Strangers Tend to Tell Me Things by Amy Dickinson

 Amy Dickinson of Dear Amy (advice columnist fame) shares her journey from her rough childhood through her first unsuccessful marriage to her happy second marriage and step-motherhood. All of which she says contributes to being able to give good advice to her readers. It's an interesting story that a lot of people can relate to. I especially loved her mother, who was abandoned by her husband and left to raise a house full of kids on her own but who always maintained her calm and sense of humor.