10 Inspiring Memoirs from First-Gen College Graduates

THEE first-gen icon. This is a good one for first-gen professionals who struggle with following their passions versus staying in a secure job.

Ahh. . . I couldn't put it down and I didn't want it to end. I wanted Chief Justice Sotomayor to be my best friend by the end.

There are a few times in the narrative where I became physically anxious because I did not know what was going to happen. Way more nuanced than “poor girl goes to Harvard.”

A well-deserved Catalyst Award winner. This book will go down as a classic and game changer among first-generation narratives.

Stewart was the first in his family to receive post-secondary education, the first to leave his small town, and the first to ride first class on a plane. So relatable.

Chin is an incredibly thoughtful and funny writer. And this narrative sticks a finger in the eye of the Model Minority Myth about Asian Americans.

Before she became Lyla Garrity, Minka Kelly was a nursing student struggling to make her way in the world. Easily one of my favorite books of the year. I was so mad at Minka for making me cry throughout this.

Mock’s second book. This one focuses more on her first-generation college identity which contributed to her decisions to not ask for help, seek therapy, or share her personal story. Appearing "weak" is a big no-no. She is brilliant.

I'm glad that I persisted because I almost didn't. The early chapters are HARD. Viola grew up under some incredibly difficult circumstances, and she describes the long, long impact of poverty and being a first-generation professional.

If you are looking for a How To Explain Trump narrative, this is the one. Focused on youth–especially white female youth–in the Southern rust belt.