10 Local Laws in Japan That Confuse Tourists from The US

Japan is a destination that often sees millions of visitors each year, a good percentage of them from the US. And, unless these tourists did their research ahead of time, there are bound to be laws and customs that catch them off guard. According MSN.com writer Kathy Haan, here are 10 local laws in Japan that confuse US tourists

1. Bringing in cold medicine

-If you're suffering from a cold, bringing in medication such as Sudafed or Vicks could get you into some legal trouble while trying to enter Japan. There are very strict laws against bringing in medications containing pseudophedrine, which is a common ingredient in cold medicine. Bringing those with you, even by accident, could result in confiscation, a lengthy discussion or even detention by the authorities. Prior to travel, check your medicine against the list of prohibited medications on Japan's Ministry of Health website to ensure you get the medications documented

2. Riding a bicycle after drinking

-Japan considers even a bicycle to be a sort of vehicle. They do not see it as a toy. It's given the same legal responsibilities as a car. And, as such, if you are intoxicated and operating a bicycle under the influence, that's the same as driving drunk or buzzed. Doing this in the US might seem harmless, but in Japan, it's considered a very serious DUI offense. The law is clear as crystal: if you are intoxicated, you don't have all of your faculties about you. You cannot operate a bicycle, come to a full stop or control it safely. The penalties are incredibly severe. It includes fines exceeding one million yen and even potential prison time. The logic is clear and easy to understand: while intoxicated, the person operating the bicycle is a danger to the public, no matter the number of wheels they have

3. Incorrectly disposing of trash

-Japan is known as being one of the cleanest countries in the world. This is in part to a strict approach to waste. Citizens know to dispose of waste material properly. That is why you will be hard pressed to find any public trash bins. Waste material is meant to be taken home and disposed of there. Each municipality has its own set schedule for sorting items into burnables, plastics and glass, which are placed in clearly designated bags for pickup. Do not just casually toss your bottle into the wrong bin or leave trash behind you. This could incur a fine for you. The idea of taking your trash with you shows a massive collective responsibility to ensure the country is clean for everyone

4. Not turning in lost money

-In the US, if you find a lost wallet, this might feel like you just won free money. But if you have a conscience and want to do the right thing, then you'll turn that wallet in to the proper authorities to be reunited with its owner. In Japan, however, finding a lost wallet comes with a legal obligation. You must turn in that lost wallet to the nearest koban, or police box. There will almost always be a police officer posted outside or sitting at the desk inside. It's part of the Lost Property Act, which states that any property found on the street must, without question or doubt, be taken to the nearest koban, or police box, for reunion with its owner. Pocketing the wallet is considered theft. This law helps maintain the social trust Japan is so lovingly known for and it results in a high number of returned items. If the money is not claimed within three months, then it becomes yours legally. This system has such a high success rate because honesty is not the exception to the rule, but default. It's expected to be honest and do the right thing

5. Splashing pedestrians with puddles

-It's common for some drivers in the US to carelessly splash a pedestrian walking along the sidewalk with a puddle if they're driving by, because they think it's funny. That type of careless attitude won't go far at all in Japan. This law captures the Japanese concept of omotenashi, or profound consideration of others. Drivers who soak pedestrians by speeding through a puddle can be issued a fine for inconsiderate driving. It's a legal agreement that being behind the wheel comes with many responsibilities, and one of them being to create as little impact on the people around you as possible. It might seem like no big concern but it reflects the deeply ingrained belief that maintaining harmony all around you requires thoughtfulness and consideration from everyone

6. Challenging someone to a duel

-This might sound made up, but it's not. Challenging someone to a duel is not allowed in Japan. This stems from 1889, when Japan was trying to become a modern country and working to remove all traces of the violence from the feudal samurai era. It still remains as a law today. It protects against vigilantism and marks a clear transition from a feudal era society to a modern, more civilized society. Disputes must be solved with words, not swords

7. Taking photographs in certain temples and museums

-There are some places in Japan that do not allow photography. Look for signs stating that photography is not allowed. If you do not see signs, ask someone. It never hurts to ask because it shows that you are being considerate of that area. And if you ask someone, it will earn you respect from the locals because it shows you are making a conscious effort to be considerate. The reason that flash photography is not allowed in certain shrines, temples or museums is because the flash could damage some of the ancient artifacts. Photography is not allowed in some areas because it is to preserve the tranquility of the space as a place to quietly worship and contemplate, free from the distractions of tourists. The ban is nothing personal; it's just to ensure that the spiritual purpose of the building is maintained. Sometimes the best memories are not ones you catch on camera

8. Smoking outside of designated areas

-In the past, you could light up a cigarette wherever and whenever the mood struck you in Japan. No more of that. Major changes in public health have demanded that designated areas for smokers be created. There are now small, clearly marked areas to smoke, instead of doing it on public streets and sidewalks. Smoking while walking is to be avoided at all costs, as it prevents others from breathing in secondhand smoke and prevents accidents. These rules were created to make the air cleaner and streets cleaner and more pleasant for everyone to enjoy

9. Damaging currency

-Treat the money with respect, as you would the currency in your own home country. Defacing or damaging Japanese yen is seen as a sign of deep disrespect for a symbol of the nation. The law reflects the appreciation for the culture and everything they represent

10. The Unspoken Rule about Not Tipping

-While not a formal rule, there is an unspoken rule that states you don't tip in Japan. Excellent service is provided and considered the typical standard for Japan. As such, staff are often paid good wages to reflect that. Trying to leave a tip will result in confusion and a polite refusal. It will imply that you think the worker is underpaid or that their employer is not paying them enough. The best way you can show gratitude is to say "arigato gozaimasu" to that worker. Pronounced "arigato gozaimas" (the su is silent, as with all Japanese words that end in su), it will translate into "Thank you very much" and it will show the worker you appreciate their excellent service

Anna and the King (1999)

This is a modern remake of The King and I with Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr

Summary

-Anna Leonowens is a teacher working in the royal court of Siam during the 1860s and the unexpected romance with the then King of Siam

Cast

-Jodie Foster: Anna Leonowens

-Chow Yun-Fat: King Mongkut

-Bai Ling: Tuptim

-Tom Felton: Louis

-Syed Alwi: The Kralahome

-Randall Duk Kim: General Alak

-Lim Kay Siu: Prince Chowfa

-Melissa Campbell: Princess Fa-Ying

-Geoffrey Palmer: Lord John Bradley

-Ann Firbank: Lady Bradley

-K.K. Moggie: Phim

Did You Know?

-In real life, the real King Mongkut was paralyzed on one side of his face. This was not mentioned in the film

-This film was banned in Thailand because it was said there were historical inaccuracies regarding the King of Siam and that particular time period

-The story was inspired by the novel Anna and the King of Siam by Margaret Landon. It was written in 1944 and was inspired by the diaries and memoirs of Anna Harriet Leonowens. Anna was an English teacher who worked in the palace. A lot of what Leonowens had written down by her had been invented by her, of cruelties she was said to have witnessed. Years later, she met with the son and then King of Siam, who had inquired about why she had written such lies about their father. She insisted that they were truthful. She had also claimed she had written about a three year visit to Egypt, which never happened. That she elevated her late husband's military rank from private to general, that she was born in England when she was actually born in India and was one quarter Indian. According to the testimony of one of Tuptim's daughters, she had invented the fate of the woman known as Tuptim

-For her role as Tuptim, Bai Ling shaved her head completely, so as to fit in with the Buddhist monks to be with her lover

-Three months into filming, there was an outbreak of Japanese encephalitis, transmitted by mosquitoes, due to the proximity to pig farms. The sets too close to the pig farms were moved, others were doused with insecticide. The on-set doctor vaccinated the entire cast and crew before production could continue

-According to Andy Tennant, Chow Yun-Fat was referred to as "Fatty" on set

-During the scene where Anna is showing the children the science trick of putting the egg into the bottle, the contents smelled so rank that Jodie Foster and Chow Yun-Fat could hardly breathe

-When Anna worked at the royal court, she worked there from 1862-1867. The king had died the following year

-In the film, it was said that the King had a dozen children, with ten more on the way. In real life, the real King of Siam had 82 children

7 Ways to Avoid Looking Like an American Tourist, per Fodor's Travel

Fodor's Travel is the most highly ranked, most highly successful travel company in the world. They write highly informative travel books that are a must read for anyone hoping to travel. They have compiled a list of things to do to avoid looking like a typical American tourist.

Now, there's nothing wrong with being an American tourist. Anytime you go on vacation, depending on where it is, you are bound to encounter at least one or two American tourists. The thing to keep in mind is that you don't want to be the "ugly American tourist", who is loud, refuses to speak another language, is rude, with poor manners. That reflects badly on other American tourists who are incredibly self-aware of the local customs and is trying to appear respectful of the local culture. In other words, if you act like a bad tourist, that will negatively impact other tourists from your home country

Rethink the Maple Leaf

-Normally associated with Canada, Americans seem to think it was a good idea to sew a maple leaf patch on to their possessions. Normally, the only people who actually do that are actual Canadians. They might do this to differentiate themselves from French Canadians, who hail from areas like Montreal or Quebec. Americans who sew on the maple leaf patch might know less about Canada than they actually think. And, unless you've spent significant amounts of time in Canada, leave the maple leaf patch alone

Turn down the volume

-Americans have a reputation for being loud and almost obnoxious. Outside the US, people speak in lower volumes. Not everyone prefers a loud conversation. And unless you grew up with someone who was hard of hearing and required loud speaking, that's fine. But still turn down the volume on your speaking. Use what some people call your "indoor voice"

Understatement is key

-Americans tend to overstate things. Using words like "amazing", "fabulous", getting excited over small things. Remember that outside of the US, people tend to understate things. They don't get overly excited over small things

Dress codes

-Some countries are conservative in their dress codes. It's a very common thing anymore to see American sports team jerseys on people outside of the US, or other American brands on people outside of the US. Dress for what you plan on doing. If you are doing hiking, wear the appropriate gear. Avoid clothing with American logos or or English-languages slogans / sayings. These items, ironically, are not uncommon in countries that sell resale clothing (lots of thrift store clothing from the US sold at deep discounts overseas). Compartmentalize your clothes. Spandex pants, running / basketball shorts, t-shirts / tank tops and sports bras are for the gym. Simply put, don't stick out. Dress casually if you're out and about in a major capital city. Dress up nice if you plan on going to a fancy restaurant or a night bar hopping. For example, in England baseball hats are not a common sight. Wearing a baseball hat might bring attention to you.

Small Talk opportunities are available

-Americans love to start off conversations with "What do you do?", meaning what type of work do you do? In the rest of the world, this may not fly. This could be considered inquiring about someone's social or status, which is a big no no in some countries. Let them bring it up. For example, in France it's common to acknowledge strangers, but not to start conversations. In Germany and other similar cultures, it's a common sight to see debates about topics that would even shock Americans. Do research prior to your trip to avoid any errors

No eating and walking

-Some cultures consider eating and walking around poor manners. Japan, for example, is one country that frowns upon eating and walking around. It's far less common outside the US to see people eating and walking, riding in vehicles or on public transportation. In other countries, food is meant to be purchased and consumed while seated. Eating and walking around is considered rude in Europe, East Asia and in many Muslim countries

Smile smartly

-While in the US, smiling is considered a warm expression. Outside the US, it could be a minefield waiting to detonate. In some countries, smiling is only reserved for friends or family while in other countries, it could be taken as a sign of romantic interest. Countries like Australia or Canada are similar to the US only in the sense that locals will smile as a way of a polite greeting.

The Takeaway

-The big thing is simply do research on what is good and not good in the country you plan on travelling to. The whole point of travelling is to see new sights, including meeting new people. When you meet new people and learn about them, you provide opportunities for them to learn about you. Simply be self-aware and everything will go smoothly. And, when in doubt, ask a local what to do to avoid making errors. They will deeply appreciate your efforts because it will show them that you are making a genuine effort to be respectful

41 Memoirs Everyone Should Read

In relation to World Book Day, Reader's Digest came up with a list of 41 memoirs they believe everyone should read at least once.

Some of these may not be everyone's cup of tea; it entirely depends on who people want to read about

21. A River Could Be a Tree by Angela Himsel

-The author grew up in one of those unique doomsday cults, where the people believe the world is ending and need to be prepared. She was raised to believe that eye makeup was a sin. She navigated to New York, where she converted to Judaism. She maintained a strong bond with her family. Some of her siblings remained in the cult, along with her parents. This 2018 memoir is filled with love, wisdom and humor

22. Once We Were Sisters by Sheila Kohler

-Sheila Kohler grew up in South Africa, but that was not enough to stop her sister from being in an abusive relationship. Her sister died at 39 in a suspicious car accident, and despite the evidence pointing almost directly at her heart surgeon husband, he walked free. Kohler shines a light on the special bond she had with her sister as she talks about a life cut short before she knew it. This 2017 memoir reminds readers that women are at risk for domestic violence, no matter what part of the world they live in

23. The Liar's Club by Mary Karr

-This 1995 memoir shines a light on the author's life growing up with an alcoholic father and mother in 1960s Texas. She includes dark humor and courage as she talks about her family's dark secrets

24. Beloved Strangers by Maria Chaudhuri

-Written in 2014, this memoir tells the story of Maria Chaudhuri's life growing up in Bangladesh. How she obtained education in New England and her search for the balance between the two cultures she knows. She turns everything she says into the most beautiful poetry while moving her story into the future

25. All Over But the Shoutin' by Rick Bragg

-This 1998 memoir tells the story of Rick Bragg growing up dirt poor in Alabama. His father was a hard drinking, violent man and his mother who didn't buy a new dress for 18 years just so she could have money to buy her kids clothing. He never loses sight of his roots, as he tells what it was like in that world

26. Stuffed: Adventures of a Restaurant Family by Patricia Volk

-Many memoirs seem to focus on the bad times and dysfunction of people. This 2002 memoir focuses on a loving, quirky, restaurant-owning family. Patricia Volk's grandfather introduced pastrami to the US in 1888 while her dad stayed in the restaurant business in New York until 1988

27. The Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen

-Peter Matthiessen was a literary legend who died in 2014. He left behind a wealth of work, both fiction and non fiction. His book, The Snow Leopard, released in 1978, is considered legendary. It tells of his journey in 1972 to the deep heart of the Himalayas in search of the mysterious Asian snow leopard. He's also on a journey to search for who he is

28. Still Points North: One Alaskan Childhood, One Grown-Up World, One Long Journey Home by Leigh Newman

-Leigh Newman takes her 2013 memoir and tells readers about growing up in Alaska and includes bits about travel and finding a sense of home. She was on a quest for courage, connection and the deepest adventures to be found

29. Full Body Burden: Growing Up in the Nuclear Shadow of Rocky Flats by Kristen Iversen

-Author Kristen Iversen recounts in her 2013 memoir what it was like to grow up near a top secret nuclear weapons plant in Colorado. She worked there later on and became increasingly worried by all of the risks to safety and health, especially as people started getting sick at a breakneck pace. She uses her memoir to tell about environmental peril and the dark secrets her family kept hidden

30. Warrenpoint by Denis Donoghue

-Denis Donoghue grew up Catholic in a largely Protestant area of Northern Ireland. This 2013 memoir reflects personal adventure, theology and looking back at the past for the relationship between father and son

31. Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt

-This 1996 memoir recounts the days of when Frank McCourt grew up in poverty in Ireland and suffered a cruel childhood. The author, sadly, died in 2009

32. When I Was Puerto Rican by Esmerelda Santiago

-The author uses her 1993 memoir to tell what it is like to grow up in Puerto Rico and move to Brooklyn, New York. How she would translate Spanish for her mother at the welfare office. How she graduated with honors from Harvard

33. About Alice by Calvin Trillin

-This is certainly the shortest book anyone will read, at 78 pages. It's a love letter to Calvin Trillin's late wife, who died in 2001. It's tender and loving, with good humor thrown in for good measure

34. Bald in the Land of Big Hair by Joni Rodgers

-Joni Rodgers was only 32 and raising two kids with her husband when she got a bad diagnosis-she was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. While there have been many cancer-based memoirs released since this 2001 memoir, this one is special because Rodgers manages to infuse her stories of cancer treatment with laugh out loud humor. And, as the old saying goes, laughter is the best medicine. Rodgers is alive and well to this day

35. The Faraway Nearby by Rebecca Solnit

-This 2013 memoir starts out with Rebecca Solnit's mother's descent into Alzheimer's Disease. Readers are then taken on a journey that branches off onto various paths, such as fairy tales and myths to a vacation in Iceland and the birth of Frankenstein

36. In Pharaoh's Army: Memories of the Lost War by Tobias Wolff

-Published in 1995, this memoir tells the story of Tobias Wolff and his time in Vietnam during the Tet offensive. The book takes readers back to the time of the Vietnam War, giving readers an insight into the bloodbath that some of those battles became. A look at a war that never should have happened

37. The Boy He Left Behind: A Man's Search for His Lost Father by Mark Matousek

-Author Mark Matousek was 38 when hired a detective to find his long lost father, who abandoned him when he was 4. He remembers the childhood he had, the reconstruction of his parents lives and being an HIV-positive man. This 2000 memoir is different from other dysfunctional family memoirs

38. The Mistress's Daughter by A.M. Holmes

-A.M. Holmes was a well known author in her 30s when she met her birth parents. What she found both surprised and unsettled her. This sent her on a journey deep into her genealogy. This 2007 memoir is not only about adoption, but personal and family identity

39. The Memory Palace by Mira Bartok

-When author Mira Bartok suffers a traumatic brain injury, she joins her sister in trying to reconnect with their mother, who is suffering from severe mental illness. They had not seen her in 17 years. The story of reconciliation makes for a powerful read. Also toss in the discovery of a locker containing things that the mother kept, which can answer many questions. This book, published in 2011, mixes words with graphic novel-like imagery

40. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

-Published in 1969, this book about legendary author Maya Angelou brings her wonderful life into this book

41. Just Jerry: How Drawing Shaped My Life by Jerry Pinkney

-Jerry Pinkney is a children's book author who takes readers on a trip through postwar Philadelphia, where segregation was an everyday thing and drawing and illustration offered an escape from the chaos. With more than 100 books to his name, this book chronicles his life in a series of illustrations. Published on January 17, 2023, the author sadly passed in 2021. The book is filled with original sketches and drawings. Despite this book being written mostly for kids, adults will enjoy it too. It's even inspiration for aspiring artists. And a cool fact is that Jerry Pinkney suffered dyslexia as a child, and the font used in the book is designed for dyslexic readers. So if anyone who has dyslexia reads this book, they'll be able to read it without difficulty

41 Memoirs Everyone Should Read

In relation to World Book Day, Reader's Digest came up with a list of 41 memoirs they believe everyone should read at least once.

Some of these may not be everyone's cup of tea; it entirely depends on who people want to read about

1. Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner

-If you're a fan of the alternative pop group Japanese Breakfast, you'll love the memoir (released in 2021) about Michelle Zauner. She grew up American born, but of Korean ancestry in Oregon, where there were not many other children of Asian descent. She bonded with her family over the meals of her culture in her grandmother's apartment and battled with her mother's expectations to pursue music as a career. After hearing her mother was diagnosed with terminal-stage cancer, Michelle returned home to act as caregiver and come to terms with various things her mother has passed down

2. Spare by Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex

-Released on Jan. 10, 2023, this memoir is about one of the Dukes of Sussex, Harry. He's also one of the sons of the late Princess Diana Spencer. This is an honest look at the ups, downs and everything in between that shaped him as a person. He talks about his childhood, his military service in Afghanistan, and more recent happenings such as becoming a husband and father. The title is inspired by the phrase "an heir and a spare", referencing his status as King Charles's second son and dealing with the grief of losing his mother at a young age

3. Solito by Javier Zamora

-This story is about a 9 year old named Javier. He grew up in El Salvador, raised by his loving aunt and grandparents. One day, he decides to set out on a journey, 3,000 miles away, to join his parents in America. He is alone, but he joins a group of other migrants who use a "coyote" (professional people smuggler), who promises the group it will only take two weeks. Javier makes the trip successfully, and considers the migrants in his group as extended family. His journey actually took two months, as he recalls thirst from the hot deserts, fear of being caught, love and kindness. He eventually grew up to be a poet

4. I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

-Despite the suggestive title, it does contain a bit of dark humor. It seems the relationship between Jennette McCurdy and her mother wasn't as rosy as one would think. This memoir, which came out in 2022, details the life of the actress best known for teen-type shows like iCarly and Sam and Cat. She writes with striking honesty about her abusive mother, overbearing mother, whose only request was for her to become a movie star. Also add in eating disorders, addiction and her mother's premature death from cancer, which only added difficulty to the life of Jennette McCurdy. She quit acting to pursue therapy and released this hilarious memoir about trauma, healing and the need to discover your own independence

5. Departure Stories: Betty Crocker Made Matzoh Balls (And Other Lies) by Elisa Bernick

-Elisa Bernick mixes hilarious stories of growing up as a Jewish girl in a white Christian Minnesota suburb in the 1960s and 1970s, trauma from various generations, a family run by an unhappy wife along with recipes, jokes, scrapbook pieces, memories together to paint a picture of a dysfunctional family

6. The Yellow House by Sarah Broom

-In New Orleans, the home in which Sarah Broom was raised was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. She puts forth personal history and memories, such as being the youngest of 12 children, in her 2019 memoir

7. All the Way to the Tigers by Mary Morris

-Mary Morris took a trip to India and while there, got the chance to see Bengal tigers out in the wild, open and free. In her 2020 memoir, she calls them "the truly last wild things." This book mixes history, natural science, the significance of tigers and philosophy, personal dealings with Morris's past. She also notes how important tiger conservation is

8. Dimestore: A Writer's Life by Lee Smith

-Lee Smith is a Southern writer who took a vacation from writing novels and instead wrote a letter about her Appalachian upbringing. This is an honest, open eyed look into a way of life that no longer happens. This book, published in 2016, will give you a look into the life of the author and the world in which she grew up in

9. Threading My Prayer Rug by Sabeeha Rehman

-The author, Sabeeha Rehman, and her husband immigrated to New York 40+ years ago from Pakistan. They were both placed in an arranged marriage. When they set foot in New York, the culture shock was intense, to say the least. While remaining a devout Muslim, she was able to make friends with her neighbors while maintaining her faith. Not only did she raise a family, but she also advocates for interfaith understanding. This book debuted in 2017

10. Educated by Tara Westover

-Grit and resilience are two words to describe this 2018 book. Tara Westover was raised by survivalists in the mountains of Idaho and the only expectation of her by her parents to eventually become an obedient wife who doesn't question a thing. She fought to get an education. Despite the odds and various setbacks, she was able to make it to Harvard and earn a PhD from Cambridge University

11. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

-Paul Kalanithi is a neurosurgeon and a new father. He was only 36 when he got the bad news: he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. He goes from saving lives one day to losing his own the next day. In this 2015 memoir, he asks the most important question: What makes life worth living? Where do we find meaning? What do you do when your life has no future and ordinary goals no longer make sense? There was no cure for his cancer and he died in 2015. Despite his death, this book remains alive for the world to read

12. Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning by Cathy Park Hong

-This 2020 memoir in essay form is an important lesson about race, in particular Asian Americans. Cathy Park Hong is the daughter of Korean citizens who immigrated to a new land, and Hong explores the topics of family and friendship, shame and self doubt

13. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest by Cheryl Strayed

-Published in 2013, Cheryl Strayed felt her life was slipping from her at only 26. Her mother died, her marriage dissolved and she was depending on drugs to get her from day to day. With the mindset that she had nothing to lose, she decided to embark on a hike on the perilous Pacific Crest Trail, which is 1,000 miles long. She was completely unprepared for the hike, but it changed her in so many ways

14. On the Move: A Life by Oliver Sacks

-Oliver Sacks was a neurologist who wrote dozens of books. Prior to his 2015 death, he released this book, which gives readers an insight into the years before his death

15. Men We Reaped by Jesmyn Ward

-Jesmyn ward explores institutional racism and poverty in this 2013 memoir. She recounts how five black men died within five years in and around the Mississippi community where they all were raised and living. One of the men was the brother of the author while the others were from the community. This book explores addiction and economic struggles

16. H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald

-After losing her father, naturalist Helen Macdonald processes her grief by adopting a hawk. Specifically, a goshawk she named Mabel. The wild tendencies of the bird mirror Macdonald's own feelings at the time. She details the goings on of her and her bird in this 2016 memoir

17. Just As I Am by Cicely Tyson

-Cicely Tyson, who passed away in January 2021, had released a memoir only days before. She was able to break racial barriers in a time when roles in acting were not plentiful for black actresses. She took roles that presented black women with realistic dignity. She won an Emmy, Oscar and Tony before her death at 96 and was able to inspire generations of people

18. Lab Girl by Hope Jahren

-If you've ever wondered what it would be like to be a scientist, read this 2016 memoir. Hope Jahren is a paleobiologist who specializes in plants and trees. She gives an insight into the work in the lab and field

19. Boy, Erased: A Memoir of Identity, Faith and Family by Garrard Conley

-The author was only 19 when his parents found out his secret: that he was gay. They pushed him to attend inpatient gay conversion therapy with the hope of making him heterosexual (straight). Released in 2016, this open, honest look shows the journey Garrard made as he came to terms with his sexuality and standing up for his own self. It sheds light on a dark practice that probably still goes on to this day

20. Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness by Susannah Cahalan

-Susannah Calahan was a newspaper journalist who, at age 24, thought she was going insane. She would have uncontrollable outbursts and delusions that could be terrifying at times. Initially, her doctors thought she was abusing alcohol while others believed she was suffering a severe mental breakdown. There was hope when a doctor who took the time to treat her discovered the reason behind her unusual behavior. She was diagnosed with a rare but treatable autoimmune disorder called anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. With her family by her side and her own perseverance, she was able to not only recover but also put together the pieces of a medical jigsaw puzzle that could have ended differently. This 2012 memoir went on to become a successful movie