This is My Story, Not My History

There is a huge difference between a memoir and a biography. It’s not that I don’t care if my recollections are accurate — I do. But a memoir isn’t about facts. It’s about impressions and personal experience. I can understand why biographies appeal to historians and genealogists: their focus is on dates and where a person fits into history. Memoirs just serve a different purpose. Memoirs are about storytelling.

When I write about my personal experiences, I do so honestly and earnestly, but wit...