Here are some of the best biography books of all time, from biographies about women and men to biographies for children to historical biographies to presidential biographies, as well!
From the women who wrote literal rocket ship code to the story of a woman whose body was used (and profited from) without her consent, these biographies about women are some of the most inspiring, fantastic stories out there – tales of daring, of rebellion, of power, and of defying all odds.
A true story about a group of women who defied all odds during the era of air races in the 1920s and 1930s, this is a fascinating read full of grit, perseverance, and facing discrimination and prejudice head-on.
In this biography, you’ll learn about the years, beliefs, and passions that have made up the life of one of the most powerful women in politics today (and ever), Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Lynne Olson tells the insanely powerful (and remarkably unknown) story of Marie-Madeleine Fourcade, who led a massive French spy network during the Second World War while shattering expectations and creating a trail of remarkable stories.
Ethics, race, medicine, and science come together in the remarkable story of Henrietta Lacks, whose cells were taken without her knowledge and used for some of the most massive medical breakthroughs in history.
While this book will keep you furiously turning pages, it will also make you think about issues that have plagued our society from the beginning.
From an artistic visionary and the son of a president to a tech superstar and one of the most beloved figures in American childhood, these are some of the best biographies of men of all time that explore the lives and contributions of some of the most important people in society.
Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison were pioneering men who paved the way for the future of electrical engineering. Without their brilliant inventions, the world as we know it today would be a very different place, but how much do we really know about these misunderstood savants?
This fascinating biography offers a deep dive into their fascinating lives and careers. It unravels the untold facts that history forgot.
This biography about tech visionary Elon Musk explores the vast career and life of Musk while also discussing the possibilities it has opened for the rest of the world.
This book goes into depth about the face behind Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, using oral histories, interviews, and historical documents to paint the picture of one of America’s most beloved figures.
In this biography about the beloved Robin Williams, author Dave Itzkoff dives into Williams’ comedic genius, his storied career, and the demons he hid beneath it all.
From the second his father became the president, John F. Kennedy, Jr. captured the hearts of America. In this biography, Andersen delves into Kennedy’s childhood, his marriage, and eventually his tragic death.
The presidents of the United States have been the most powerful people in the world since the colonies, and these incredible presidential biographies explore assassinations, war, and changing frontiers to paint the portraits of the men who have painted America itself.
Using diaries and interviews with Bush Sr. himself, Jon Meacham paints a portrait of an incredibly private president who served the nation as a congressman, an ambassador, head of the RNC, vice president, and finally president.
This biography explores the tumultuous, intense first four months of the Truman presidency, taking you everywhere from Hiroshima to Nagasaki to Berlin as World War II ends and the Cold War begins.
One of the most iconic names in politics is examined in this book, which discusses the beginnings of some of the earliest and deepest roots in American history during Jefferson’s presidency.
This book about the 20 th President of the United States – who was in office only six-and-a-half months before death by assassination – explores the short presidency of James Garfield, one that is vital but so often forgotten.
The world has more history than any of us can ever comprehend, but these historical biographies do a great job of discussing an incredible artist and true royalty to an American history maker and the make-up of an ancient city, showing us the stories that have built cities, nations, dynasties, and cultural revolutions.
Everyone knows the name Leonardo da Vinci, and this book shows the story of the man behind the iconic “Mona Lisa,” from his scientific passions to his intense creative genius.
This biography paints an intimate picture of an immensely private queen, uncovering secrets and dissecting history in a thrilling tale of old.
One of the most scandalous and influential men in American history, Alexander Hamilton’s biography shows the incredible life and adulthood of an incredibly important figure.
Covering three thousand years of history, bloodshed, and religion, this biography breaks it all down from the days of King David, early Judaism, and the beginnings of Christianity and Islam to the Middle Eastern conflict that so often dominates global deadlines.
Inspiration, knowledge, and motivation lie in the pages of these kids’ biographies, which take your children on a space shuttle, through the land of Disney, on airplanes, and exploring the rainforest.
Stories of incredibly strong women abound in this biography, which tells some of the most daring adventures and rebellious tales of women across time who have made waves throughout history.
The story of the man who created Mickey Mouse ears that dominate Americana, this children’s biography of Walt Disney is an inspiring story that shares the history behind a man who made millions of children’s childhoods.
Simply put, ordinary people change the world – it’s true. Brad Meltzer’s children’s biographies tell the stories of everyone from Amelia Earheart and Gandhi to Billie Jean King and Jane Goodall , providing a well-rounded education on some of the world’s greats.
Apollo 13 rose into the sky based on long mathematical equations and calculations rooted in sexism.
This children’s biography on Katherine Johnson explores the story of one of the most larger than life figures in NASA history – one who was so often thrust into the shadows.
Whether you are looking for inspiration and motivation or an engaging story of a powerful biography, these biographies – the best biography books of all time – provide a look into some of the most influential people in the world and American history.
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At the ripe old age of 3, Susannah decided that life was just a blank canvas and took Magic Marker to the newly installed carpet in her room just to “see what happened.” She’s taken that approach to life since, curious about pretty much everything.
She earned a journalism degree from Texas A&M University with the mission of making asking questions and telling stories her life, and since then has done everything from social media strategizing and content creation on the national level to writing a career column for USA TODAY.
Susannah is a high school teacher and yearbook adviser with a huge passion for reading (Harry Potter is her absolute favorite) , and is excited to bring another book-loving voice to Hooked to Books.
Enlightening and inspiring: these are the best autobiographies and biographies of 2024, and all time. .
Reading an autobiography can offer a unique insight into a world and experience very different from your own – and these real-life stories are even more entertaining, and stranger, than fiction . Take a glimpse into the lives of some of the world's most inspiring and successful celebrities , politicians and sports people and more in our edit of the best autobiographies and biographies to read right now.
Sociopath: a memoir, by patric gagne.
The most unputdownable memoir you’ll read this year, Sociopath is the story of Patric Gagne, and her extraordinary life lived on the edge. With seering honestly, Patric explains how, as a child she always knew she was different. Graduating from feelings of apathy to petty theft and stalking, she realised as an adult that she was a sociopath, uncaring of the impact of her actions on others. Sharing the conflict she feels between her impulses, and her desire to live a settled, loving life with her partner, Sociopath is a fascinating story of one woman’s journey to find a place for herself in the world.
By robert hardman.
Meet the man behind the monarch in this new biography of King Charles III by royal expert and journalist Robert Hardman. Charting Charles III’s extraordinary first year on the throne, a year plighted by sadness and family scandal, Hardman shares insider details on the true nature of the Windsor family feud, and Queen Camilla’s role within the Royal Family. Detailing the highs and lows of royal life in dazzling detail, this new biography of the man who waited his whole life to be King is one of 2024’s must-reads.
By rose boyt.
When Rose Boyt finds her old diary in a cardboard box in the summer of 2016, she is transported back to 1989 and her teenage years, a time she never remembered as especially remarkable. However, as Rose reads her accounts of sitting for her father, the painter Lucian Feud, she begins to realise how extraordinary and shocking her experiences truly were. In Naked Portrait: A Memoir of Lucian Freud , Rose Boyt explores her relationship with her father with fresh eyes, painting a vivid portrait of the brilliant, complex man he was.
By or rosenboim.
When Or Rosenboim was growing up, she knew little of her family’s complex history, with her memories of family instead rooted in the traditional dishes her grandmothers prepared with love. After they had both passed away, she began to explore their recipe books, full of handwritten notes for how to make kneidlach balls in hot chicken broth, cinnamon-scented noodle kugel and stuffed vine leaves. There, Or learned of their shared past, one fraught with displacement and change. Interspersing her family’s story with their cherished recipes, Or Rosenboim’s Air and Love is a memoir about food, migration and family.
By lisa marie presley.
Lisa Marie Presley was never truly understood . . . until now. Before her death in 2023, she’d been working on a raw, riveting, one-of-a-kind memoir for years, recording countless hours of breathtakingly vulnerable tape, which has finally been put on the page by her daughter, Riley Keough.
By nina stibbe.
Ten years after the publication of the prize-winning Love, Nina comes the author’s diary of her return to London in her sixty-first year. After twenty years, Nina Stibbe, accompanied by her dog Peggy, stays with writer Debby Moggach in London for a year. With few obligations, Nina explores the city, reflecting on her past and embracing new experiences. From indulging in banana splits to navigating her son's dating life, this diary captures the essence of a sixty-year-old runaway finding her place as a "proper adult" once and for all.
By sarah harkness.
When Daniel and Alexander Macmillan moved to London from the Scottish Highlands in 1830, little did they know that the city was on the brink of huge social change, and that they would change publishing forever. This is the story of the Macmillan brothers who, after an impoverished, working-class childhood, went on to bring Alice in Wonderland and numerous other literary classics and ideas to the world. Through meticulous research and highly entertaining storytelling, Sarah Harkness brings to life the two men who founded a publishing house which has stood the test of time for almost two centuries.
By christian lewis.
The follow-up to his bestselling memoir Finding Hildasay , in Hildasay to Home Christian Lewis tells the next chapter of his extraordinary journey, step by step. From the unexpected way he found love, to his and Kate's journey on foot back down the coastline and into their new lives as parents to baby Marcus, Christian shares his highs and lows as he and his dog Jet leave Hildasay behind. Join the family as they adjust to life away from the island, and set off on a new journey together.
By david milch.
Best known for creating smash-hit shows including NYPD Blue and Deadwood, you’d be forgiven for thinking that David Milch had lived a charmed life of luxury and stardom. In this, his new memoir, Milch dispels that myth, shedding light on his extraordinary life in the spotlight. Born in Buffalo New York to a father gripped by drug-addiction, Milch enrolled at Yale Law befire being expelled and finding his true passion for writing. Written following his diagnosis with Alzheimer’s in 2015, in Life’s Work Milch records his joys, sadnesses and struggles with startling clarity and grace.
By nicolas lunabba.
In a world where children murder children, and where gun violence is the worst in Europe, Nicolas Lunabba's job as a social organizer with Malmö's underclass requires firm boundaries and emotional detachment. But all that changes when he meets Elijah – an unruly teenage boy of mixed heritage whose perilous future reminds Nicolas of his own troubled past amongst the marginalized people who live on the fringes of every society. Written as a letter to Elijah, Will You Care If I Die? is a disarmingly direct memoir about social class, race, friendship and unexpected love.
By yusra mardini.
After fleeing her native Syria to the Turkish coast in 2015, Yusra Mardini boarded a small dinghy full of refugees headed for Greece. On the journey, the boat's engine cut out and it started to sink. Yusra, her sister, and two others took to the water to push the overcrowded boat for three and a half hours in open water, saving the lives of those on board. Butterfly is Yusra Mardini's journey from war-torn Damascus to Berlin and from there to the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Game. A UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador and one of People magazine's 25 Women Changing the World, discover Yusra and her incredible story of resilience and unstoppable spirit.
After hitting rock bottom having suffered with depression for years, Christian Lewis made an impulsive decision to walk the entire coastline of the UK. Just a few days later he set off with a tent, walking boots and a tenner in his pocket. Finding Hildasay tells us some of this incredible story, including the brutal three months Christian Lewis spent on the uninhabited island of Hildasay in Scotland with no fresh water or food. It was there, where his route was most barren, that he discovered pride and respect for himself. This is not just a story of a remarkable journey, but one of depression, survival and the meaning of home.
By eddie jaku.
A lesson in how happiness can be found in the darkest of times, this is the story of Eddie Jaku, a German Jew who survived seven years at the hands of the Nazis. Eddie Jaku always considered himself a German first, and a Jew second. All of that changed in November 1938, when he was beaten, arrested and taken to a concentration camp. But through his courage and tenacity he still came to live life as 'the happiest man on earth'. Published at the author turns one hundred, The Happiest Man on Earth is a heartbreaking but hopeful memoir full of inspiration.
Don't Miss
I know why the caged bird sings, by maya angelou.
A favourite book of former president Obama and countless others, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings , recounts Angelou’s childhood in the American south in the 1930s. A beautifully written classic, this is the first of Maya Angelou's seven bestselling autobiographies.
By malala yousafzai.
After speaking out about her right to education almost cost her her life, Malala Yousafzi refused to be silenced. Instead, her amazing story has taken her all over the world. This is the story of Malala and her inspirational family, and of how one person's voice can inspire change across the globe.
By lindsey hilsum.
In her job as a foreign correspondent, Marie Colvin reported from some of the most dangerous places in the world. It was a job that would eventually cost her her life. In this posthumous biography of the award-winning news journalist, Lindsey Hilsum shares the story of one of the most daring and inspirational women of our times with warmth and wit, conveying Colvin's trademark glamour.
This is going to hurt, by adam kay.
Offering a unique insight into life as an NHS junior doctor through his diary entries, Adam Kay's bestselling autobiography is equal parts heartwarming and humorous, and oftentimes horrifying too. With 97-hour weeks, life and death decisions and a tsunami of bodily fluids, Kay provides a no-holds-barred account of working on the NHS frontline. Now a major BBC comedy-drama, don't miss this special edition of This Is Going To Hurt including a bonus diary entries and an afterword from the author.
By samara linton.
The Colour of Madness brings together memoirs, essays, poetry, short fiction and artworks by people of colour who have experienced difficulties with mental health. From experiencing micro-aggressions to bias, and stigma to religious and cultural issues, people of colour have to fight harder than others to be heard and helped. Statistics show that people from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds in the UK experience poor mental health treatment in comparison to their white counterparts, and are more likely to be held under the Mental Health Act.
By the secret barrister.
How do you become a barrister? Why do only 1 per cent of those who study law succeed in joining this mysterious profession? And why might a practising barrister come to feel the need to reveal the lies, secrets, failures and crises at the heart of this world of wigs and gowns? Full of hilarious, shocking and surprising stories, Nothing But The Truth tracks the Secret Barrister’s transformation from hang ‘em and flog ‘em, austerity-supporting twenty-something to a campaigning, bestselling, reforming author whose writing in defence of the law is celebrated around the globe.
By harriet gibsone.
Harriet spent much of her young life feeding neuroses and insecurities with obsessive internet searching and indulging in whirlwind ‘parasocial relationships'. But after a diagnosis of early menopause in her late twenties, her relationship with the internet took a darker turn, as her online addictions were thrown into sharp relief by the corporeal realities of illness and motherhood. An outrageously funny, raw and painfully honest account of trying to find connection in the age of the internet, Is This Ok? is the stunning literary debut from music journalist, Harriet Gibsone.
By carolyn hays.
This moving memoir is an ode to Hays' transgender daughter – a love letter to a child who has always known herself. After a caseworker from the Department of Children and Families knocked on the door to investigate an anonymous complaint about the upbringing of their transgender child, the Hays family moved away from their Republican state. In A Girlhood, Hays tells of the brutal truths of being trans, of the sacrificial nature of motherhood and of the lengths a family will go to shield their youngest from the cruel realities of the world. Hays asks us all to love better, for children everywhere enduring injustice and prejudice.
This bestselling autobiography lifts the lid on the life of one of the most inspiring women of a generation, former first lady Michelle Obama. From her childhood as a gifted young woman in south Chicago to becoming the first black First Lady of the USA, Obama tells the story of her extraordinary life with humour, warmth and honesty.
By anthony bourdain.
Regarded as one of the greatest books about food ever written, Kitchen Confidential lays bare the wild tales of the culinary industry. From his lowly position as a dishwasher in Provincetown to cooking at some of the finest restaurants across the world, the much-loved Bourdain translates his sultry, sarcastic and quick-witted personality to paper in this uncensored 'sex, drugs, bad behaviour and haute cuisine' account of life as a professional chef. Bourdain's tales of the kitchen are as passionate as they are unpredictable, as shocking as they are funny.
By dolly alderton.
Dolly Alderton, perhaps more than any other author, represents the rise of the messy millennial woman – in the very best way possible. Her internationally bestselling memoir gives an unflinching account of the bad dates and squalid flat-shares, the heartaches and humiliations, and most importantly, the unbreakable female friendships that defined her twenties. She weaves together personal stories, satirical observations, a series of lists, recipes, and other vignettes that will strike a chord of recognition with women of every age. This is a memoir that you'll discuss with loved ones long after the final page.
By chris kamara.
Presenter, commentator, (sometimes masked) singer, footballer, manager and campaigner, Kammy's action-packed career has made him a bona fide British hero. Kammy had a tough upbringing, faced racism on the terraces during his playing career and has, in recent years, dealt with a rare brain condition – apraxia – that has affected his speech and seen him say goodbye to Sky Sports. With entertaining stories of his playing career from Pompey to Leeds and beyond; his management at Bradford City and Stoke; his crazy travels around the world; of Soccer Saturday banter; presenting Ninja Warrior ; and the incredible friendships he's made along the way, Kammy is an unforgettable ride from one of Britain's best-loved broadcasters.
By alex honnold.
In the last forty years, only a handful of climbers have pushed themselves as far, ‘free soloing’ to the absolute limit of human capabilities. Half of them are dead. Although Alex Honnold’s exploits are probably a bit too extreme for most of us, the stories behind his incredible climbs are exciting, uplifting and truly awe-inspiring. Alone on the Wall is a book about the essential truth of being free to pursue your passions and the ability to maintain a singular focus, even in the face of mortal danger. This updated edition contains the account of Alex's El Capitan climb, which is the subject of the Oscar and BAFTA winning documentary, Free Solo .
By martin o'neill.
Martin O’Neill has had one of the most incredible careers in football. With a story spanning over fifty years, Martin tells of his exhilarating highs and painful lows; from the joys of winning trophies, promotion and fighting for World Cups to being harangued by fans, boardroom drama, relegation scraps and being fired. Written with his trademark honesty and humour, On Days Like These is one of the most insightful and captivating sports autobiographies and a must-read for any fans of the beautiful game.
As a child, Rob Burrow was told he was too small to be a rugby player. Some 500 games for Leeds later, Rob had proved his doubters wrong: he won eight Super League Grand Finals, two Challenge Cups, three World Club Challenges and played for his country in two World Cups. In 2019 though, Rob was diagnosed with motor neurone disease and given just two years to live. He went public with the news, determined to fight it all the way. Full of love, bravery and kindness, this is the story of a man who has awed his fans with his positive attitude to life.
At home with muhammad ali, by hana yasmeen ali.
Written by his daughter Ali using material from her father's audio journals, love letters and her treasured family memories, this sports biography offers an intimate portrait of one of boxing's most legendary figures, and one of the most iconic sports personalities of all time.
By eniola aluko.
In her autobiography, footballer Eni Aluko addresses themes of dual nationality, race and institutional prejudice, success, gender and faith through her own experiences growing up in Britain. Part memoir, part manifesto for change, They Don't Teach This is a must-read book for 2020.
By adrian edmondson.
From brutal schooldays to 80s anarchy, through The Young Ones and beyond, Berserker! is the one-of-a-kind, fascinating memoir from an icon of British comedy, Adrian Edmondson. His star-studded anecdotes and outrageous stories are set to a soundtrack of pop hits, transporting the reader through time and cranking up the nostalgia. But, as one would expect, these stories are also a guaranteed laugh as Ade traces his journey through life and comedy.
In honor of BTS's 10th anniversary, this remarkable book serves as the band's inaugural official release, offering a treasure trove of unseen photographs and exclusive content. With Myeongseok Kang's extensive interviews and years of coverage, the vibrant world of K-pop springs to life. As digital pioneers, BTS's online presence has bridged continents, and this volume grants readers instant access to trailers, music videos, and more, providing a comprehensive journey through BTS's defining moments. Complete with a milestone timeline, Beyond the Story stands as a comprehensive archive, encapsulating everything about BTS within its pages.
By henry winkler.
Brilliant, funny, and widely-regarded as the nicest man in Hollywood, Henry Winkler shares the disheartening truth of his childhood, the difficulties of a life with severe dyslexia and the pressures of a role that takes on a life of its own. Since the glorious era of Happy Days fame, Henry has endeared himself to a new generation with roles in such adored shows as Arrested Development and Barry , where he’s revealed himself as an actor with immense depth and pathos. But Being Henry is about so much more than a life in Hollywood and the curse of stardom. It is a meaningful testament to the power of sharing truth and of finding fulfillment within yourself.
By floella benjamin.
Actress, television presenter, member of the House of Lords – Baroness Floella Benjamin is an inspiration to many. But it hasn't always been easy: in What Are You Doing Here? she describes her journey to London as part of the Windrush generation, and the daily racism that caused her so much pain as a child. She has gone on to remain true to her values, from breaking down barriers as a Play School presenter to calling for diversity at the BBC and BAFTA to resisting the pressures of typecasting. Sharing the lessons she has learned, imbued with her joy and positivity, this autobiography is the moving testimony of a remarkable woman.
By michael mcintyre.
Comic Michael McIntyre specialises in pin-sharp observational routines that have made him the world's bestselling funny man. But when he turns his gaze to himself and his own family, things get even funnier. This bracingly honest memoir covers the highs, lows and pratfalls of a career in comedy, as Michael climbs the greasy pole of success and desperately attempts to stay up there.
Elton John is one of the most successful singer/songwriters of all time, but success didn't come easily to him. In his bestselling autobiography, he charts his extraordinary life, from the early rejection of his work to the heady heights of international stardom and the challenges that came along with it. With candour and humour, he tells the stories of celebrity friendships with John Lennon, George Michael and Freddie Mercury, and of how he turned his life around and found love with David Furnish. Me is the real story of the man behind the music.
By bob mortimer.
National treasure and beloved entertainer, Bob Mortimer, takes us from his childhood in Middlesborough to working as a solicitor in London in his highly acclaimed autobiography. Mortimer’s life was trundling along happily until suddenly in 2015 he was diagnosed with a heart condition that required immediate surgery and forced him to cancel an upcoming tour. The book covers his numerous misadventures along his path to fame but also reflects on more serious themes, making this both one of the most humorous and poignant celebrity memoirs of recent years.
Based on interviews conducted with Steve Jobs, Walter Isaacson's biography of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs is filled with lessons about innovation, leadership, and values and has inspired a movie starring Michael Fassbender, Kate Winslet and Seth Rogen. Isaacson tells the story of the rollercoaster life and searingly intense personality of creative entrepreneur whose passion for perfection and ferocious drive revolutionized the tech industry. Although Jobs cooperated with this book, he asked for no control over what was written and put nothing off limits, making this an unflinchingly candid account of one of the key figures of modern history.
By david harewood.
When David Harewood was twenty-three, his acting career began to take flight and he had what he now understands to be a psychotic breakdown. He was physically restrained by six police officers, sedated, then hospitalized and transferred to a locked ward. Only now, thirty years later, has he been able to process what he went through. In this powerful and provocative account of a life lived after psychosis, critically acclaimed actor, David Harewood, uncovers a devastating family history and investigates the very real impact of racism on Black mental health.
By michael k. williams.
When Michael K. Williams died on 6 September 2021, he left behind a career as one of the most electrifying actors of his generation. At the time of his death, Williams had nearly finished his memoir, which traces his life in whole, from his childhood and his early years as a dancer to his battles with addiction. Alongside his achievements on screen he was a committed activist who dedicated his life to helping at-risk young people find their voice and carve out their future. Imbued with poignance and raw honesty, Scenes from My Life is the story of a performer who gave his all to everything he did – in his own voice, in his own words.
The fall of boris johnson, by sebastian payne.
Sebastian Payne, Whitehall Editor for the Financial Times, tells the behind-the-scenes story of the fall of former Prime Minister, Boris Johnson. After being touted saviour of the Conservative Party, it took Johnson just three years to resign after a series of scandals. From the blocked suspension of Owen Patterson to Partygate and the Chris Pincher allegations, Payne gives us unparalleled access to those who were in the room when key decisions were made, ultimately culminating in Boris's downfall. This is a gripping and timely look at how power is gained, wielded and lost in Britain today.
The Sister , written by Sung-Yoon Lee, a scholar and specialist on North Korea, uncovers the truth about Kim Yo Jong and her close bond with Kim Jong Un. In 2022, Kim Yo Jong threatened to nuke South Korea, reminding the world of the dangers posed by her state. But how did the youngest daughter of Dear Leader Kim Jong Il, his ‘sweet princess’, become the ruthless chief propagandist, internal administrator and foreign policymaker for her brother’s totalitarian regime? Readable and insightful, this book is an invaluable portrait of a woman who might yet hold the survival of her despotic dynasty in her hands.
By nelson mandela.
Deemed 'essential reading for anyone who wants to understand history' by former US President, Barack Obama, this is the autobiography of one of the world's greatest moral and political leaders, Nelson Mandela. Imprisoned for more than 25 years, president of the African National Congress and head of South Africa's anti-apartheid movement, the Nobel Peace Prize winner's life was nothing short of extraordinary. Long Walk to Freedom vividly tells this story; one of hardship, resilience and ultimate triumph, written with the clarity and eloquence of a born leader.
By anne frank.
No list of inspiring autobiographies would be complete without Anne Frank's The Diary of a Young Girl . Charting the thirteen-year-old's time hiding in a 'Secret Annex' with her family to escape Gestapo detection, this book (which was discovered after Anne Frank's death), is a must-read, and a testament to the courage shown by the millions persecuted during the Second World War.
Winner of Pulitzer Prize in Memoir, Stay True is a deeply moving and intimate memoir about growing up and moving through the world in search of meaning and belonging. When Hua Hsu first meets Ken in a Berkeley dorm room, he hates him. A frat boy with terrible taste in music, Ken seems exactly like everyone else. For Hua, Ken represents all that he defines himself in opposition to – the mainstream. The only thing Hua, the son of Taiwanese immigrants, and Ken, whose Japanese American family has been in the US for generations, have in common is that, however they engage with it, American culture doesn’t seem to have a place for either of them.
By rebecca skloot.
Born to a poor black tobacco farmer in rural Virginia in 1920, Henrietta Lacks died of cancer when she was just 31. However, her story does not end there, as her cancer cells, taken without permission during her treatment continued to live on being used for research all over the world and becoming a multi-million dollar industry, with her family only learning of her impact more than two decades after her death. In The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks Rebecca Skloot tells the story of a woman who never knew of her lifesaving impact and asks: do we ever really own our bodies?
By polly morland.
Funny, emotional and imbued with great depth, A Fortunate Woman is an exploration of the life of a country doctor in a remote and wild wooded valley in the Forest of Dean. The story was sparked when writer and documentary maker Polly Morland found a photograph of the valley she lives in tucked inside a tattered copy of John Berger’s A Fortunate Man . Itself an account of the life of a country doctor, the book inspired a woman doctor to follow her vocation in the same remote place. And it is the story of this woman that Polly Morland tells, in this compelling portrait of landscape and community.
By jonathan raban.
On 11 June 2011, three days short of his sixty-ninth birthday, Jonathan Raban suffered a stroke which left him unable to use the right side of his body. Learning to use a wheelchair in a rehab facility outside Seattle and resisting the ministrations of the nurses overseeing his recovery, Raban began to reflect upon the measure of his own life in the face of his own mortality. Together with the chronicle of his recovery is the extraordinary story of his parents’ marriage, the early years of which were conducted by letter while his father fought in the Second World War.
By michelle zauner.
This radiant read by singer, songwriter and guitarist Michelle Zauner delves into the experience of being the only Asian-American child at her school in Eugene, Oregon, combined with family struggles and blissful escapes to her grandmother's tiny Seoul apartment. The family bond is the shared love of Korean food, which helped Michelle reclaim her Asian identity in her twenties. A lively, honest, riveting read.
By the reluctant carer.
The phone rings. Your elderly father has been taken to hospital, and your even older mother is home with nobody to look after her. What do you do? Drop everything and go and help of course. But it's not that straightforward, and your own life starts to fall apart as quickly as their health. Irresistibly funny, unflinching and deeply moving, this is a love letter to family and friends, to carers and to anyone who has ever packed a small bag intent on staying for just a few days. This is a true story of what it really means to be a carer, and of the ties that bind even tighter when you least expect it.
The 100 best non-fiction books of all time, the best sports books and autobiographies, must reads: 50 best books of all time.
We've researched and ranked the best biography books in the world, based on recommendations from world experts, sales data, and millions of reader ratings. Learn more
Tara Westover | 5.00
Bill Gates Tara never went to school or visited a doctor until she left home at 17. I never thought I’d relate to a story about growing up in a Mormon survivalist household, but she’s such a good writer that she got me to reflect on my own life while reading about her extreme childhood. Melinda and I loved this memoir of a young woman whose thirst for learning was so strong that she ended up getting a Ph.D.... (Source)
Barack Obama As 2018 draws to a close, I’m continuing a favorite tradition of mine and sharing my year-end lists. It gives me a moment to pause and reflect on the year through the books I found most thought-provoking, inspiring, or just plain loved. It also gives me a chance to highlight talented authors – some who are household names and others who you may not have heard of before. Here’s my best of 2018... (Source)
Alexander Stubb If you read or listen to only one book this summer, this is it. Bloody brilliant! Every word, every sentence. Rarely do I go through a book with such a rollecoaster of emotion, from love to hate. Thank you for sharing @tarawestover #Educated https://t.co/GqLaqlcWMp (Source)
See more recommendations for this book...
A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption
Laura Hillenbrand | 4.90
In her long-awaited new book, Laura Hillenbrand writes with the same rich and vivid narrative voice she displayed in Seabiscuit . Telling an unforgettable story of a man's journey into extremity, Unbroken is a testament to the resilience of the human mind, body, and spirit.
The lieutenant’s name was Louis Zamperini. In boyhood, he'd been a cunning and incorrigible delinquent, breaking into houses, brawling, and fleeing his home to ride the rails. As a teenager, he had channeled his defiance into running, discovering a prodigious talent that had carried him to the Berlin Olympics and within sight of the four-minute mile. But when war had come, the athlete had become an airman, embarking on a journey that led to his doomed flight, a tiny raft, and a drift into the unknown.
Ahead of Zamperini lay thousands of miles of open ocean, leaping sharks, a foundering raft, thirst and starvation, enemy aircraft, and, beyond, a trial even greater. Driven to the limits of endurance, Zamperini would answer desperation with ingenuity; suffering with hope, resolve, and humor; brutality with rebellion. His fate, whether triumph or tragedy, would be suspended on the fraying wire of his will.
Anne Frank, B.M. Mooyaart, Eleanor Roosevelt | 4.86
Tim Fargo @Quixoticnance Good point, Nancy. The museum is a powerful experience, esp. when you've read her book. (Source)
Catalina Penciu I'm a huge fan of personal stories and biographies like this one. (Source)
Alice Little I remember being a fourth grader and trying to check out [this book] and being told it was grossly inappropriate and going so far as to have my parents take it to the school board and petition for me to be allowed to read this book. (Source)
Viktor E. Frankl, William J. Winslade, et al. | 4.86
Tony Robbins Another book that I’ve read dozens of times. It taught me that if you change the meaning, you change everything. Meaning equals emotion, and emotion equals life. (Source)
Jimmy Fallon I read it while spending ten days in the ICU of Bellevue hospital trying to reattach my finger from a ring avulsion accident in my kitchen. It talks about the meaning of life, and I believe you come out a better person from reading it. (Source)
Dustin Moskovitz [Dustin Moskovitz recommended this book on Twitter.] (Source)
Michelle Obama | 4.85
Barack Obama Of course, @MichelleObama’s my wife, so I’m a little biased here. But she also happens to be brilliant, funny, wise – one of a kind. This book tells her quintessentially American story. I love it because it faithfully reflects the woman I have loved for so long. (Source)
Piers Morgan Congrats to @MichelleObama on sensational sales of her new book #Becoming. I always take people as I find them & when I met her at the White House, she was a delightfully warm, friendly & genuine lady. A great First Lady & now a best-selling author. https://t.co/nlSUHI01SM (Source)
Randi Zuckerberg "I love the book Becoming by @MichelleObama and Creative Curve by Allen Gannett." @GoldieChan (Source)
Stories from a South African Childhood
Trevor Noah | 4.84
Bill Gates As a longtime fan of The Daily Show, I loved reading this memoir about how its host honed his outsider approach to comedy over a lifetime of never quite fitting in. Born to a black South African mother and a white Swiss father in apartheid South Africa, he entered the world as a biracial child in a country where mixed race relationships were forbidden. Much of Noah’s story of growing up in South... (Source)
Mark Suster Please don't read @Trevornoah's book "Born a Crime." It's such a remarkable story that you need to hear him narrate it on @audible_com. You'll laugh out loud, cry, get angry, be in disbelief. You'll have many "driveway moments" where you can't stop even though you're home (Source)
Heather Zynczak So excited for our latest speaker announcement for #PSLIVE19! Trevor Noah! I am a huge @TheDailyShow fan! And his book -Born a Crime -and life story are amazing. Can't wait! Join us! https://t.co/N6ykJq7TOy https://t.co/r0dIx5RFVI (Source)
Rebecca Skloot | 4.80
Yet Henrietta Lacks remains virtually unknown, buried in an unmarked grave.
Now Rebecca Skloot takes us on an extraordinary journey, from the “colored” ward of Johns Hopkins Hospital in the 1950s to stark white laboratories with freezers full of HeLa cells; from Henrietta’s small, dying hometown of Clover, Virginia — a land of wooden slave quarters, faith healings, and voodoo — to East Baltimore today, where her children and grandchildren live and struggle with the legacy of her cells.
Henrietta’s family did not learn of her “immortality” until more than twenty years after her death, when scientists investigating HeLa began using her husband and children in research without informed consent. And though the cells had launched a multimillion-dollar industry that sells human biological materials, her family never saw any of the profits. As Rebecca Skloot so brilliantly shows, the story of the Lacks family — past and present — is inextricably connected to the dark history of experimentation on African Americans, the birth of bioethics, and the legal battles over whether we control the stuff we are made of.
Over the decade it took to uncover this story, Rebecca became enmeshed in the lives of the Lacks family—especially Henrietta’s daughter Deborah, who was devastated to learn about her mother’s cells. She was consumed with questions: Had scientists cloned her mother? Did it hurt her when researchers infected her cells with viruses and shot them into space? What happened to her sister, Elsie, who died in a mental institution at the age of fifteen? And if her mother was so important to medicine, why couldn’t her children afford health insurance?
Intimate in feeling, astonishing in scope, and impossible to put down, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks captures the beauty and drama of scientific discovery, as well as its human consequences.
Carl Zimmer Yes. This is a fascinating book on so many different levels. It is really compelling as the story of the author trying to uncover the history of the woman from whom all these cells came. (Source)
A.J. Jacobs Great writer. (Source)
Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future
Ashlee Vance | 4.80
Richard Branson Elon Musk is a man after my own heart: a risk taker undaunted by setbacks and ever driven to ensure a bright future for humanity. Ashlee Vance's stellar biography captures Musk's remarkable life story and irrepressible spirit. (Source)
Casey Neistat I'm fascinated by Elon Musk, I own a Tesla, I read Ashlee Vance's biography on Elon Musk. I think he's a very interesting charachter. (Source)
Roxana Bitoleanu A business book I would definitely choose the biography of Elon Musk by Ashlee Vance, because of Elon's strong, even extreme ambition to radically change the world, which I find very inspiring. (Source)
Ron Chernow | 4.69
Travis Kalanick [Travis Kalanick changed his Twitter] avatar to Alexander Hamilton after having read [this book]. (Source)
Ryan Holiday Related and with equal weight, I want to recommend George B. McClellan: The Young Napoleon by Stephen W. Sears (a biography of the talented but utterly delusional General George McClellan), Rebel Yell: The Violence, Passion, and Redemption of Stonewall Jackson by S.C. Gwynne (a biography of the brilliant but manic Stonewall Jackson) and Ron Chernow’s Alexander Hamilton (an equally brilliant, more... (Source)
Jim Manley Am reading this book, it’s called Hamilton by Ron Chernow. Not sure if anyone has heard of it - but Hamilton calling john Adams a crazy President has a certain resonance in this day and age. History is amazing (Source)
A Memoir by the Creator of NIKE
Phil Knight | 4.67
Bill Gates This memoir, by the co-founder of Nike, is a refreshingly honest reminder of what the path to business success really looks like: messy, precarious, and riddled with mistakes. I’ve met Knight a few times over the years. He’s super nice, but he’s also quiet and difficult to get to know. Here Knight opens up in a way few CEOs are willing to do. I don’t think Knight sets out to teach the reader... (Source)
Warren Buffett The best book I read last year. Phil is... a gifted storyteller. (Source)
Andre Agassi I've known Phil Knight since I was a kid, but I didn't really know him until I opened this beautiful, startling, intimate book. And the same goes for Nike. I've worn the gear with pride, but I didn't realize the remarkable saga of innovation and survival and triumph that stood behind every swoosh. Candid, funny, suspenseful, literary - this is a memoir for people who love sport, but above all... (Source)
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His Life and Universe
Walter Isaacson | 4.66
Bill Gates [On Bill Gates's reading list in 2011.] (Source)
Elon Musk I didn't read actually very many general business books, but I like biographies and autobiographies, I think those are pretty helpful. Actually, a lot of them aren't really business. [...] I also feel it’s worth reading books on scientists and engineers. (Source)
Scott Belsky [Scott Belsky recommended this book on the podcast "The Tim Ferriss Show".] (Source)
Paul Kalanithi, Abraham Verghese | 4.65
Bill Gates I don’t know how Kalanithi found the physical strength to write this book while he was so debilitated by the disease and then potent chemotherapy. But I’m so glad he did. He spent his whole brief life searching for meaning in one way or another -- through books, writing, medicine, surgery, and science. I’m grateful that, by reading this book, I got to witness a small part of that journey. I just... (Source)
Ryan Holiday Despite its popularity, When Breath Becomes Air is actually underrated. It’s make-you-cry good. (Source)
Bethany S. Mandel More Shabbat reading recommendations: This book was breathtaking and such a powerful advertisement for the joy of parenthood. https://t.co/V8BH97eiL9 (Source)
Walter Isaacson | 4.63
Bill Gates I think Leonardo was one of the most fascinating people ever. Although today he’s best known as a painter, Leonardo had an absurdly wide range of interests, from human anatomy to the theater. Isaacson does the best job I’ve seen of pulling together the different strands of Leonardo’s life and explaining what made him so exceptional. A worthy follow-up to Isaacson’s great biographies of Albert... (Source)
Satya Nadella Microsoft CEO has plunged into what must be an advance copy of Leonardo da Vinci by Walter Isaacson, who has written biographies of Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein and Ben Franklin. Isaacson’s biography is based on the Renaissance master’s personal notebooks, so you know we’re going to be taken into the creative mind of the genius. (Source)
Ryan Holiday Truly excellent book about one of history’s all time greats. (Source)
David McCullough | 4.62
Barack Obama The biographies have been useful, because I do think that there’s a tendency, understandable, to think that whatever’s going on right now is uniquely disastrous or amazing or difficult. (Source)
Antonio Villaraigosa I love biographies and this one in particular strikes me. I don’t believe John Adams comes immediately to mind as one of the great presidents, but he was. Students of history know he had a hand in so many of the founding documents we remember today. (Source)
Malcolm X, M. S. Handler, Ossie Davis, Attallah Shabazz, Alex Haley | 4.61
Casey Neistat Aside from The Autobiography of Malcolm X, Casey's favorite book is The Second World War by John Keegan. (Source)
Ryan Holiday I forget who said it but I heard someone say that Catcher in the Rye was to young white boys what the Autobiography of Malcolm X was to young black boys. Personally, I prefer that latter over the former. I would much rather read about and emulate a man who is born into adversity and pain, struggles with criminality, does prison time, teaches himself to read through the dictionary, finds religion... (Source)
Keith Ellison Malcolm X is somebody that everybody in America’s prisons today could look at and say, ‘You know what, I can emerge, I can evolve' (Source)
An American Life
Walter Isaacson | 4.59
Elon Musk I didn't read actually very many general business books, but I like biographies and autobiographies, I think those are pretty helpful. Actually, a lot of them aren't really business. [...] Isaacson's biography on Franklin is really good. Cause he was an entrepreneur and he sort of started from nothing, actually he was just like a run away kid, basically, and created his printing business and sort... (Source)
Brandon Stanton The [biography of Benjamin Franklin] I read. (Source)
Adventures of a Curious Character
Richard P. Feynman, Ralph Leighton, Edward Hutchings, Albert R. Hibbs | 4.58
Sergey Brin Brin told the Academy of Achievement: "Aside from making really big contributions in his own field, he was pretty broad-minded. I remember he had an excerpt where he was explaining how he really wanted to be a Leonardo [da Vinci], an artist and a scientist. I found that pretty inspiring. I think that leads to having a fulfilling life." (Source)
Larry Page Google co-founder has listed this book as one of his favorites. (Source)
Peter Attia The book I’ve recommended most. (Source)
Jeannette Walls | 4.57
The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln
Doris Kearns Goodwin | 4.55
Bill Gates I loved Goodwin’s Team of Rivals and highly recommend this one too. (Source)
Barack Obama The Oval office can be a lonely place, so reading about your forefather’s experience could only help. “The biographies have been useful, because I do think that there’s a tendency, understandable, to think that whatever’s going on right now is uniquely disastrous or amazing or difficult,” said President Obama in an interview. (Source)
Kobe Bryant I loved Team of Rivals, and Leadership really built on the things I had taken away from that book. Moving from basketball to building a company, I needed to learn new and different leadership skills, and Goodwin outlines the different skill-sets of Lincoln, both Roosevelts, and Lyndon Johnson, accessibly. (Source)
A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis
J. D. Vance | 4.51
Bill Gates The disadvantaged world of poor white Appalachia described in this terrific, heartbreaking book is one that I know only vicariously. Vance was raised largely by his loving but volatile grandparents, who stepped in after his father abandoned him and his mother showed little interest in parenting her son. Against all odds, he survived his chaotic, impoverished childhood only to land at Yale Law... (Source)
Ryan Holiday In terms of other surprising memoirs, I found JD Vance’s Hillbilly Elegy to be another well-written gem. (Source)
Ben Shapiro A very well-written book. [...] The whole thing is a critique of individual decisions. (Source)
The Triumphant True Story of Corrie Ten Boom
Corrie Ten Boom, John Sherrill, et al. | 4.51
Alison Alvarez What I really took with me from the book were the descriptions of how she dealt with the stress of solitary confinement and eventually the Ravensbruck concentration camp. I adapted some of her techniques for keeping her mind occupied to deal with my own problems with anxiety and worry. Also, it’s a book with a surprising amount of joy in it for subject matter that is so dark. (Source)
Elie Wiesel, Marion Wiesel | 4.50
Johanna Reiss Elie Wiesel wrote..that he was considering running into the barbed wire once, but he didn’t because his father needed him. (Source)
Steven Katz Probably the best known memoir that has been written about the experience of the death camps. (Source)
Tina Fey | 4.49
Sheryl Sandberg I absolutely loved Tina Fey's "Bossypants" and didn't want it to end. It's hilarious as well as important. Not only was I laughing on every page, but I was nodding along, highlighting and dog-earing like crazy. [...] It is so, so good. As a young girl, I was labeled bossy, too, so as a former - O.K., current - bossypants, I am grateful to Tina for being outspoken, unapologetic and hysterically... (Source)
The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban
Malala Yousafzai, Christina Lamb | 4.48
Adrienne Kisner Malala’s story of triumph is a battle cry for girls (and boys) everywhere. Education can set you free. (Source)
Jon Krakauer | 4.41
Holger Seim When it comes to adventure stories, Into the Wild. (Source)
Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow, et al | 4.36
Gabriel Coarna I read "The Last Lecture" because I had seen Randy Pausch give this talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo (Source)
Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey | 4.35
Richard Branson Today is World Book Day, a wonderful opportunity to address this #ChallengeRichard sent in by Mike Gonzalez of New Jersey: Make a list of your top 65 books to read in a lifetime. (Source)
Bianca Belair For #BlackHistoryMonth I will be sharing some of my favorite books by Black Authors 5th Book: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings By: Maya Angelou Another autobiography classic that will be hard to not find on any must- read book list! https://t.co/mGRG76lLRn (Source)
Julia Enthoven I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is beautifully written, and I really enjoy the voice of the protagonist and think it’s sad and fascinating to read about her time in history. (Source)
Ron Chernow | 4.34
Barack Obama The president also released a list of his summer favorites back in 2015: All That Is, James Salter The Sixth Extinction, Elizabeth Kolbert The Lowland, Jhumpa Lahiri Between the World and Me, Ta-Nehisi Coates Washington: A Life, Ron Chernow All the Light We Cannot See, Anthony Doerr (Source)
Ryan Holiday In terms of big biographies, Ron Chernow’s biography of Washington, Eric Romm’s biography of Seneca Dying Every Day (LOVED THIS) and Edmund Morris’ final biography of Theodore Roosevelt, Col. Roosevelt were all worth every page. (Source)
A Memoir of the Craft
Stephen King | 4.33
Mark Manson I read a bunch of books on writing before I wrote my first book and the two that stuck with me were Stephen King’s book and “On Writing Well” by Zinsser (which is a bit on the technical side). (Source)
Jennifer Rock If you are interested in writing and communication, start with reading and understanding the technical aspects of the craft: The Elements of Style. On Writing Well. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. (Source)
Benjamin Spall [Question: What five books would you recommend to youngsters interested in your professional path?] On Writing: A Memoir Of The Craft by Stephen King, [...] (Source)
Portrait of a Woman
Robert K. Massie | 4.33
Elon Musk I know what you're probably thinking ... did she really f* a horse? (Source)
The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr.
Ron Chernow | 4.33
Ryan Holiday A biography has to be really good to make read you all 800 pages. To me, this was one of those books. Since reading it earlier this year, I’ve since found out it is the favorite book of a lot of people I respect. I think something about the quality of the writing and the empathic understanding of the writer that the main lessons you would take away from someone like Rockefeller would not be... (Source)
Adam Townsend @Sociopathlete Great book (Source)
Anas Alhajji @Morg2006 Yep, I already have it. great book. (Source)
Nelson Mandela | 4.32
Bianca Belair For #BHM I will be sharing some of my favorite books by Black Authors 21st Book: Long Walk to Freedom -Nelson Mandela Read about his journey from childhood to the struggles of living under apartheid to becoming a freedom fighter & leader of his country. He is inspirational! https://t.co/bdvZu0kbh0 (Source)
Edmund Morris | 4.32
Ryan Holiday When I was younger I would ask any smart or successful person I met to recommend a book for me to read. Dr. Drew recommended that I read The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt. It immediately became a lifetime favorite that I have reread several times (Amazon tells me I bought it Oct 26, 2006). It ends the day he is telegraphed that McKinley has been assassinated–so the book focuses on everything before... (Source)
Simon Johnson This book is about admiration for a man who rises through a series of remarkable coincidences. The key thing is that he channelled the times. (Source)
Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
Eric Metaxas, Timothy J. Keller | 4.32
From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail
Cheryl Strayed | 4.32
Nancy Goldstone I found the narrative honest and riveting. The author used the journey through the hiking trail to work out her problems. (Source)
Dave Pelzer | 4.31
David McCullough | 4.31
Ed Zschau A fabulous book. (Source)
Ron Chernow | 4.29
Bill Clinton This is a good time for Ron Chernow’s fine biography of Ulysses S. Grant to appear… As history, it is remarkable, full of fascinating details sure to make it interesting both to those with the most cursory knowledge of Grant’s life and to those who have read his memoirs or any of several previous biographies… For all its scholarly and literary strengths, this book’s greatest service is to remind... (Source)
Jeremy Boudinet I read Ron Chernow's biography of Ulysses S. Grant at a crucial point in my life, when I was struggling with a few personal and professional career ups-and-downs. Grant is a fascinating character in U.S. history. His life was a dramatic roller coaster of major personal and professional triumphs that were inevitably followed by periods of massive failure and disappointment. Of course, all of this... (Source)
Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon
Brad Stone | 4.28
Doug McMillon [I read and give this book because] you need to understand what you’re up against. (Source)
Santiago Basulto I love to read biographies and stories of companies. Hatching Twitter is a really good book, and if you’re into that sort of books, bios of Steve Jobs (by Isaacson) or Jeff Bezos are great too. (Source)
Tracy DiNunzio It's a great book and especially for people starting out. (Source)
FrankF McCourt | 4.27
Amy Poehler | 4.25
Andre Agassi | 4.23
Yaro Starak I don’t just read business biographies. I’m a huge tennis fan, so I’ve read a lot of tennis biographies: John McEnroe, Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Scott Draper, Rod Laver. There’s so many I’ve read over the years, Jimmy Connors, great, I love it because I love reading the “behind the scenes” stories, the more “soap opera” aspect of tennis, I guess it’s a little bit like my soap opera sometimes. (Source)
Ian Cassel Such an amazing book https://t.co/IbVT7G9LDY (Source)
A Story of Race and Inheritance
out of 5 stars2,17 | 4.22
Robert McCrum He is really is a globish president and a brilliant writer. He is of Kenyan origin, grew up in Kansas and Hawaii. His reference is Islam, America, Kenyan tribal customs, Indonesia. (Source)
Mitch Albom | 4.22
How U.S. Navy Seals Lead and Win
Jocko Willink, Leif Babin | 4.22
Casey Neistat My favorite Jocko book. (Source)
Timothy Ferriss Jocko is also the co-author of Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win — which I loved. (Source)
Roger Ailes This is the SEAL Leadership book we have been waiting for. Poignant, powerful, practical. A must read for every leader. (Source)
Lies, Spies, and a Conspiracy to Protect Predators
Ronan Farrow | 4.21
In a dramatic account of violence and espionage, Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter Ronan Farrow exposes serial abusers and a cabal of powerful interests hell-bent on covering up the truth, at any cost.
In 2017, a routine network television investigation led Ronan Farrow to a story only whispered about: one of Hollywood's most powerful producers was a predator, protected by fear, wealth, and a conspiracy of silence. As Farrow drew closer to the truth, shadowy operatives, from high-priced lawyers to elite war-hardened spies, mounted a secret...
In 2017, a routine network television investigation led Ronan Farrow to a story only whispered about: one of Hollywood's most powerful producers was a predator, protected by fear, wealth, and a conspiracy of silence. As Farrow drew closer to the truth, shadowy operatives, from high-priced lawyers to elite war-hardened spies, mounted a secret campaign of intimidation, threatening his career, following his every move and weaponizing an account of abuse in his own family.
All the while, Farrow and his producer faced a degree of resistance that could not be explained - until now. And a trail of clues revealed corruption and cover-ups from Hollywood, to Washington, and beyond.
This is the untold story of the exotic tactics of surveillance and intimidation deployed by wealthy and connected men to threaten journalists, evade accountability and silence victims of abuse - and it's the story of the women who risked everything to expose the truth and spark a global movement.
Both a spy thriller and a meticulous work of investigative journalism, Catch and Kill breaks devastating new stories about the rampant abuse of power - and sheds far-reaching light on investigations that shook the culture.
Reese Witherspoon Congrats @RonanFarrow on your incredible book #CatchandKill. Amazing investigative reporting and A real thrill ride of a read. 📚 (Source)
Julie K. Brown The parallels to the Jeffrey Epstein case are amazing in @RonanFarrow’s new book. Imagine this same predatory behavior and coverup among powerful men — not at a TV-media network — but at the highest levels of our government. #perversionofjustice https://t.co/wh2EJlg7iW (Source)
Bastian Obermayer I know I’m very late to this party, but: „Catch And Kill“ from the unrelenting @RonanFarrow is a hell of a read!! Need inspiration for how to hold the powerful accountable - or only looking for great entertainment? Get this book. https://t.co/y3xWkUTWhh (Source)
Patti Smith | 4.21
Malcolm Gladwell I finished it in one sitting, then wept. It's that good. (Source)
Seth Godin This is the single best audiobook ever recorded by Patti Smith. It is not going to change the way you do business, but it might change the way you live. It's about love and loss and art. (Source)
Academic Batgirl This book helped me to see how my life as an academic is artful and creative, and gave me renewed faith in embracing risks, innovation, and taking on art with love and strength even when it’s frustrating or “success” is not assured. Recommend! 8/end https://t.co/tkWtSVY6b9 (Source)
Ta-Nehisi Coates | 4.20
Jack Dorsey Q: What are the books that had a major influence on you? Or simply the ones you like the most. : Tao te Ching, score takes care of itself, between the world and me, the four agreements, the old man and the sea...I love reading! (Source)
Doug McMillon Here are some of my favorite reads from 2017. Lots of friends and colleagues send me book suggestions and it's impossible to squeeze them all in. I continue to be super curious about how digital and tech are enabling people to transform our lives but I try to read a good mix of books that apply to a variety of areas and stretch my thinking more broadly. (Source)
The Secret to Love that Lasts
Gary Chapman and Oasis Audi | 4.20
Kaci Lambe Kai The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman impacted how I interpret and receive love. Not just romantically, but in my friendships and business relationships. I had several personal and professional relationships that improved when I could appreciate that their "love language" was different than mine. I could at least see their efforts as an attempt at showing me love and kindness, even if it wasn't... (Source)
Pedro Cortés The books that had the biggest impact are the ones that are controversial and challenge people's beliefs around work, relationships, life, and money most of them were things I already thought about (that's how I found them or decided to read them) but just by putting it in an actionable and structured way it made me think 100x more clearly about my goals and beliefs. Such examples could be the... (Source)
Frederick Douglass | 4.19
Bianca Belair For #BlackHistoryMonth I will be sharing some of my favorite books by Black Authors 6th Book: Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass By: Frederick Douglass The 1st of many autobiographies that he wrote, and another classic you will find on almost every must-read A.A list. https://t.co/v5PgGpoqxQ (Source)
Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly
Anthony Bourdain | 4.19
Eric Ripert I love that Tony’s world in the kitchen was filled with pirate-like renegades when mine was peopled with regimented professionals. How eye-opening and entertaining to read about the other side! (Source)
Jon Favreau Great book. (Source)
Jason Kottke This book is 18 years old but aside from some details, it felt as immediate and vital as when it came out. What a unique spirit we lost this year. (Source)
My Month of Madness
Susannah Cahalan | 4.19
Joann Corleyschwarzkopf Need a fun boost for your team? Want to jump-start great problem-solving? >Book a 1-hour #creativethinking, virtual experience & get a complimentary pdf copy - Brain on Fire: Unleashing Your Creative Superpowers! for each attendee #teambuilding Info here: https://t.co/j6hOxMJrNH https://t.co/b9hAxV90Mf (Source)
Jessica Flitter The readability for me is probably the key element for students—and maybe for teachers as well—because it’s a book that you really can’t put down. If that’s what we need to make students readers, then I’m all for it. (Source)
Three Daughters of China
Jung Chang | 4.18
Vishakha Desai To me Wild Swans is one of those iconic books for understanding the generations of Chinese women. She is from this amazing intellectual family and it’s about what happens to them. The book just has this tremendous power. It’s an amazing journey. It’s about what women do to survive and also how they suffer. (Source)
Harry Wu Wild Swans is talking about people who are living at the highest level of society but they are still suffering persecution and live in fear. And the peasants in the village became slaves, they became nothing. So what the book does brilliantly is give a real insight into what life was like for ordinary people against the backdrop of the ever-changing China. (Source)
Robert Greene | 4.18
Charlamagne Tha God These are the books I recommend people to listen to on @applebooks. (Source)
Marvin Liao My list would be (besides the ones I mentioned in answer to the previous question) both business & Fiction/Sci-Fi and ones I personally found helpful to myself. The business books explain just exactly how business, work & investing are in reality & how to think properly & differentiate yourself. On the non-business side, a mix of History & classic fiction to understand people, philosophy to make... (Source)
Ryan Holiday There is no living writer (or person) who has been more influential to me than Robert Greene. I met him when I was 19 years old and he’s shaped me as a person, as a writer, as a thinker. You MUST read his books. His work on power and strategy are critical for anyone trying to accomplish anything. In life, power is force we are constantly bumping up against. People have power of over us, we seek... (Source)
Stacy Schiff | 4.18
Anne Thériault @annfosterwriter Omg isn’t this book the best?? (Source)
The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race
Margot Lee Shetterly | 4.18
Set against the backdrop of the Jim Crow South and the civil rights movement, the never-before-told true story of NASA’s African-American female mathematicians who played a crucial role in America’s space program—and whose contributions have been unheralded, until now.
Before John Glenn orbited the Earth or Neil Armstrong walked on the moon, a group of professionals worked as “Human Computers,” calculating the flight paths that would enable these historic achievements. Among these were a coterie of bright, talented African-American women. Segregated from their white counterparts by...
Before John Glenn orbited the Earth or Neil Armstrong walked on the moon, a group of professionals worked as “Human Computers,” calculating the flight paths that would enable these historic achievements. Among these were a coterie of bright, talented African-American women. Segregated from their white counterparts by Jim Crow laws, these “colored computers,” as they were known, used slide rules, adding machines, and pencil and paper to support America’s fledgling aeronautics industry, and helped write the equations that would launch rockets, and astronauts, into space.
Drawing on the oral histories of scores of these “computers,” personal recollections, interviews with NASA executives and engineers, archival documents, correspondence, and reporting from the era, Hidden Figures recalls America’s greatest adventure and NASA’s groundbreaking successes through the experiences of five spunky, courageous, intelligent, determined, and patriotic women: Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, Christine Darden, and Gloria Champine.
Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics
Daniel James Brown | 4.17
Daniel James Brown's robust book tells the story of the University of Washington's 1936 eight-oar crew and their epic quest for an Olympic gold medal, a team that transformed the sport and grabbed the attention of millions of Americans. The sons of loggers, shipyard workers, and farmers, the boys defeated elite rivals first from eastern and British universities and finally the German crew rowing for Adolf Hitler in...
Daniel James Brown's robust book tells the story of the University of Washington's 1936 eight-oar crew and their epic quest for an Olympic gold medal, a team that transformed the sport and grabbed the attention of millions of Americans. The sons of loggers, shipyard workers, and farmers, the boys defeated elite rivals first from eastern and British universities and finally the German crew rowing for Adolf Hitler in the Olympic games in Berlin, 1936.
The emotional heart of the story lies with one rower, Joe Rantz, a teenager without family or prospects, who rows not for glory, but to regain his shattered self-regard and to find a place he can call home. The crew is assembled by an enigmatic coach and mentored by a visionary, eccentric British boat builder, but it is their trust in each other that makes them a victorious team. They remind the country of what can be done when everyone quite literally pulls together—a perfect melding of commitment, determination, and optimism.
Drawing on the boys' own diaries and journals, their photos and memories of a once-in-a-lifetime shared dream, The Boys in the Boat is an irresistible story about beating the odds and finding hope in the most desperate of times—the improbable, intimate story of nine working-class boys from the American west who, in the depths of the Great Depression, showed the world what true grit really meant. It will appeal to readers of Erik Larson, Timothy Egan, James Bradley, and David Halberstam's The Amateurs .
Satya Nadella Nadella calls this tale with a local Seattle connection—it involves an underdog University of Washington crew team and the 1936 Berlin Olympics—”A wonderful illustration of the importance of teamwork, which was a core part of my focus out of the gate as CEO. (Source)
Ryan Holiday Another great narrative nonfiction out this year that I hope you’ll like is: The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Daniel James Brown. (Source)
Gail Kelly Member of the Group of 30, and former CEO of Westpac will be spending her summer months reading a memoir, a novel and historical non-fiction. (Source)
Mindy Kaling | 4.17
Angela Kinsey .@mindykaling I am rereading your book and cracking up. I appreciate your chapter on The Office so much more now. But all of it is fantastic. Thanks for starting my day with laughter. You know I loves ya. ❤️ https://t.co/EB99xnyt0p (Source)
Yashar Ali Reminds me of one of my favorite lines from @mindykaling's book (even though I'm an early riser): “There is no sunrise so beautiful that it is worth waking me up to see it.” https://t.co/pS56bmyYjS (Source)
A Comic's Life
Steve Martin | 4.16
Adam Savage On a big road trip, I read it out loud to my wife, she read it out loud to me. Then we got the audio book and we listened to Steve Martin read it. (Source)
James Altucher And while you are at it, throw in “Bounce” by Mathew Syed, who was the UK Ping Pong champion when he was younger. I love any book where someone took their passion, documented it, and shared it with us. That’s when you can see the subleties, the hard work, the luck, the talent, the skill, all come together to form a champion. Heck, throw in, “An Astronaut’s Guide to Earth” by Commander Chris... (Source)
Bill Nye This is the story of my hero. The guy who inspired me to do what I do now. (Source)
A Family Tragicomic
Alison Bechdel | 4.15
Hillary Chute Alison has a strip that’s been running for a long time called Dykes to Watch Out For, but this is an autobiographical book. ‘Fun Home’ is short for the funeral home Alison’s dad ran when she was a child. It’s a book that blew me away and continues to blow me away every time I read it – and I must have read it five or six times by now: probably the best book I’ve read in the past ten years in any... (Source)
Sylvia Nasar | 4.15
Ariel Rubinstein The story of John Nash is really a human story – I don’t think it sheds much light on game theory. But it gives hope to people dealing with this disease. (Source)
Diane Coyle This is a terrific book for just saying something about what game theory helps to do, without plunging you into all the complicated mathematics of how to do it in practice. (Source)
The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Irin Carmon, Shana Knizhnik | 4.14
Robert Moses and the Fall of New York
Robert A. Caro | 4.14
Barack Obama He may have the country’s finest experts at his fingertips, but it still doesn’t hurt to read up on environmental and economic issues. (Source)
Ryan Holiday It took me 15 days to read all 1,165 pages of this monstrosity that chronicles the rise of Robert Moses. I was 20 years old. It was one of the most magnificent books I’ve ever read. Moses built just about every other major modern construction project in New York City. The public couldn’t stop him, the mayor couldn’t stop him, the governor couldn’t stop him, and only once could the President of... (Source)
Ben Greenman Well, if you look at a picture of a place, you can normally get a sense of what it’s like. But hopefully what books do, or what thinking does, is to show you what that place is like underneath. The Power Broker is the definitive history of how, in modern America, cities get built, power gets thrown around, neighbourhoods are overpowered by developers and politicians. It’s gigantic and it’s a... (Source)
Robert A. Caro | 4.13
H W Brands Caro is another master storyteller. Like Parton, Caro supplements the written record with fresh evidence. He was a journalist. He interviewed all sorts of people and got information on Johnson that others hadn’t uncovered. He tells a great, gripping story. One of his volumes on Lyndon Johnson is called The Path to Power. Caro is fascinated by how people acquire power, what they use power to... (Source)
Edmund Morris | 4.13
Edward Snowden | 4.12
John Sargent Edward Snowden decided at the age of 29 to give up his entire future for the good of his country. He displayed enormous courage in doing so, and like him or not, his is an incredible American story. There is no doubt that the world is a better and more private place for his actions. Macmillan is enormously proud to publish Permanent Record. (Source)
Kara Swisher Btw @Snowden new book “Permanent Record” is quite good and surprisingly a love letter to the Internet as it was. (Source)
Walter Isaacson | 4.12
Elon Musk Quite interesting. (Source)
Bill Gates [On Bill Gates's reading list in 2012.] (Source)
Gary Vaynerchuk I've read 3 business books in my life. If you call [this book] a business book. (Source)
Warren Buffett and the Business of Life
Alice Schroeder | 4.12
John Kay It’s on the list, firstly, because Buffet is the most successful investor in history. (Source)
Chude Jideonwo It's been so long, and I've been so busy that I haven't been able to recommend a book. I am sorry! I have read so many fantastic ones though, no matter how busy I have been. And I am soooooo excited to recommend this one. I love Warren Buffett ... https://t.co/ML0pM3G29k https://t.co/6yhfhT8WF5 (Source)
The Life and Work of Fred Rogers
Maxwell King | 4.12
Helen Keller | 4.11
Craig Brown I only vaguely knew about her myself to begin with. I think she’s more famous in America, and deserves to be. Helen Keller, who died in 1968, was deaf, dumb and blind. She was struck deaf and blind by meningitis at the age of 18 months, which makes you “dumb” as you don’t know what other people are saying. (Source)
The Art of Power
Jon Meacham, Edward Herrmann, et al | 4.11
Thomas Jefferson hated confrontation, and yet his understanding of power and of human nature...
Thomas Jefferson hated confrontation, and yet his understanding of power and of human nature enabled him to move men and to marshal ideas, to learn from his mistakes, and to prevail. Passionate about many things—women, his family, books, science, architecture, gardens, friends, Monticello, and Paris—Jefferson loved America most, and he strove over and over again, despite fierce opposition, to realize his vision: the creation, survival, and success of popular government in America. Jon Meacham lets us see Jefferson’s world as Jefferson himself saw it, and to appreciate how Jefferson found the means to endure and win in the face of rife partisan division, economic uncertainty, and external threat. Drawing on archives in the United States, England, and France, as well as unpublished Jefferson presidential papers, Meacham presents Jefferson as the most successful political leader of the early republic, and perhaps in all of American history.
The father of the ideal of individual liberty, of the Louisiana Purchase, of the Lewis and Clark expedition, and of the settling of the West, Jefferson recognized that the genius of humanity—and the genius of the new nation—lay in the possibility of progress, of discovering the undiscovered and seeking the unknown. From the writing of the Declaration of Independence to elegant dinners in Paris and in the President’s House; from political maneuverings in the boardinghouses and legislative halls of Philadelphia and New York to the infant capital on the Potomac; from his complicated life at Monticello, his breathtaking house and plantation in Virginia, to the creation of the University of Virginia, Jefferson was central to the age. Here too is the personal Jefferson, a man of appetite, sensuality, and passion.
The Jefferson story resonates today not least because he led his nation through ferocious partisanship and cultural warfare amid economic change and external threats, and also because he embodies an eternal drama, the struggle of the leadership of a nation to achieve greatness in a difficult and confounding world.
Ken Coleman My favorite non-business book is Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power by Jon Meacham because I am a history nut, and I am fascinated by Thomas Jefferson. (Source)
Mahatma Gandhi's Autobiography with a Foreword by the Gandhi Research Foundation
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, D. Fog, Mahadev Desai | 4.10
Barack Obama According to the president’s Facebook page and a 2008 interview with the New York Times, this title is among his most influential forever favorites. (Source)
Tim Cook I have two books going right now: One is the Bobby Kennedy book [“Bobby Kennedy: The Making of a Liberal Icon,” by Larry Tye] that just came out. The other is quite an old book. It’s a Gandhi book [“Mohandas K. Gandhi, Autobiography: The Story of My Experiments With Truth”] that I got interested in because we went to the Gandhi museum when we were in India recently. I tend to like nonfiction and... (Source)
Cory Booker A profound read. (Source)
Elizabeth Gilbert | 4.09
Chelsea Frank I read everything with an open mind, often challenging myself by choosing books with an odd perspective or religious/spiritual views. These books do not reflect my personal feelings but are books that helped shape my perspective on life, love, and happiness. (Source)
Gabriel Coarna I started reading "Eat, Pray, Love" as soon as I finished watching Elizabeth Gilbert give this talk. (Source)
My Year in a Women's Prison
Piper Kerman | 4.08
The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Man Who Would Cure the World
Tracy Kidder | 4.08
Roger Thurow Yes, and I have chosen this is in connection with social entrepreneurship and what Yunus does with social business. So, this is on the medical and health side, and poverty and hunger and malnourishment are distinctly a part of that. Mountains Beyond Mountains looks at the work of Dr Paul Farmer setting sail against the inequities in the healthcare world. It’s practical and inspirational. It’s... (Source)
Felicia Day, Joss Whedon | 4.08
Simon Cocking A great book for millennials and beyond. Review of You're Never Weird On The Internet by @feliciaday https://t.co/f8zMiInP0Z @SimonCocking @Irish_TechNews @joss https://t.co/OdLSGIlbjD (Source)
A Story of Justice and Redemption
1, 160 | 4.08
Chris Sacca Proud that @crystale and I could help fund the making of a film about one of our heroes, Bryan Stevenson. If you’ve read the book, then you know how powerful this film is. #JustMercy https://t.co/vNfXK4Imwr (Source)
Howard Schultz Perhaps one of the most powerful and important stories of our time. (Source)
A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President
Candice Millard | 4.07
Ryan Holiday These two unusual historical narratives about U.S presidents are shockingly good. I will read whatever else this woman writes. (Source)
The Story of a Childhood (Persepolis, #1)
Marjane Satrapi | 4.07
Pooneh Ghoddoosi I read the book and it was great, but more people saw the film because it was nominated for an Academy Award. And after seeing the movie, so many people I knew came up to me and told me that they thought it was exactly the story of my life. And not just me, but most of my Iranian friends had the same feeling of “Oh God, that could have been me, I could have written that book – it could have been... (Source)
A Tale of Murder, Insanity and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary
Simon Winchester | 4.06
Peter Gilliver W.C. Minor was a member of the public, but he just happened to be a murderer who was banged up in Broadmoor. (Source)
A Personal Account of the Mt. Everest Disaster
Jon Krakauer | 4.06
Katie Phang @AshaRangappa_ @yashar It’s an amazing book! (Source)
Holger Seim eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'theceolibrary_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_6',164,'0','1'])); When it comes to adventure stories, I love Into Thin Air. (Source)
The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War
Ben Macintyre | 4.06
Casey Neistat just finished this yesterday. absolutely fantastic book. super recommend if you're into spycraft and espionage. bravo @BenMacintyre1 https://t.co/4OG4C1cBQ1 (Source)
Isabel Hardman @holland_tom @BenMacintyre1 Oh it’s a brilliant book isn’t it. Another one I was sad to finish. (Source)
Amrullah Saleh I had a great conversation with Ambassador Micheal Lund Jeppesen of @DKinAfghanistan . On the sidelines of our rich conversation we spoke of the Spy & the Traitor a great book in which Denmark's intelligence features highly. Proud of our alliance & cooperation. https://t.co/47GMb7ETWr (Source)
My Life with the First Ladies
J. B. West and Mary Lynn Kotz | 4.05
Keith Richards | 4.04
Harry Khachatrian Binged Keith Richards’ autobiography, LIFE in about 3 days. Great book! Highly recommend it to anyone remotely interested in the Rolling Stones, blues, or music in general https://t.co/trzEHkvBgE (Source)
Ayaan Hirsi Ali | 4.03
The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History
Chris Kyle, Scott McEwen, Jim DeFelice | 4.03
Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company
Robert Iger | 4.02
Brian Chesky Bob's book is great and he's an excellent CEO. (Source)
Brené Brown I expected a book written by the person who has led Disney for decades to be defined by both gripping storytelling and deep leadership wisdom. [The author] delivers, and then some! [This book] is leadership gold—you won’t forget the stories or the lessons. (Source)
Karlie Kloss [Karlie Kloss] says [this book] really inspired her to become a better boss. (Source)
Art SPIEGELMAN | 4.02
Susan Bordo It’s about the Holocaust. It’s also a comic book, in which the various characters are depicted as animals – the Jews as mice, the Nazis as cats. (Source)
Jack Weatherford | 4.02
Ben Horowitz Unexpectedly the most interesting book on the topic of how you think about inclusion. (Source)
Daymond John [Daymond John said this is one of his most-recommended books.] (Source)
Lisa Ling Genghis Khan was a great democratizer. His Mongol Empire conquered more territory in 25 years than the Romans did in 200. (Source)
Solomon Northup | 4.02
Ryan Holiday I read two important memoirs from slaves as well, and strongly recommend 12 Years a Slave by Solomon Northup and A Slave in the White House about Paul Jennings. (Source)
Glennon Doyle, Glennon Doyle Melton | 4.01
Laura Wright I am BEYOND excited to dive into UNTAMED by the incredible @glennondoyle. Her book Love Warrior changed my life Many of you message me and ask me how I found my happiness again - it truly started with this woman’s words !! Untamed is available in March https://t.co/uc7km6PC3X (Source)
Marjane Satrapi | 4.01
Robert K. Massie | 4.01
Shackleton's Incredible Voyage
Alfred Lansing | 4.01
Ryan Holiday 50 plus years old, this is a story that more than stands the test of time. Sir Ernest Shackleton makes his daring attempt to cross Antarctic continent but his crew and boat are trapped in the ice flows. What follows are 600 days of harrowing survival, first from the elements, then from hunger, then from the sea as he makes a daring attempt in a small lifeboat to reach land 650 miles away, then... (Source)
Scott Belsky I think that there are some biographies, the Doris Kearns Goodwin type stuff, the Walter Isaacson classic biographies. I recently read Shackleton’s Endurance story. [...] Which, obviously, relates to my thinking these days, which is just a phenomenal story. And there’s so many interesting leadership lessons of counterintuitive things that he did that help you understand difficult decisions that... (Source)
Mark Moses Truly inspiring story of determination, grit and beating all odds. (Source)
Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds
David Goggins | 4.01
Joe Rogan David Goggins is a being of pure will and inspiration. Just listening to this guy talk makes you want to run up a mountain. I firmly believe people like him can change the course of the world just by inspiring us to push harder and dig deeper in everything we do. His goal to be 'uncommon amongst uncommon people' is something we can all use to propel ourselves to fulfill our true potential. I'm a... (Source)
Barbara Oakley This week’s astonishing book is Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds, by David Goggins. David grew up in an unbelievably tough environment with a deeply abusive father. He experienced prejudice and poverty, and suffered learning difficulties that left him graduating from high school barely able to read or do math. He became a depressed, overweight young man with an attitude. But... (Source)
Wes Gray @davidgoggins , excited to hear you will be at @LTRaceSeries alongside the CAF team. Myself, @patrickcleary01 and @RyanPKirlin look forward to the challenge and we'll see you there. We all love your book and thanks for signing our copies! (Source)
My Father Bleeds History (Maus, #1)
Art Spiegelman | 4.01
Chris Hadfield | 4.00
Chris Goward Here are some of the books that have been very impactful for me, or taught me a new way of thinking: [...] An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth. (Source)
Simon Carley Also love the idea of being a zero. Totally agree that some of my finest colleagues are that. I’m fact the doc I want to look after me in resus is defo a zero. (Read the book to find out why). (Source)
My Extraordinary Journey with Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Ford
Clint Hill | 4.00
George Washington
Joseph J. Ellis | 4.00
The Story of an Extraordinary Family, a Vanished Way of Life, and the Unique Child Who Became Theodore Roosevelt
David McCullough | 4.00
Mornings on Horseback is about the world of the young Theodore Roosevelt. It is the story of a remarkable little boy, seriously handicapped by...
Mornings on Horseback is about the world of the young Theodore Roosevelt. It is the story of a remarkable little boy, seriously handicapped by recurrent and nearly fatal attacks of asthma, and his struggle to manhood: an amazing metamorphosis seen in the context of the very uncommon household (and rarefied social world) in which he was raised.
His father is the first Theodore Roosevelt, "Greatheart," a figure of unbounded energy, enormously attractive and selfless, a god in the eyes of his small, frail namesake. His mother, Mittie Bulloch Roosevelt, is a Southerner and celebrated beauty, but also considerably more, which the book makes clear as never before. There are sisters Anna and Corinne, brother Elliott (who becomes the father of Eleanor Roosevelt), and the lovely, tragic Alice Lee, Teddy Roosevelt's first love. And while such disparate figures as Abraham Lincoln, Mrs. John Jacob Astor, and Senator Roscoe Conkling play a part, it is this diverse and intensely human assemblage of Roosevelts, all brought to vivid life, which gives the book its remarkable power.
The book spans seventeen years � from 1869 when little "Teedie" is ten, to 1886 when, as a hardened "real life cowboy," he returns from the West to pick up the pieces of a shattered life and begin anew, a grown man, whole in body and spirit. The story does for Teddy Roosevelt what Sunrise at Campobello did for FDR � reveals the inner man through his battle against dreadful odds.
Like David McCullough's The Great Bridge, also set in New York, this is at once an enthralling story, with all the elements of a great novel, and a penetrating character study. It is brilliant social history and a work of important scholarship, which does away with several old myths and breaks entirely new ground. For the first time, for example, Roosevelt's asthma is examined closely, drawing on information gleaned from private Roosevelt family papers and in light of present-day knowledge of the disease and its psychosomatic aspects.
At heart it is a book about life intensely lived...about family love and family loyalty...about courtship and childbirth and death, fathers and sons...about winter on the Nile in the grand manner and Harvard College...about gutter politics in washrooms and the tumultuous Republican Convention of 1884...about grizzly bears, grief and courage, and "blessed" mornings on horseback at Oyster Bay or beneath the limitless skies of the Badlands. "Black care rarely sits behind a rider whose pace is fast enough," Roosevelt once wrote. It is the key to his life and to much that is so memorable in this magnificent book.
Where millennial men improve daily. grow in your wisdom, experiences, wealth, health and style. "it is not that we have so little time but that we lose so much. … the life we receive is not short but we make it so; we are not ill provided but use what we have wastefully." – seneca.
Reading nonfiction is a wonderful way to widen your horizons. Biographies offer a unique look at historical and influential figures. They can put famous people into a greater context or share an incredible unknown story.
This list looks to document the best of the biography genre. They cover historical figures, those who made an impact in science or the arts, and a few that are just good storytellers. Each book on the list was selected based on its literary merit as well as the importance or interest of the subject.
Related: 50 Books to Expand Your Worldview
Here are 50 biographies everyone should read:
Table of Contents
John Adams by David McCullough: The second president was a brilliant man who often did not command respect from his colleagues because of his uniquely brash personality. This book chronicles his impact on American governing as well as his love story with his wife Abigail.
Notorious RBG by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik: The title of this book comes from a Tumblr page meant to solidify Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as the coolest octogenarian in America. The biography is decidedly more serious than the original social media page as it spells out the life of this influential feminist justice.
Barracoon: The Story of the Last “Black Cargo” by Zora Neale Hurston: Based on interviews conducted in 1927 and 1931, Hurston captures the story of the last living person captured in Africa and then transported and enslaved in America. It is as relevant now as it was almost 100 years ago, as the narrative around America’s entwinement with slavery evolves .
Thurgood Marshall: American Revolutionary by Juan Williams: Marshall used the justice system to push back against the legality of American racial segregation. He then became the first African-American to serve on the Supreme Court. This biography also dives into his conflicts with other major civil rights leaders and his unique relationship with J. Edgar Hoover.
Washington: A Life by Ron Chernow: Chernow is considered one of the great American historical biographers and his account of the life of the first president. It’s a huge undertaking that required massive amounts of research and it’s a definitive look at one of the most influential early American leaders.
Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow: This book is best known for being the inspiration for Lin Manuel-Miranda’s broadway musical, Hamilton . The book itself is decidedly less flashy but provides insight into an influential founding father whose legacy, until recently, was defined by his untimely death.
Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention by Manning Marable: Malcolm X was born Malcolm Little, the son of civil rights activists who would grow up to lead a Black nationalism movement alongside concurrent civil rights campaigns. This 2011 book was also the first to document new information about Malcolm X’s assassination.
Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter by Kate Clifford Larson: The daughter of Joe and Rose Kennedy, Rosemary had an intellectual disability the family worked hard to hide. Once the family’s rose to prominence and it became increasingly difficult to conceal Rosemary’s disability, her father decided to have her lobotomized at age 23.
Rebel Yell: The Violence, Passion, and Redemption of Stonewall Jackson by S.C. Gwynne: This book is the biography of Stonewall Jackson, the Confederate general often held in high esteem by Southerners trying to change the narrative of the Civil War. It is considered to be the best account of Jackson’s life and military career. It is important to note that some readers have criticized the fact that this book minimizes Jackson’s relationship with slavery, including the fact that he enslaved people and fought to preserve slavery.
His Truth Is Marching On: John Lewis and the Power of Hope by Jon Meacham: John Lewis was born on a farm in rural Alabama and became a Civil Rights icon. He went on to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives for many years. This would be an excellent choice to read in 2020 as many reflect upon Lewis’s legacy after his death this year.
The Path to Power: The Years of Lyndon Johnson by Robert A. Caro: This is a four-volume biography of President Lyndon Johnson, who was a complex man thrust into the presidency after the assassination of JFK. Johnson’s legacy includes important civil rights legislation, but his life was also defined by his singular ambition to make a mark on America.
The Real Lincoln by Thomas J. Dilorenzo: This biography of a man many consider to be the greatest American president looks to change the narrative about Abraham Lincoln. Instead of painting Lincoln as “the Great Emancipator,” Dilorenzo argues that Lincoln’s motivation for engaging in the Civil War had more to do with his desire to move toward a centralized government. The author’s perspective is not without controversy, so read this biography if you want to consider a unique view of history.
Invisible: The Forgotten Story of the Black Woman Lawyer Who Took Down America’s Most Powerful Mobster by Stephen L. Carter: The provocative title of this book captures the exciting story of Eunice Hunton Carter. Hunton Carter defied racial and gender barriers to take down Lucky Luciano, New York’s infamous Mafia boss. Fun fact: She’s also the grandmother of the author.
Let Us Now Praise Famous Men by James Agee and Walker Evans: In 1936, this reporter-photographer team traveled through the American South to document the lives of sharecroppers during the Great Depression. It’s considered one of the best accounts of American poverty.
American Lion by Jon Meacham: This is the definitive biography of President Andrew Jackson, who simultaneously transformed American democracy while committing atrocities, like the forced removal of Native people from their tribal lands.
The Wives of Henry VIII by Antonia Fraser: Everyone knows the history of the king with six wives, but this book aims to tell the wives’ stories. Each of the women has their story told in this shared biography.
Churchill: A Life by Martin Gilbert: Many have written about the life of Winston Churchill, but historian Martin Gilbert’s work is considered to the best account of the prime minister’s life. This is a single volume edition, condensed from an earlier-published eight volumes. It also includes new information since the original publication.
Catherine the Great by Robert K. Massie: This is part of a four-book series on the Romanovs. It tells the story of how a woman born to a minor German noble family became the empress of Russia. She ruled Russia for 34 years, cementing her legacy forever.
Nicholas and Alexandra: The Classic Account of the Fall of the Romanov Dynasty by Robert K. Massie: Any true Russian history buff will enjoy all of the biographies in Massie’s Romanov series, but the two included on this list are the most commonly recommended. It tells the story of the missteps of two royal leaders that eventually led to their execution in 1918.
The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom and Elizabeth and John Sherrill: This is almost an autobiography, but it’s still worthy of a place on this list. The Sherrills came up with the idea to tell Corrie ten Boom’s story and collaborated on the book. In it, ten Boom shares her experience in the Netherlands during World War II, where she helped hide Jews in her home. She was eventually caught and sent to the Ravensbruck concentration camp and was liberated in 1944. She lived for 39 more years.
Mao: The Unknown Story by Jung Chang: This biography is a fascinating look at the often misunderstood Mao Zedong. It’s a complete history of the Chinese leader and a great introduction for readers who know very little about him.
Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang: Author Jung Chang captures her own family’s experiences during the twentieth century in China. This is a great companion to Chang’s biography of Mao, but it tells the story of his reign through the eyes of three generations of women in one family.
The Lost City of Z by David Grann: In 1925, British explorer Percy Fawcett traveled to the Amazon jungle and disappeared. In search of a fabled “City of Z,” many have searched for any evidence of Fawcett, with no success. This book explores the mystery of his disappearance.
Enrique’s Journey by Sonia Nazario: 11 years after his mother left to find work in the United States, Enrique leaves his home in Honduras to find her. It’s a harrowing story of danger and hostility, while also having moments of hope and great courage.
Ghengis Kahn and the Making of the Modern World by Jack Weatherford: Khan is the stuff of legends to most Western readers, and this biography captures his unmatched might. Genghis Khan led the Mongol army to capture lands throughout Asia and Europe.
Related: The Definitive Modern Man’s Library: 33 Essential Keystone Books
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot: This book documents the story of a poor Black farmer whose cells were used by scientists to develop vaccines and conduct medical research — all without her consent and many years after her death. Henrietta Lacks’ story illustrates the way Black Americans are used in medical research and Skloot explores the connection between bioethics and racism.
Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson: America has long been fascinated by the Apple founder and tech genius Steve Jobs. Walter Isaacson’s biography is considered the best account of his life and revolutionary career.
Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Man Who Would Cure the World by Tracy Kidder: Paul Farmer has spent his career in medicine traveling the world in hopes of bringing medical care to all people. This biography accounts for his career as a Harvard professor as well as his time abroad in places like Haiti, Peru, and Cuba.
A Beautiful Mind by Sylvia Nasar: John Nash was a mathematician who would go on to win a Nobel Prize for his work. He also suffered from mental illness and schizophrenia that almost prevented him from producing his most famous work on game theory. This biography inspired a film starring Russell Crowe.
Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Who Helped Win the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly: This book highlights the achievements of NASA’s “human computers,” many of whom were Black women segregated in a separate space from the white men who received credit for their work. This book inspired a popular film.
The Radium Girls by Kate Moore: In this at times hard-to-read book, Kate Moore describes the terrible health effects of radium and the women who suffered them. In the early 20th century, many women were employed to paint watch faces with radioactive paint, allowing the watches to glow in the dark. But as a result of their exposure to radium, the women developed terrible illnesses. As their bodies were falling apart, the women fought for workers’ rights.
Alan Turing: The Enigma by Andrew Hodges: Alan Turing was a brilliant man who cracked the Nazi code machine and laid the groundwork for the computer. He was also a gay man in Britain at a time when homosexuality was outlawed. Turing was eventually arrested and forced to undergo humiliating treatment, despite his crucial role in the Allies’ World War II victory.
Radioactive: Marie and Paul Curie: A Tale of Love and Fallout by Lauren Redniss: In this biography of Marie Curie, readers can follow a remarkable career of scientific discovery alongside her romance with Paul. Marie Curie was a complex woman and this biography captures her life well.
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand: This biography covers the life of Louis Zamperini, once a celebrated American Olympic runner who became an airman during World War II. His plane crashed in the Pacific Ocean and he drifted asea until landing at the Marshall Islands and being captured by the Japanese. Zamperini’s survival story is unlikely and inspiring.
King of the World: Muhammad Ali and the Rise of an American Hero by David Remnick: This book is considered the most complete account of Muhammad Ali’s life and his impact on boxing and American racial politics. Ali captivated sports fans with his talent in the ring and challenged Americans to pursue racial justice.
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown: This is an incredible underdog story about nine working-class rowers from the University of Washington who defeated the elite crew teams from the East Coast and Great Britain. They would then shock the world by defeating the German team in the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
Tiger Woods by Jeff Benedict and Armen Keteyian: For those who followed the rise of the young, phenomenal golfer, and then watched him lose it all due to a personal scandal, this book is for you. Published in 2018, it’s the most comprehensive and up-to-date biography of Woods. It’s especially good for those who celebrated Woods’ return to golf and his triumphant 2019 Master’s win.
Andre Agassi’s OPEN is one of the best-selling sports biographies of all-time. Agassi was groomed to become a tennis champion from an early age, but once he achieved success he found his life unfilled. This is a fantastic book.
Columbine by Dave Cullen: Though technically an account of the entire Columbine High School shooting, this book serves as a biography of the shooters themselves. Cullen was on the scene in 1999 and spent 10 years working on this book. He successfully challenges misinformation that took hold in American conversations about the shooting and is a great read for anyone who wants to finally learn the facts.
American Predator: The Hunt for the Most Meticulous Serial Killer of the 21st Century by Maureen Callahan: In this 2020 book, Maureen Callahan tells the story of Israel Keyes, a relatively unknown serial murderer who went undetected by law enforcement for years. Keyes was evaded the FBI by hiding “kill kits” in remote locations, leaving them until he decided to return and commit his crimes. This book is great for true crime lovers.
The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit by Michael Finkel: Christopher Knight survived in the remote woods of Maine for almost three decades by stealing provisions from locals’ homes. He lived in a tent through the harsh Maine winters and didn’t interact with another human being during his time in the forest. Knight sought solitude and achieved it for almost 30 years until he was arrested for stealing. Then the world finally learned his story.
Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer: This is the story of a man who went into the Alaskan wilderness in 1992 without any money or many supplies and was found dead just 4 months later. Krakauer tells the story of Christopher McCandless, a college graduate from a well-to-do family, and what drove him to enter the wild without maps or a plan.
Blind, Torture, Kill – For over thirty-one years, a murder haunted the community of Wichita, Kansas. This is a thrilling inside story of the BTK Killer (blind torture kill) and how he was able to avoid police for so many years and his media exploits. The killer’s true identity turned out to be a devoted community member, husband, dad, Boy Scout volunteer, and church leader.
I’ll Be Gone In The Dark: One Woman’s Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer Michelle McNamara dedicated the last part of her life to revealing the story and true identity of the Golden State Killer – an elusive serial rapist turned murderer during the 1970s-80s. The case was finally solved in 2018 after years of cold trails, thanks in part to this book.
Shirley Jackson: A Rather Haunted Life by Ruth Franklin: Shirley Jackson is considered a master of the horror genre, best known for the short story “The Lottery” and her novel-turned-Netflix-series, The Haunting of Hill House . This biography tells the story of her difficult life and the inspiration for some of her best work.
Frida by Hayden Herrera: Mexican painter Frida Kahlo has long been the subject of fascination in the art world and beyond. This biography captures her story. Kahlo suffered a life-altering accident that would inspire her to begin painting. Soon the world would be treated to her wonderful talent. It also covers her fascinating relationship and marriage to artist Diego Rivera.
Last Train to Memphis by Peter Guralnick: The first of two volumes, this book chronicles the early life of Elvis Presley and his rise to rock-and-roll fame. It covers the first 24 years of his life, through the recordings of his first hits, his drafting into the army in 1958, and the death of his mother.
Prairie Fires: The American Dreams of Laura Ingalls Wilder by Caroline Fraser: This book is the first definitive biography of the famed author of the Little House series. Caroline Fraser uses a variety of documents to fill in the gaps in Laura Ingalls Wilder’s life, providing a more complete picture of her experiences growing up on the prairie and her relationship with her only daughter Rose.
Will in the World: How Shakespeare Became Shakespeare by Stephen Greenblatt: William Shakespeare is the most famous writer in history. His prolific work is astonishing. How did he accomplish so much in his life? Greenblatt attempts to answer that question while humanizing the great playwright.
Prince: A Private View by Afshin Shahidi: This is a unique biography of musical genius Prince. It’s foremost a photo collection of images shot by Shahidi himself. Shahidi collaborated with Prince for much of his career. The photos and stories in this book reflect the inside access only Shahidi had.
Wrapped in Rainbows: The Life of Zora Neale Hurston by Valerie Boyd: After reading Neale Hurston’s portrait of an enslaved man in Barracoon, dive into the life of the woman herself. Zora Neale Hurston was creatively connected to the Harlem Renaissance and inspired countless Black women writers, including Maya Angelou and Toni Morrison.
Savage Beauty: The Life of Edna St. Vincent Millay by Nancy Milford: This is the biography of an influential poet and playwright with a fascinating family life. Edna St. Vincent Millay had a close relationship with her sisters and mother, and it was at times toxic. Those unfamiliar with St. Vincent Millay will enjoy learning about this Pulitzer Prize-winning writer.
The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester: This is the unbelievable story of the origins of the Oxford English Dictionary and two men who were instrumental in its creation. Professor James Murray led the committee to oversee the collection of definitions. He was shocked to discover a man who had submitted over ten thousand definitions, Dr. W.C. Minor, was also an American Civil War veteran living in an asylum for the criminally insane.
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Anthony Bourdain (file Photo by Rich Fury/Invision/AP)
I recently listed some of my favorite history books of all-time and because people are the most interesting aspects of history, I included a few great biographies of significant historical figures like Malcolm X, Winston Churchill, Julius Caesar, and others.
But there are so many others Here are some of the best biographies of all time, many of which are written to inspire you to take risks in business—and in life.
The Tycoons: How Andrew Carnegie, John D. Rockefeller, Jay Gould, and J. P. Morgan Invented the American Supereconomy by Charles R. Morris
The Tycoons by Charles R. Morris
What powered American industry, from the devastating aftermath of its civil war, to become the catalyst behind the world largest economy within decades? The answer has much to do with four men: Carnegie, Rockefeller, Gould and Morgan. These industrialists, financiers, railroaders and oil tycoons became as big and wealthy as America itself, and along the way paved the road for what is today the laws, regulations and infrastructure of our modern markets. I enjoyed this book as not just a biography of these four men, but as an economic history of the United States during one of its most tumultuous eras.
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War and Peace: FDR's Final Odyssey by Nigel Hamilton
War and Peace by Nigel Hamilton
Nigel Hamilton's acclaimed trilogy (which is available as a three-part boxed set ) ends with this volume that happened coincide with the 75th Anniversary of D-Day. This book makes me think of perhaps my favorite presidential biography of all time: Truman by David McCullough. While many under-appreciated Truman during his term in office, today's readers of McCullough's 1992 biography will truly understand how he capably overcame the enormity of the challenges he faced and the impact his leadership has on our society today. But as Hamilton's FDR trilogy makes clear, many of Truman's successes (and failures) or due to what he inherited from Roosevelt.
Mozart: A Life by Peter Gay
Mozart by Peter Gay
Is it possible to summarize the life of the world's arguably greatest composer in just 160 pages? Peter Gay, a historian and previous National Book Award winner, pulls it off expertly, with a quick, engaging and informative narrative that not only digs into the nature and personality of the musical genius but also gives a great background of the economic and political times that influenced his life and his work. Gay 1999 biography takes pains to debunk some of the myths surrounding Mozart's life (no, he wasn't poisoned by a rival composer and, no, he wasn't buried in a pauper's grave). This book isn't a deep dive or an expanded narrative. But for me, it provided all the information I wanted to learn about a musician whose works have helped me navigate my way through the mundane work—I am an accountant, after all—of my professional life.
Anthony Bourdain Remembered by CNN
Anthony Bourdain Remembered
I've been interested in Anthony Bourdain—who tragically took his own life in 2018—long before he became a nationally known TV star of the hit CNN series "Parts Unknown." I didn't love reading Kitchen Confidential — his first and most famous book—simply because of all the crazy stories of drug use and partying that went on behind the scenes at the restaurants where he worked. I enjoyed it because I like to go to restaurants and I'm curious—from a business and creative standpoint—about how they work. But it's Bourdain's legacy that's considered in Anthony Bourdain Remembered , a bestseller released just last month compiling memories and anecdotes from his fans, friends, and colleagues at CNN.
Stalin: The Court of the Red Tsar by Simon Sebag Montefiore
Stalin: The Court of the Red Tsar by Simon Sebag Montefiore
Montefiore's 2003 biography of Stalin is about a man who lived with death every single day of his life to become the leader of millions and an infamous reminder of what can happen when the wrong leaders rise to power. But as the book explains—in great and sometimes gory detail—he achieved that power through many murderous and violent ways. More interestingly, Montefiore provides countless examples of how Stalin befriended his fellow politicians, party members and others only to abandon (and oftentimes eliminate them) in pursuit of his goals. Can a ruthless monster rise to the top and stay there his entire life? This book shows how it's possible.
Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow
Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow
With all due respect to the hit musical—which is fantastic—the book it's based on is better. That's because Ron Chernow's 2004 biography more deeply describes Hamilton's days as a soldier under Washington's command and the complexities involved in financing a young nation's growth and creating a central bank amidst the monumental political and financial challenges of the day. Hamilton—the nation’s most famous immigrant to some—never held elected office. But his influence on our lives today is still very much apparent.
The Passage of Power: The Years of Lyndon Johnson by Robert Caro
The Passage of Power by Robert Caro
Robert Caro's latest entry in his series of LBJ biographies (there were three previous volumes) covers from approximately 1958 to 1964 and explains in great detail how Johnson—the powerful leader of the Senate who so aspired to the presidency —rose out of the political wilderness of the vice-presidency to use the skills he learned in over 30 years of government service to rescue the country from a devastating presidential assassination and guide it back to stability.
Leonardo da Vinci by Walter Isaacson
Leonardo da Vinci by Walter Isaacson
Walter Isaacson—the former editor of Time , best known for his other great biographies of Benjamin Franklin and Steve Jobs—not only illuminates some of da Vinci's greatest artistic works, but also reveals the genius behind this self-taught, self-confident entrepreneur. Leonardo was constantly promoting his artistic abilities to wealthy benefactors and had the creativity to come up with flying machines and giant crossbows while studying anatomy, fossils, birds, the heart, flying machines, botany, geology, and weaponry. Few geniuses like this have ever walked the earth.
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A blog for bibliophiles covering everything related to books from reviews and summaries to quotes and open articles.
By Med Kharbach, PhD | Published: March 4, 2023 | Updated: May 7, 2024
A biography, as I argued in an earlier post, is a written account of a person’s life. It generally includes details about the individual’s family, upbringing, accomplishments, relationships, and other significant events that have shaped his or her life.
Check out biography vs autobiography vs memoir to learn more about the differences between these three writing genres.
Biographies offer readers the unique opportunity to explore the life and work of some of history’s greatest minds. Biographies are important source of information and knowledge, not only because they help us to understand the subject better but also because they help inspire us in our own lives.
There are countless biographies that chronicle the lives of some of the most influential figures throughout history, from political leaders and scientists to artists and entrepreneurs. In this post, I share with you 12 of the best biographies of all time.
From Steve Jobs to Albert Einstein, these books provide insight into how individuals have made an indelible mark on society and culture. Whether it’s through their passion for innovation, creativity or leadership, these 12 biographies will inspire you to reach new heights in your own life.
In Man’s Search for Meaning , Viktor E. Frankl explores the human drive to find meaning in life in spite of the worst adversity. He argues that it is not pleasure that is the primary human drive, but rather the discovery and pursuit of what an individual finds meaningful.
The book has sold over sixteen million copies and been translated into more than fifty languages, making it one of the best biographies ever written. It is a testament to the power of resilience and determination in the face of adversity that continues to inspire generations today.
Maya Angelou’s memoir I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is a modern classic depicting both the joys and pains of childhood. It follows Maya and her brother, Bailey, as they move from their mother in St. Louis to live with their grandmother in a small Southern town.
There, they experience first-hand the discrimination of “powhitetrash” locals and the sting of abandonment, only to be compounded by a traumatic attack Maya suffers from a much older man.
Eventually, Maya moves back to St. Louis and then to San Francisco, where she is able to heal from her past through self-love and kindness from others. In addition, her growth is nurtured by literature and an unlikely romance with William Shakespeare, who becomes a guiding light for her.
In I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings , Angelou brilliantly captures the angst of growing up while conveying a powerful message of resilience and the healing power of words. It serves as both an inspiration and reminder to readers of all ages that even the darkest moments can be transformed into something beautiful. For these reasons and more, Angelou’s memoir has become a timeless treasure for millions around the world.
The Autobiography of Malcolm X , written by Malcolm X himself and originally published in 1964, is an account of his life and the growth of the Black Muslim movement. It is a powerful testament to the struggles of African Americans living under the oppressive systems of American racism.
The book exposes the painful truth that African Americans were often denied the same opportunities afforded to white Americans and that there exists a history of violence, subjugation and discrimination against African Americans.
Malcolm X’s story is an inspiring one of courage, resilience and strength; as he was able to overcome tremendous adversity in his life and become a powerful leader for the Black Muslim movement, advocating for civil rights for African Americans.
The Autobiography of Malcolm X is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to gain insight into the challenges faced by African Americans in America and the legacy of racism that continues to this day. As such, it remains essential reading for understanding the United States today.
The Diary of a Young Girl , by Anne Frank, is an inspiring and tragic work that has been captivating readers since its publication in 1947. The story follows the life of Anne Frank, who is forced into hiding with her family and another family in Amsterdam during the summer of 1942, due to Nazi occupation. During this time, Anne kept a diary, which Otto H. Frank and Mirjam Pressler edited for publication in 1947.
This Definitive Edition restores substantial material omitted from the original edition, allowing readers to gain a deeper insight into the world of Anne Frank. Through her diary entries, Anne presents an emotional account of her experiences during this time—from her curiosity about her emerging sexuality to her conflicts with family members and emotional connection to Peter, a boy whose family was also in hiding.
Anne’s writings serve as an important reminder of the importance of freedom, compassion and humanity during times of oppression and darkness.
The Hiding Place , by Corrie Ten Boom, Elizabeth Sherrill, John Sherrill is an inspirational story of faith that triumphed over persecution and evil. During World War II, Corrie ten Boom and her family put their lives in danger to help Jews and members of the underground escape from the Nazis. Despite facing some of the worst atrocities of the Holocaust, they held firm to their faith and ultimately emerged triumphant.
In Into the Wild , Jon Krakauer tells the story of Christopher Johnson McCandless, a young man from a privileged background who chose to give up his possessions and hitchhike to Alaska. Once there, he abandoned his car and most of his things, burned the cash in his wallet, changed his name to Alexander Supertramp, and went into the wilderness north of Mt. McKinley. McCandless’s body was found four months later by a moose hunter, but his story and death remain a mystery.
Krakauer pieces together the facts of McCandless’s life to search for clues as to why he chose such an extreme lifestyle, while never losing sight of his subject’s humanity. Through interviews, quotes from McCandless’s own writings, and parallel stories of other adventurers, Krakauer builds a powerful portrait of a man who felt driven to get away from society even as he longed for connection with others.
His book is a thoughtful exploration of the motivations driving people to extremes in search of personal freedom. Into the Wild is a beautiful and heartbreaking look at what it means to be a human being in search of meaning, acceptance, and adventure.
Mao: The Unknown Story is a biography of Chinese leader Mao Zedong, written by Jung Chang and Jon Halliday. It is based on over a decade of research and interviews with many people who were close to Mao or had significant dealings with him.
This book reveals several facts about Mao including that he was driven more by power than idealism or ideology; his relationship with Stalin goes back to the 1920s; he welcomed Japanese occupation of much of China; and he schemed, poisoned and blackmailed to get his way.
The authors claim that Mao’s ultimate goal was to rule the world, resulting in over 70 million Chinese people perishing under his rule during peacetime alone. This book is an important historical document that reveals shocking facts about the man who shaped modern China. It is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding Mao Zedong and his legacy.
Napoleon Bonaparte was one of the most influential figures in European history, and Andrew Roberts’ Napoleon: A Life provides a comprehensive look at his life and legacy. Drawing on newly-published letters, Roberts sheds light on Napoleon’s character and motivations.
He reveals a leader who was decisive, multitasking, and surprisingly forgiving of his enemies. Roberts also examines Napoleon’s role in telling his own story, which resulted in one of the bestselling books of the 19th century – his memoirs.
The depth of Roberts’ research is evident in the magisterial, insightful writing he provides and offers readers a comprehensive look at Napoleon’s life. Napoleon: A Life is undoubtedly one of the best biographies on its subject and will be an invaluable resource for those seeking to understand this complex historical figure.
Steve Jobs was a groundbreaking innovator and entrepreneur who changed the world with his imagination, engineering feats and Apple products. He knew that technology and creativity worked together to create value in the 21st century, and he made sure that within Apple everything was an integrated system.
Despite his successes, Jobs had a difficult personality, driving those around him to despair. Walter Isaacson wrote a biography of Jobs, in which people who knew him provided an honest look at his passions, perfectionism and compulsion for control. Isaacson’s book serves as an example of how innovation, character and leadership can shape the world.
With its insight into Jobs’ character, values and leadership style, Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson is an inspiring read about how one man changed the world with vision, ambition and passion.
Benjamin Franklin: An American Life , by Walter Isaacson is a sweeping narrative that follows the incredible journey of one of the founding fathers of the United States, Benjamin Franklin. His 84-year life was full of accomplishments and achievements in various areas, making him a timeless figure for generations to come.
He wrote Poor Richard’s Almanac , wrote the Declaration of Independence , formed an alliance with France during the Revolutionary War, and helped to create the U.S. Constitution. Reading this biography will help you learn how Franklin’s actions shaped the American identity and why his legacy still resonates today. This book is perfect for those who are looking to learn more about the life of one of America’s most influential figures.
Einstein: His Life and Universe , by Walter Isaacson, is a detailed biographical account of the life and work of one of the most famous scientists of all time – Albert Einstein. It reveals how his scientific imagination was driven by his rebellious nature and inquisitive spirit, and this inquisitive nature led him to question common beliefs and marvel at the mysteries of physics.
The book provides insight into how this humble patent clerk would go on to solve some of the greatest scientific puzzles in history, unlocking the secrets of the atom, general relativity and more.
Isaacson’s biography also demonstrates how Einstein’s success was due to his appreciation for free minds, free spirits and individuals. This appreciation is just as relevant in the modern age, where creativity and innovative thinking are key to success. Ultimately, Einstein: His Life and Universe, by Walter Isaacson provides a comprehensive insight into the life of one of the world’s greatest scientists.
Leonardo da Vinci is widely considered to be the greatest creative genius in history. He famously painted the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, but his skill and interests extended far beyond art alone.
Leonardo was a passionate polymath with an insatiable curiosity who was interested in studying anatomy, fossils, birds, the heart, flying machines, botany, geology, and weaponry. He explored the math of optics, studied light rays which strike the cornea, and produced illusions of perspective in The Last Supper .
The legacy of Leonardo da Vinci is one that celebrates creativity, innovation, and thinking outside the box. His life should serve as an inspiration to all of us to think differently and be imaginative. Through reading Walter Isaacson’s Leonardo da Vinci , we can gain insight into the life and work of this remarkable genius and learn lessons that will help us tap into our own creative potential.
In wrapping up, the biographies discussed in this post not only chronicle the extraordinary lives of some of the most pivotal figures in history but also illuminate the diverse paths they took to leave their indelible marks on the world. From the defiant resilience of Malcolm X and the innovative spirit of Steve Jobs to the philosophical inquiries of Viktor Frankl and the creative genius of Leonardo da Vinci, these narratives offer a rich tapestry of human experience and achievement.
Dr. Med Kharbach is an influential voice in the global educational landscape, with an extensive background in educational studies and a decade-long experience as a K-12 teacher. Holding a Ph.D. from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Canada, he brings a unique perspective to the educational world by integrating his profound academic knowledge with his hands-on teaching experience. Dr. Kharbach's academic pursuits encompass curriculum studies, discourse analysis, language learning/teaching, language and identity, emerging literacies, educational technology, and research methodologies. His work has been presented at numerous national and international conferences and published in various esteemed academic journals.
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Courtesy of Various Publishers
Here are the 23 best books of June, 2024. It may be the dog days of summer, when you seek refuge at the movies or a refreshing salad . But it’s always a great time to be a book lover. Exciting thrillers about exploding volcanoes (just as a volcano erupts in Iceland), a celebration of Joni Mitchell (still performing, even at 80 and after a stroke), a remix of Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (this time focusing on Mary Jane, the red-headed girl Huck couldn’t stop thinking about), science books about life underwater (it’s very noisy, apparently!), new novels by favorites like Tracy Chevalier and so much more. And those are just the books coming out in June! (Check out our picks for the 60 best books of the entire summer here.) So let’s get reading. At the head of the Parade is…
Courtesy of Little, Brown and Company
Blockbuster author Michael Crichton died in 2008, leaving behind a legacy of iconic bestsellers like Jurassic Park and the memoir that became the TV series ER. No surprise: he worked on ideas right up to the end. His widow wanted one in particular to be completed. But who could match Crichton’s immense popularity and talent for engaging audiences? Enter blockbuster author James Patterson. So here comes Eruption, the nail-biter about a volcano poised to destroy the big island of Hawai’i–and the military secrets hidden there which could make this natural disaster even more devastating. It’s a collaboration between two writers on a page-turner almost genetically engineered for summer reading pleasure. Eruption by Michael Crichton and James Patterson ($32; Little, Brown and Company) Buy now on Amazon , Barnes & Noble , Bookshop.org
Courtesy of Mariner Books, Scribner, Europa Editions
Three works of acclaimed fiction from across the pond. In Enlightenment, two astronomers from different generations are absorbed by their work but wrestle with how to square the science with their Baptist faiths and their tightly defined lives in a small town in Essex, England. Author Sarah Perry broke out in the US with her last book The Essex Serpent. This one should prove that success was just the beginning. Irish author Claire Kilroy puts motherhood at the heart of her acclaimed debut Soldier Sailor . Hugely praised in the UK, this book captures the complex and daunting life of a new mother, how a child (and playgrounds and supermarkets) become the center of your life and how destabilizing and challenging it can be to maintain a sense of self. The mother’s marriage is rocky, the child is all-consuming in their needs and it’s…a lot. If you loved Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall, dive into The Throne, an Italian historical novel with the same verve of a thriller while bringing the past to life. It’s the first of a trilogy about the 16th century thinker and provocateur Niccolò Machiavelli. Enlightenment by Sarah Perry ($28; Mariner Books) Pre-order now on Amazon , Barnes & Noble , Bookshop.org Soldier Sailor by Claire Kilroy ($26; Scribner) Pre-order now on Amazon , Barnes & Noble , Bookshop.org The Throne by Franco Bernini ($30; Europa Editions) Pre-order now on Amazon , Barnes & Noble , Bookshop.org
Related: 15 Books You Must Read If You're Obsessed With Taylor Swift's New Album
Courtesy of Dey Street Books, Akashic Books
Two music books that add insights to a great artist and a great movement. Joni Mitchell is always and forever in the mix when debating the greatest artists of all time. Her legacy is rich and even at 80–and after a stroke!–Mitchell is still adding to it. NPR critic Ann Powers offers a deep dive into the work and life of Mitchell. No straightforward biography, Powers talks to everyone she can, charts the life journey of this singular artist and her impact on the world. And it’s all done in a freedom, jazzy style Mitchell herself would approve. Maybe you know artists like Madness (“Our House”), The English Beat (aka The Beat) with “Mirror in the Bathroom” or The Specials, who delivered one of the greatest protest songs of all time with “Free Nelson Mandela.” But any fan of pop history and music in general will love Too Much Too Young. It’s the story of the iconic UK label 2 Tone Records, which helped pioneer the musical genre ska and a generation of politically active, racially diverse acts starting in 1979. They changed the face of music and their story is hailed by many UK outlets as one of the best books of the year. Just be prepared to start streaming a lot of great music while you’re reading this one. Traveling: On The Path Of Joni Mitchell by Ann Powers ($35; Dey Street Books) Pre-order now on Amazon , Barnes & Noble , Bookshop.org Too Much, Too Young: The 2 Tone Records Story by Daniel Rachel ($32.95; Akashic Books) Pre-order now on Amazon , Barnes & Noble , Bookshop.org
Courtesy of Kids Can Press, Delacorte Press, Versify
Three great books anyone can savor, including a picture book geared towards kids, a remixed classic for middle school audiences and a graphic novel for teens. Little Shrew is a delightful look at the daily doings of a shrew, with tasks at hand and friends coming to call. Low-key, charming and beautifully drawn by creator Akiko Miyakoshi. Author Hope Jahren read Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and wanted to know more about Mary Jane, the red-headed girl Huck couldn’t stop thinking about it. So she told Mary Jane’s story herself, even taking care to nod to Twain but not including “The” in the title. Huck Finn has inspired two great books this year, so far: Percival Everett’s James (expanding on the inner life of the enslaved man who escapes on a raft with Huck) and now Jahren’s Adventures of Mary Jane. The graphic novel Brownstone tells of the summer that teenager Almudena spends with her Guatemalan father when her white mother goes away on a trip. One problem among many? He speaks Spanish at a rapper’s clip and she doesn’t really speak it at all. While he (and his neighbors) all voice their opinions on how she should dress, talk and think, Almudena struggles to listen to her own heart. Little Shrew by Akiko Miyakoshi ($19.99; Kids Can Press) Pre-order now on Amazon , Barnes & Noble , Bookshop.org Adventures of Mary Jane by Hope Jahren ($19.99; Delacorte Press) Pre-order now on Amazon , Barnes & Noble , Bookshop.org Brownstone by Samuel Teer & Mar Julia ($26.99; Versify) Pre-order now on Amazon , Barnes & Noble , Bookshop.org
Courtesy of Crown
Imagine life underwater. Chances are you envision a silent, beautiful world, perhaps with a musical score from a James Cameron Avatar film or an old Jacques Cousteau documentary to enliven things. But essentially, you imagine it’s quiet. Not so fast. In the science book Sing Like Fish, author Amorina Kingdon tells how sound is essential to life underwater, from the singing of whales to the noisy chatterings of snapping shrimp, sound is everywhere. Not to mention the eruptions of underwater volcanoes and earthquakes! Kingdon paints the picture compellingly, along with warnings on how the noise pollution of humans and their shipping and such threaten this delicate balance. Sing Like Fish: How Sound Rules Life Under Water by Amorina Kingdon ($30; Crown) Pre-order now on Amazon , Barnes & Noble , Bookshop.org
Courtesy of Scribner, Mulholland Books, Atlantic Monthly Press
Three works of mystery and suspense by three of the best. Joseph Kanon ( The Good German, Los Alamos ) makes Shanghai a Casablanca- worthy setting for World War II-era intrigue. It’s 1938 and some Jews fleeing Nazi Germany’s violence towards them ended up in Shanghai. It’s a Western outpost inside China and all anyone wants to do is get letters of transit–I mean, book passage on one of the cruise ships by Lloyd that offer a rare way to escape. Start casting the movie version now. A new novel by Walter Mosley is always welcome, especially when it centers on his brilliant creation Easy Rawlins. It’s 1970 and a rare moment of stability for this family man…so you know that won’t last. Enter Amethystine, a love from his past who needs the private investigator’s help. Another chapter in Mosley’s magisterial history of life in the US for a Black man. Author James Lee Burke offers up the latest in his widely praised, best-selling books about Detective Dave Robicheaux. But fans will be intrigued to know this time it’s his longtime partner Clete Purcel who takes center stage. Mexican drug cartels, brutal murders and a dangerous new drug all play a part in Burke’s 24th novel in the series. Shanghai by Joseph Kanon ($28.99; Scribner) Pre-order now on Amazon , Barnes & Noble , Bookshop.org Farewell, Amethystine by Walter Mosley ($30; Mulholland Books) Pre-order now on Amazon , Barnes & Noble , Bookshop.org Clete by James Lee Burke ($28; Atlantic Monthly Press) Pre-order now on Amazon , Barnes & Noble , Bookshop.org
Courtesy of Viking,Ballantine Books, William Morrow
Three works of fiction that are serious, moving or just plain hilarious. In The Glassmaker, the author of Girl With A Pearl Earring returns with another work of historical fiction. It begins in Venice during the 15th century and follows the Russo family for the next 600 years. From the young woman who goes against convention to master the craft of a glassblower (and saves them financially) through centuries of change, Tracy Chevalier tells of the hardships they overcome, like plague, war and–most challenging of all–an invasion of tourists. Lisa Wingate also spans decades in her historical novel Shelterwood. This emotional story begins in the Oklahoma of 1909, when an eleven year old child named Olive flees with a six year old Choctaw girl to escape a man of cruel intentions. They head for a lawless refuge that might be their only hope for safety. Eighty years later, that tale crops up when law enforcement ranger Val is determined to keep the peace and honor the wishes of Choctaw Tribal Police when they want justice done for a very cold case. Book banning gets a comic comeuppance with Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books. Beverly is on the school board, crossing swords with her nemesis Lula, who loves the attention when she denounces “filthy” books Lula hasn’t even read. Lula’s front yard contains one of those adorable lending libraries filled with “wholesome” books. But someone–don’t ask me, I don’t know!–yes, someone replaced all her spotless titles with books by Judy Blume and gay romances and black history…and everyone who borrows them absolutely loves them and has their lives changed. It’s a witty celebration of the power of reading, even naughty Judy Blume. The Glassmaker by Tracy Chevalier ($32; Viking) Pre-order now on Amazon , Barnes & Noble , Bookshop.org Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate ($30; Ballantine Books) Pre-order now on Amazon , Barnes & Noble , Bookshop.org Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller ($30; William Morrow) Pre-order now on Amazon , Barnes & Noble , Bookshop.org
Courtesy of Avid Reader Press/S&S
World War II will remain a source of endless fascination for centuries, continuing to inspire movies and documentaries and plays and poems and works of fiction and history. And D-Day is the awe-inspiring, climactic moment in which the world held its breath to see if June 6 would finally spell the beginning of the end for the Nazis and fascist Italy. Since more and more war records and documents become available every year, the great works of the past can be built upon. So anyone who read Stephen Ambrose or watched Saving Private Ryan should welcome acclaimed author Garrett M. Graff’s new oral history of that remarkable day. In When The Sea Came Alive, Graff captures the endless drama of that day, sharing the stories and insights of everyone from top generals and world-famous writers right down to the brave men storming Omaha Beach. When The Sea Came Alive: An Oral History of D-Day by Garrett M. Graff ($32.49; Avid Reader Press/S&S) Pre-order now on Amazon , Barnes & Noble , Bookshop.org
Related: Author Kate DiCamillo on the Book That Changed Her Life and Other Favorites
Courtesy of Little, Brown and Company, St. Martin’s Press,Gallery Books
Romance is most definitely in the air. Hilderbabe alert! Fans of Elin Hilderbrand’s Nantucket novels surely know that after about 30 novels, she is bringing the series to a close with Swan Song. Hilderbrand insists she is retiring, but maybe a rapturous reception from her legion of readers will convince her that maybe, someday, she’ll return. Meanwhile, Swan Song offers all the drama, lavish parties and heart they’ve come to expect from her. Katherine Center offers another source for the pleasurable charms readers of Hilderbrand will soon be desperately jonesing for. In Center’s latest, an aspiring screenwriter gets a chance to work on a romantic comedy script with the famous Hollywood hero Charlie Yates. But he’s a jerk! And he’s only cranking out this script to get another project greenlit. And he doesn’t believe in love! Oh, it’s on. For her tenth novel, Kristy Woodson Harvey delivers perhaps her most ambitious one yet. Oh it still the small-town warmth and Southern charm you expect. But it also contains two storylines set some 50 years apart. In the 1970s, Becks is struggling to maintain the happy facade of North Carolina’s best hostess with a stunning historic home and perfect life. In the present, Keaton returns to her mother’s empty childhood home to put it up for sale…but discovers a charming nextdoor neighbor, the small town’s enjoyable busybodies and a secret revolving around her grandparents who died tragically so many years ago. Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand ($30; Little, Brown and Company) Pre-order now on Amazon , Barnes & Noble , Bookshop.org The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center ($29; St. Martin’s Press) Pre-order now on Amazon , Barnes & Noble , Bookshop.org A Happier Life by Kristy Woodson Harvey ($28.99; Gallery Books) Pre-order now on Amazon , Barnes & Noble , Bookshop.org
Courtesy of Tordotcom, Ace, Flatiron Books
Three sci-fi and fantasy books perfect for the beach. Adrian Tchaikovsky knows how to combine humor with a science fiction setting in a way few can. Service Model shows a robot servant murdering their “owner,” realizing they can..run away? Yes, leave! And discover a whole world of possibilities. Don’t tell Siri about this one. Patricia Briggs offers the latest adventure for Mercy Thompson, shapeshifter and car mechanic, mated to a werewolf she loves and struggling to help her brother amidst a storm of immense, perhaps magical proportions. And Sarah Brook has the steampunk debut of the year, a fantasy novel that combines Murder on the Orient Express with a cast of characters on board the Trans-Siberian Express who must trust each other if they are to have any hope of surviving the journey. Across the board acclaim for The Cautious Traveller's Guide to the Wastelands make this one fans of the genre should jump on. Service Model by Adrian Tchaikovsky ($28.99; Tordotcom) Pre-order now on Amazon , Barnes & Noble , Bookshop.org Winter Lost by Patricia Briggs ($30; Ace) Pre-order now on Amazon , Barnes & Noble , Bookshop.org The Cautious Traveller’s Guide to the Wastelands by Sarah Brook ($28.99; Flatiron Books) Pre-order now on Amazon , Barnes & Noble , Bookshop.org
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Now 16% Off. $17 at Amazon. Hermione Lee's biographies of Virginia Woolf and Edith Wharton could easily have made this list. But her book about a less famous person—Penelope Fitzgerald, the ...
The 21 most captivating biographies of all time. Written by Katherine Fiorillo. Aug 3, 2021, 2:48 PM PDT. The bets biographies include books about Malcolm X, Frida Kahlo, Steve Jobs, Alexander ...
This book is best for anyone who ever read a Dr. Seuss book, which is everyone. Brian Jay Jones ' Becoming Dr. Seuss is available from Penguin Random House. 23. Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson ...
The Crusades of Cesar Chavez: A Biography by Miriam Pawel (2014) Read More. Shop Now. 4. Alice Walker: A Life by Evelyn C. White (2004) Read More. Shop Now. 5. In Love and Struggle: The ...
At Her Majesty's Request: An African Princess in Victorian England by Walter Dean Myers. "One terrifying night in 1848, a young African princess's village is raided by warriors. The invaders kill her mother and father, the King and Queen, and take her captive. Two years later, a British naval captain rescues her and takes her to England ...
Comments Showing 1-50 of 65 (65 new) date newest ». « previous 1 2 next ». back to top. post a comment ». 1,538 books based on 2927 votes: Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson, Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption by Laura Hillenbran...
These are the best biographies ever written. By Mark Stock March 23, 2023. The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York by Robert Caro. Jump to details. $18 Amazon. $24 Bookshop.org ...
Discover the lives of remarkable individuals through the best biographies, chosen from a wide array of reputable literary sources and biography enthusiasts. These compelling reads offer intimate portraits and have earned accolades across numerous literary discussions. ... Best Biographies: 70 Best Biography Books of All Time (2020 ...
Notable Memoirs of 2023, recommended by Cal Flyn. Five Books deputy editor Cal Flyn selects the best recent autobiographical writing in this round-up of notable memoirs of 2023—taking in new work from such literary giants as Janet Malcolm and Annie Ernaux, the writer other writers are raving about, and a humorous debut depicting life in a ...
The Life of Samuel Johnson by James Boswell (1791). Less a biography and more an act of homage, this volume not only provides a close-up of the great lexicographer, in all his terrific wit and ...
The book quickly became a beloved best seller when it was published, and went on to win the Pulitzer Prize for biography. Baker was born into poverty in Virginia in 1925.
Our Best Biography Books. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin. Titan: The Life of John D Rockefeller, Sr. by Ron Chernow. Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson.
Michelle wrote: "Too many books on this list are not biographies or memoirs. The Catcher in the Rye is a lovely book but it's fiction. Likewise The Great Gatsby. The Bible is not a memoir or a biography." I agree, so I have removed all five books (three different versions of the Bible were on the list).
2. Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Life by Jane Sherron de Hart. Check Latest Price. In this biography, you'll learn about the years, beliefs, and passions that have made up the life of one of the most powerful women in politics today (and ever), Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. 3.
by Maya Angelou. Buy the book. A favourite book of former president Obama and countless others, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, recounts Angelou's childhood in the American south in the 1930s. A beautifully written classic, this is the first of Maya Angelou's seven bestselling autobiographies.
David McCullough | 4.00. Mornings on Horseback: The Story of an Extraordinary Family, a Vanished Way of Life, and the Unique Child Who Became Theodore Roosevelt is the brilliant biography of the young Theodore Roosevelt. Hailed as a masterpiece by Newsday, it also won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Biography.
Andre Agassi's OPEN is one of the best-selling sports biographies of all-time. Agassi was groomed to become a tennis champion from an early age, but once he achieved success he found his life unfilled. ... Fiction Books for 2023 Some Of The Best Books For The Well-Rounded Man 51 Best Books for Young Men In Their 20's Top 33 All-Time Books ...
20 Best Biography Books of All Time - BookAuthority. The 20 best biography books recommended by Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Emma Watson, Piers Morgan, Jimmy Fallon and others.
This book makes me think of perhaps my favorite presidential biography of all time: Truman by David McCullough. While many under-appreciated Truman during his term in office, today's readers of ...
Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman by Robert K. Massie. Robert K. Massie, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Romanovs, Nicholas and Alexandra, and Peter the Great, showcases his writing prowess with this biography of Catherine the Great. Massie follows the journey of this obscure German princess from a minor noble family role to ...
The book has sold over sixteen million copies and been translated into more than fifty languages, making it one of the best biographies ever written. It is a testament to the power of resilience and determination in the face of adversity that continues to inspire generations today.
avg rating 4.39 — 33,308 ratings — published 2011. Books shelved as best-biographies-of-all-time: Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson, He Leadeth Me by Walter Ciszek, The Legacy of William Carey: A Model for th...
A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah: 12-year-old Ishmael Beah came of age pressed into forced service as a child soldier as Sierra Leone's civil war swelled. He fought for the government, brainwashed and trained to murder rebels with an AK-47 if they dared to challenge the overarching authority.
10. Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda (1946) This truly remarkable book has been in continuous print since it first published in 1946, and is estimated to have printed over 4 ...
5. Traveling: On The Path Of Joni Mitchell by Ann Powers 6. Too Much, Too Young: The 2 Tone Records Story by Daniel Rachel. Two music books that add insights to a great artist and a great movement.
All day long, the mill of his brain is grinding, and his thoughts, not those of other things, are his history. These are his life, and they are not written. Everyday would make a whole book of 80,000 words -- 365 books a year. Biographies are but the clothes and buttons of the man -- the biography of the man himself cannot be written.
Best Sellers in Books. #1. Dad, I Want to Hear Your Story: A Father's Guided Journal To Share His Life & His Love (Hear Your Story Books) Jeffrey Mason. 5,403. Paperback. 12 offers from $10.00. #2. Eruption: Following Jurassic Park, Michael Crichton Started Another Masterpiece―James Patterson Just Finished It.