This Week in Memoir — Week of June 1, 2026

This week, Hayden Panettiere's This Is Me: A Reckoning by Hayden Panettiere added 219 ratings, with a 16% growth from last week, making it the top new Memoir release. Another notable debut is True Crime: A Memoir by Patricia Cornwell, which saw a 20% growth with 136 new ratings.

New Memoir Releases

This Is Me: A Reckoning by Hayden Panettiere

Published: May 19, 2026

This memoir marks a strong debut for Hayden Panettiere, with 219 new ratings and a 16% growth from last week. The book's early success can be attributed to Panettiere's candid storytelling and the timely release of her memoir.

Stats: 1,376 → 1,595 (+219)

True Crime: A Memoir by Patricia Cornwell

Published: May 5, 2026

Patricia Cornwell's memoir has seen a notable 20% growth, with 136 new ratings. As a well-known author of thriller series, Cornwell's personal story is likely to attract fans and new readers alike.

Stats: 684 → 820 (+136)

When We See You Again by Rachel Goldberg-Polin

Published: April 21, 2026

Rachel Goldberg-Polin's memoir has added 149 new ratings, with a 9.1% growth from last week. The book's themes of grief and strength are likely to resonate with readers.

Stats: 1,637 → 1,786 (+149)

Memoir Backlist Risers

Hand to Mouth: A Chronicle of Early Failure by Paul Auster

Published: August 1, 2003

Paul Auster's memoir has added 3,505 new ratings, making it a notable backlist riser. The book's surge in popularity may be driven by Auster's loyal fan base and the timeless themes of his memoir.

Stats: 0 → 3,505 (+3,505)

The Autobiography of a Hunted Priest by John Gerard, Philip Caraman, James V. Schall

Published: June 25, 2012

This memoir has seen a significant increase in ratings, with 368 new additions. The book's historical themes and personal story may be attracting readers interested in biography and memoir.

Stats: 0 → 368 (+368)

A Rocking Horse Catholic by Caryll Houselander

Published: January 1, 1988

Caryll Houselander's memoir has added 255 new ratings, making it a backlist riser. The book's spiritual themes and personal story may be resonating with readers seeking inspirational memoirs.

Stats: 0 → 255 (+255)

The Takeaway

This week, new Memoir releases are driving the momentum, with Hayden Panettiere's This Is Me: A Reckoning and Patricia Cornwell's True Crime: A Memoir seeing significant growth. However, backlist titles like Hand to Mouth: A Chronicle of Early Failure by Paul Auster are also experiencing a surge in popularity. The Memoir genre is being driven by a mix of new releases and rediscovery of older titles, with 6 new titles debuting this week. My pick of the week is This Is Me: A Reckoning by Hayden Panettiere, which has added 219 new ratings and seen a 16% growth from last week, making it the fastest-growing new Memoir release.