and poignant look at Aarti’s immigrant family’s American Dream. From India to Queens, New York, the Shahanis make a daring step to turn over their lives for the better. However, their lives take a dramatic turn when Aarti’s father accidentally sells goods to a drug cartel, thrusting the family into a legal nightmare. Confronting and looking straight into all accusing eyes, Shahani dives into the American judicial system to save her father. Here We Are sheds light on the unbreakable family bonds and provides a raw, engaging glimpse into immigrant families’ challenges, blending humor and heart in an unforgettable story.