Focus:
* Memoir: Focuses on a specific period or theme in the author's life, often with a particular narrative arc or message.
* Biography: Covers the entire life of a subject, aiming for a comprehensive and objective account.
Perspective:
* Memoir: Written from the first person, offering a subjective and personal perspective.
* Biography: Written from the third person, striving for an objective and factual account, drawing from various sources.
Content:
* Memoir: More likely to explore personal emotions, thoughts, and experiences. May focus on a specific event, relationship, or time period.
* Biography: Aims to present a complete picture of the subject's life, including achievements, relationships, and impact on the world.
Style:
* Memoir: Often more literary and introspective, with a focus on emotional impact and personal reflection.
* Biography: Typically adopts a more factual and journalistic style, often relying on research and interviews.
Purpose:
* Memoir: To share a personal story, offer insights into a specific experience, or explore a particular theme.
* Biography: To document a life, provide historical context, and offer a comprehensive understanding of the subject.
Examples:
* Memoir: "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert, "Angela's Ashes" by Frank McCourt.
* Biography: "Steve Jobs" by Walter Isaacson, "Becoming" by Michelle Obama.
It's important to note that the lines between memoir and biography can be blurry. Some books might blend elements of both genres.