A memoir is a literary genre where the author recounts personal experiences and reflections from their life. Unlike an autobiography, which covers the author’s entire life chronologically, a memoir focuses on specific events, themes, or periods that have significantly impacted the author. Memoirs offer readers an intimate glimpse into the author’s inner world, often exploring themes such as identity, memory, relationships, and personal growth. Through vivid storytelling and candid narratives, memoirs provide a unique perspective on the human condition, blending factual recounting with emotional and reflective elements. Here are our memoirs.
Trespassing Across America | One Man’s Epic, Never-Done-Before (and Sort of Illegal) Hike Across the Heartland by Ken Ilgunas follows the authors cross country journey along the proposed Keystone XL pipeline all on foot. Both a travel memoir and a reflection on climate change, the book is filled with colorful characters, harrowing physical trials, and strange encounters with the weather, terrain, and animals of America’s plains.
No Wall Too High | One Man’s Daring Escape from Mao’s Darkest Prison by Xu Hongci recounts the authors incredible journey escaping a Chinese labor camp. Hongci was unjustly imprisoned after the spring of 1957, and despite the horrific conditions and terrible odds, he was determined to escape. He failed three times before finally succeeding in 1972.
Speaking Freely | My Life in Publishing and Human Rights by Robert L. Bernstein is the author’s memoir of his fascinating career in publishing, as well as his active roll in the Human Rights movement. In a book sure to be savored by anyone who has worked in the publishing industry, fought for human rights, or wondered how Theodor Geisel became Dr. Seuss, Speaking Freely beautifully captures a bygone era in the book industry and the first crucial years of a worldwide movement to protect free speech and challenge tyranny around the globe.
The Most Wanted Man in China | My Journey from Scientist to Enemy of the State by Fang Lizhi is a brilliant memoir of a Chinese astrophysicist who challenged the authority of Communist China. His story, told with vivid detail and disarming humor, is a testament to the importance of remaining true to one’s principles in an unprincipled time and place.
The Noodle Maker of Kalimpong | The Untold Story of My Struggle for Tibet by Gyalo Thondup and Anne F. Thurston tells the story of the Dalai Lama’s exiled family from their sacred homeland of Tibet. For the last sixty years, Gyalo Thondup has been at the at the heart of the epic struggle to protect and advance Tibet in the face of unreliable allies, overwhelming odds, and devious rivals.
Horace and Me | Life Lessons from an Ancient Poet by Harry Eyres reflects the author’s journey into the works of the ancient poet Horace. The book charts Harry Eyres’ evolving relationship with the Latin poet to show how, in an era of affluence and excess which seems to be hurtling out of control, Horace can help us navigate our way in uncertain times.
The Little Red Guard | A Family Memoir by Wenguang Huang tells story of devotion to traditional Chinese practices during a time of political change. After his grandmother became obsessed with having a proper burial, Huang’s father built her a coffin. Huang was appointed as coffin keeper, a distinction that included sleeping next to the coffin at night.
Mr. Broadway | The Inside Story of the Schuberts, the Shows and the Stars by Gerald Schoenfeld gives an in-depth look into the Schubert Organization through the eyes of its chairman. Bringing the reader backstage, the long-term chairman of the Shubert Organization shares his triumphs and failures, sings praise, and settles scores.
Confessions | An Innocent Life in Communist China by Kang Zhengguo tells the author’s story during a difficult part of China’s history. With clear vision this intimate memoir draws us into the intersections of everyday life and Communist power from the first days of “Liberation” in 1949 through the Tiananmen Square protests and after.
Peter and Amy Bernstein founded Bernstein Literary Agency in 2009. For over two decades, we have worked with over 100 brilliant authors around the globe and across a gamut of subjects to get their books published, and their stories told. We typically work on non-fiction projects, but we have helped bring many fiction books, children’s books, and the occasional cookbook to market. We work with authors in all stages of their careers, from experienced, award-winning, and bestselling ones to debut writers ready to take on the world.
Amitav Acharya
Esther Allen
Gerard Araud
Chris Bohjalian
Andrew Scott Cooper
Vincent Coppola
Eva Dou
Caldwell B., Esselstyn, Jr., M.D.
Bruce Falconer
Gillian Lipton
Sven Steinmo
Robert Suettinger
Tanzina Vega
Olajide Williams
Dalena Wright