Books matching: biography
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Witty, moving, and packed with insight, 'Born a Crime' is much more than a celebrity memoir - it's a heartfelt story of survival, identity, and the power of an unbreakable mother-son bond. Highly recommended for memoir fans, comedy lovers, and anyone curious about life on the other side of the world.
Trevor Noah's memoir, "Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood," offers a unique perspective on growing up during and after apartheid in South Africa. Through a series of vignettes, Noah intertwines seemingly unrelated stories to illuminate the forces that shaped his childhood. The book delves into the complexities of race and culture in South Africa, providing insights into the author's upbringing, his family dynamics, and the societal norms that influenced his life.
Sometimes in big Hollywood movies they’ll have these crazy chase scenes where somebody jumps or gets thrown from a moving car. The person hits the ground and rolls for a bit. Then they come to a stop...November 2016•310 pages- #2
Save:A gripping, raw, and inspiring memoir about breaking free from family bonds and forging your own path through education. Worth the hype, just be prepared for some emotional turbulence along the way.
Educated by Tara Westover is a memoir recounting the author's tumultuous childhood growing up in Idaho in a dysfunctional family. Tara's father, a strict Mormon and anti-government supporter, forbids her from attending school, leading her to work in the family's scrap yard instead. Despite the isolation and abuse she faces at home, Tara eventually breaks free and pursues education, earning scholarships and grants to study at prestigious universities like Cambridge and Harvard. The book delves into themes of familial dysfunction, survivalism, mental illness, and the transformative power of education.
My strongest memory is not a memory. It’s something I imagined, then came to remember as if it had happened. The memory was formed when I was five, just before I turned six, from a story my father tol...February 2018•370 pages - #3
Save:A thorough, candid, and engrossing look at a complicated genius. If you’re interested in innovation, business, or tech history - as well as the messy reality behind world-changing products - this is the definitive Steve Jobs biography.
'Steve Jobs' by Walter Isaacson is a detailed biography that delves into the complex life and personality of the iconic tech visionary. Through the eyes of various readers, the book is described as a fascinating exploration of Jobs' genius, his abrasive personality, and his relentless pursuit of perfection in creating groundbreaking products like the iMac, iPod, and iPhone. The narrative not only highlights his successes in revolutionizing the tech industry but also sheds light on his flaws, including being a difficult person to work with due to his demanding nature and temperamental behavior.
Isaacson's writing style in 'Steve Jobs' is praised for its balance between portraying Jobs as a visionary and a flawed individual. provides a comprehensive account of Jobs' life, from his humble beginnings to his rise as a tech titan, capturing the essence of his passion, creativity, and uncompromising attitude towards innovation. Readers appreciate the deep insights into Jobs' management techniques, his impact on modern computing, and the history of Apple, making it a compelling read for those interested in understanding the man behind the Apple empire.
While a student in McCollum’s class, Jobs became friends with a graduate who was the teacher’s all-time favorite and a school legend for his wizardry in the class. Stephen Wozniak, whose younger broth...October 2011•696 pages - #4
Save:A riveting memoir about surviving - and thriving - in a dysfunctional family. Both painful and uplifting, 'The Glass Castle' is a modern classic of resilience that’s hard to put down and even harder to forget.
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls is a memoir that delves into Walls' tumultuous childhood growing up in poverty with two unstable and neglectful parents. Walls details astounding anecdotes of her unconventional upbringing, showcasing a family that lived an offbeat, nonconformist lifestyle. The book portrays the struggles of the author and her siblings as they navigate through a challenging and unusual childhood, fending for themselves and raising each other while their parents prioritize their own desires over responsibilities.
Walls' writing style is described as compelling, emotional, and honest, drawing readers into her story with vivid descriptions and a witty voice. The book offers a window into a world that many readers may never experience, shedding light on themes of resilience, forgiveness, and love in the face of adversity. The narrative unfolds through a series of shocking and heart-wrenching events, leaving readers both saddened and inspired by the author's journey from a difficult past to an uncertain future.
I WAS SITTING IN a taxi, wondering if I had overdressed for the evening, when I looked out the window and saw Mom rooting through a Dumpster. It was just after dark. A blustery March wind whipped the...2005•349 pages - #5
Save:An electrifying autobiography that charts a life of radical change, The Autobiography of Malcolm X pulls readers into the heart of America’s struggles with identity, race, and justice. It’s not always easy, but it’s unforgettable and essential - especially for anyone wanting the full picture of the civil rights era.
The autobiography of Malcolm X chronicles his unique and fascinating life journey, from his childhood as the son of a minister supporting Marcus Garvey, to his involvement in drugs and prostitution, his time in prison and self-education, his conversion to the Nation of Islam, and his subsequent break from the movement. The book delves into his pilgrimage to Mecca, his travels, and his involvement with conventional Islam, offering a deep insight into the enigmatic and spectacular individual that Malcolm X was.
When my mother was pregnant with me, she told me later, a party of hooded Ku Klux Klan riders galloped up to our home in Omaha, Nebraska, one night. Surrounding the house, brandishing their shotguns a...January 1964•526 pages - #6
Save:A beautifully written and deeply heartfelt memoir about friendship, art, and finding your place in the world - it’s perfect for dreamers and creative types with a taste for nostalgia and poetic prose, but may not suit those craving a brisk or conventional life story.
Improbable as it may seem, photographer Robert Mapplethorpe and rock icon Patti Smith were the closest of friends from the time they arrived in Manhattan in the late 1960s. This memoir is about their friendship, their artistic coming of age, and a very particular time and place, Manhattan in the late 60s and early 70s. Patti Smith's writing has a very poetic quality to it, unsurprisingly, being an incredible lyricist and poet. The book delves into the NYC art scene of the late 60's and early 70s, providing a glimpse into the artistic and cultural time of that era.
WHEN I WAS VERY YOUNG, MY MOTHER TOOK ME FOR walks in Humboldt Park, along the edge of the Prairie River. I have vague memories, like impressions on glass plates, of an old boathouse, a circular band...October 2006•333 pages - #7
Save:A Pulitzer-winning, highly readable epic that restores John Adams to his rightful place in American history - dense but rewarding, especially if you want history that feels personal, heartfelt, and alive.
'John Adams' by David McCullough is a detailed biography that delves into the life of the second President of the United States. The book covers Adams' role in the founding of the nation, his relationships with other founding fathers like Thomas Jefferson, and his personal life, including his marriage to Abigail Adams. The writing style is described as thorough, well-researched, and at times, dense with historical information, making it a comprehensive account of Adams' life and times.
IN THE COLD, nearly colorless light of a New England winter, two men on horseback traveled the coast road below Boston, heading north. A foot or more of snow covered the landscape, the remnants of a C...2000•752 pages A raw, hilarious, and brutally honest behind-the-scenes memoir that changed how people see restaurants - absolutely addictive for foodies and memoir enthusiasts, but not for delicate sensibilities.
'Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly' by Anthony Bourdain is a memoir that takes readers behind the scenes of the restaurant industry, revealing the gritty and chaotic world of professional kitchens. Bourdain's writing style is described as raw, humorous, and brutally honest, showcasing his experiences as a chef with a no-holds-barred attitude. The book delves into the dark side of the culinary world, touching on topics like drug use, kitchen culture, and the challenges faced by those working in the food industry.
Bourdain's narrative weaves together anecdotes, insights, and reflections on his time in the restaurant business, providing readers with a candid look at the realities of the culinary profession. Through vivid descriptions and colorful storytelling, Bourdain paints a vivid picture of the high-pressure environment of kitchens, offering a glimpse into a world that is often hidden from public view but essential to the dining experiences of many.
MY FIRST INDICATION THAT food was something other than a substance one stuffed in one’s face when hungry – like filling up at a gas station – came after fourth-grade elementary school. It was on a fam...2000•346 pagesAn eye-opening, memorable read - a must for anyone interested in the intersection of race, medicine, and ethics. Whether you love science, human stories, or grappling with big questions, this book delivers.
'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks' by Rebecca Skloot delves into the story of Henrietta Lacks, a poor black woman whose cells were taken without her knowledge and became the basis for groundbreaking medical research. The narrative alternates between the scientific advancements made using her cells and the struggles faced by her family who were unaware of her contribution to science. Skloot's writing style combines history, science, and ethics seamlessly, providing a comprehensive account of Henrietta Lacks' life and the impact of her cells on modern medicine.
On January 29, 1951, David Lacks sat behind the wheel of his old Buick, watching the rain fall. He was parked under a towering oak tree outside Johns Hopkins Hospital with three of his children—two st...2009•398 pages- #10
Save:A Pulitzer Prize-winning, all-encompassing biography that makes George Washington feel both epic and real. Essential reading for history buffs, presidential biography fans, and anyone wanting to truly understand the founding of America - just be ready for a long but enlightening ride.
'Washington: A Life' by Ron Chernow is a comprehensive biography that delves into the life of George Washington, portraying him as a complex and multi-dimensional figure. Chernow's writing style humanizes Washington, shedding light on both his admirable qualities and his flaws. Through detailed research and engaging storytelling, Chernow captures the essence of Washington's character and his significant role in shaping American history.
THE CROWDED CAREER of George Washington afforded him little leisure to indulge his vanity or gratify his curiosity by conducting genealogical research into his family. As he admitted sheepishly when p...October 2010
