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New memoir · September 22, 2026An Unexpected Life by Gloria Steinem: What the Memoir Covers
An Unexpected Life is Gloria Steinem’s memoir, announced on her 92nd birthday. It reflects on more than sixty years of activism, from a childhood shaped by poverty and an itinerant father to her role in women’s rights movements and decades of travel in support of justice.
- Book: An Unexpected Life: A Memoir
- Author: Gloria Steinem
- Published: September 22, 2026, Random House
- Themes: activism, family, travel and a life looked back on
What is An Unexpected Life?
An Unexpected Life is Gloria Steinem’s memoir, announced on her 92nd birthday. It reflects on more than sixty years of activism, from a childhood shaped by poverty and an itinerant father to her role in women’s rights movements and decades of travel in support of justice.
About Gloria Steinem
Gloria Steinem is a writer, activist and cofounder of Ms. magazine who has been a central figure in the women’s movement for more than six decades. Her earlier books include My Life on the Road, Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions and Revolution from Within.
What the book covers
- A childhood moving around with her father and caring for her mother
- How books and early hardship shaped her political awareness
- Her years in India, where she learned about nonviolent resistance
- Her part in historic women’s rights movements
- Reflections on progress and setbacks, and a message to younger generations
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Find my memoir writerWho it’s for
Readers interested in the history of the women’s movement, longtime readers of her earlier books, and anyone who likes memoirs written late in life.
What it shows about writing a memoir
Steinem’s book shows the power of a memoir written with the perspective of decades, looking back on a whole life rather than a single chapter. If you are thinking about your own book, our guides on memoir and life story writing explain how the process works, and our memoir ghostwriter guide introduces the writers behind well-known life stories.
Where to buy An Unexpected Life
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Get the free interview kitFrequently asked questions
What is An Unexpected Life about?
An Unexpected Life is Gloria Steinem’s memoir, announced on her 92nd birthday. It reflects on more than sixty years of activism, from a childhood shaped by poverty and an itinerant father to her role in women’s rights movements and decades of travel in support of justice.
When was An Unexpected Life released?
An Unexpected Life: A Memoir by Gloria Steinem was published by Random House on September 22, 2026.
Who is Gloria Steinem?
Gloria Steinem is a writer, activist and cofounder of Ms. magazine who has been a central figure in the women’s movement for more than six decades. Her earlier books include My Life on the Road, Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions and Revolution from Within.
Where can I buy An Unexpected Life?
An Unexpected Life is available in hardcover, ebook and audiobook from major retailers including Bookshop.org, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Audible, and from local bookstores.
Can I write a memoir even if I’m not famous?
Yes. Most memoirs are written by people who are not public figures, often for family or a small readership. Many people work with a memoir ghostwriter who interviews them and writes the book in their voice. Our Writer Match Quiz can help you find the right kind of writer.
This page describes the book using information from the publisher and press coverage. It is not a review, and My Book Written is not affiliated with the author or publisher.
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