Top 50 Biographies
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Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
An intimate, bestselling portrait of Apple's visionary co-founder. Based on exclusive interviews, Isaacson explores Jobs’ genius, innovation, turbulent personality, and his lasting impact on technology and design. Essential reading for entrepreneurs, creatives, and tech enthusiasts.
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The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
A remarkable memoir of resilience and redemption, Walls recounts her unconventional childhood and the strength of family bonds amid poverty and adversity. A modern classic admired for its honesty and hope.
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Educated by Tara Westover
A powerful story of transformation, Westover grows up in rural Idaho with survivalist parents, eventually escaping to pursue education. A gripping account of self-invention, learning, and the courage to change one’s life.
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Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow
The biography that inspired the Broadway hit, Chernow’s meticulously researched book brings to life the brilliant, ambitious, and controversial founding father who shaped America’s destiny.
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Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
A haunting investigation into the life and tragic death of Chris McCandless, who abandoned society for adventure in the Alaskan wilderness. Krakauer’s narrative probes the allure of risk and freedom.
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Becoming by Michelle Obama
The deeply personal memoir of the former First Lady. Obama shares her journey from Chicago’s South Side to the White House, offering insight on family, advocacy, and finding one’s voice. Inspirational and candid.
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When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
A moving meditation on mortality and meaning, this memoir chronicles a neurosurgeon’s journey from doctor to patient. Kalanithi’s reflections on life, death, and purpose are unforgettable and profound.
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Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Strayed’s raw, inspiring memoir of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail alone after devastating loss. A story of self-discovery, perseverance, and the healing power of nature, now a major motion picture.
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Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
A gripping account of Louis Zamperini, Olympian and WWII bombardier who survived a plane crash, drifted at sea, and endured Japanese prison camps. A testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
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Just Kids by Patti Smith
A lyrical memoir by the punk icon, tracing her deep friendship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe and their creative awakening in 1970s New York. A celebration of art, youth, and dreams.
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Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela
Mandela’s epic autobiography details his early life, struggle against apartheid, 27 years in prison, and triumphant presidency. A story of courage, reconciliation, and the quest for justice.
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Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson
A comprehensive portrait of the legendary physicist, exploring his scientific genius, personal quirks, and passionate humanitarianism. Isaacson reveals the man behind the mind.
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Night by Elie Wiesel
A deeply moving, firsthand account of surviving the Holocaust, Wiesel’s classic memoir confronts the horrors of Auschwitz and the enduring will to live. Essential reading on human resilience and memory.
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The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
The iconic diary of a Jewish teenager in hiding during WWII, Anne Frank’s writing reveals hope, fear, and the power of the human spirit in the face of tyranny. A timeless testament to courage.
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Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Comedian Trevor Noah’s hilarious and poignant memoir of growing up biracial in apartheid South Africa. With wit and insight, he explores identity, family, and resilience in a divided society.
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Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
Nike’s founder shares the inside story of building a global brand from scratch. Knight’s candid, behind-the-scenes account is full of risks, setbacks, victories, and the relentless pursuit of a dream.
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The Wright Brothers by David McCullough
The dramatic, inspiring true story of Wilbur and Orville Wright, who taught the world to fly. McCullough captures their ingenuity, determination, and the dawn of the aviation age.
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John Adams by David McCullough
A Pulitzer-winning, masterful biography of the Founding Father and second U.S. President. McCullough’s narrative brings Adams’ intellect, character, and times to vivid life.
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Open by Andre Agassi
A candid and riveting memoir from tennis legend Andre Agassi, chronicling his rise, battles with self-doubt, and search for meaning beyond the sport. Unflinching and inspiring.
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Notorious RBG by Irin Carmon & Shana Knizhnik
A lively, illustrated tribute to Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s life and legacy. Examines her groundbreaking legal career and cultural impact as a feminist icon.
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Bossypants by Tina Fey
A witty, best-selling memoir by comedian Tina Fey. With sharp humor and insight, Fey shares her journey from awkward childhood to Saturday Night Live and beyond. A must-read for comedy fans.
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Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
A gripping account of Louis Zamperini, Olympian and WWII bombardier who survived a plane crash, drifted at sea, and endured Japanese prison camps. A testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
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Becoming Steve Jobs by Brent Schlender & Rick Tetzeli
A fresh, nuanced look at Steve Jobs’ evolution as a leader and innovator. Explores his failures, successes, and relationships that shaped Apple’s culture and products.
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Leonardo da Vinci by Walter Isaacson
An engrossing biography of the Renaissance genius, revealing the intersection of art, science, and curiosity in da Vinci’s life. Isaacson’s storytelling captures the mind behind the masterpieces.
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Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
A haunting investigation into the life and tragic death of Chris McCandless, who abandoned society for adventure in the Alaskan wilderness. Krakauer’s narrative probes the allure of risk and freedom.
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I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
The courageous memoir of the youngest-ever Nobel laureate. Malala’s journey from rural Pakistan to the world stage, advocating for girls’ education in the face of violence, is both moving and empowering.
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Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
A gripping account of Louis Zamperini, Olympian and WWII bombardier who survived a plane crash, drifted at sea, and endured Japanese prison camps. A testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
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Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
A beloved memoir chronicling Gilbert’s journey around the world after a painful divorce, in search of pleasure, spirituality, and balance. A story of self-discovery that has inspired millions.
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Elon Musk by Ashlee Vance
An in-depth look at the life and career of Elon Musk, the visionary behind Tesla, SpaceX, and more. Explores his drive, ambition, and the impact of his inventions on our future.
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Benjamin Franklin: An American Life by Walter Isaacson
An engaging biography of the multi-talented Founding Father, inventor, and diplomat. Isaacson’s account reveals Franklin’s wit, curiosity, and enduring influence on American society.
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Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela
Mandela’s epic autobiography details his early life, struggle against apartheid, 27 years in prison, and triumphant presidency. A story of courage, reconciliation, and the quest for justice.
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Clementine: The Life of Mrs. Winston Churchill by Sonia Purnell
A compelling biography of Clementine Churchill, the influential and often overlooked partner behind Winston Churchill’s leadership. Purnell brings her extraordinary story to light.
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Open by Andre Agassi
A candid and riveting memoir from tennis legend Andre Agassi, chronicling his rise, battles with self-doubt, and search for meaning beyond the sport. Unflinching and inspiring.
-
Night by Elie Wiesel
A deeply moving, firsthand account of surviving the Holocaust, Wiesel’s classic memoir confronts the horrors of Auschwitz and the enduring will to live. Essential reading on human resilience and memory.
-
Becoming Steve Jobs by Brent Schlender & Rick Tetzeli
A fresh, nuanced look at Steve Jobs’ evolution as a leader and innovator. Explores his failures, successes, and relationships that shaped Apple’s culture and products.
-
Notorious RBG by Irin Carmon & Shana Knizhnik
A lively, illustrated tribute to Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s life and legacy. Examines her groundbreaking legal career and cultural impact as a feminist icon.
-
Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow
The biography that inspired the Broadway hit, Chernow’s meticulously researched book brings to life the brilliant, ambitious, and controversial founding father who shaped America’s destiny.
-
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
A moving meditation on mortality and meaning, this memoir chronicles a neurosurgeon’s journey from doctor to patient. Kalanithi’s reflections on life, death, and purpose are unforgettable and profound.
-
Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Strayed’s raw, inspiring memoir of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail alone after devastating loss. A story of self-discovery, perseverance, and the healing power of nature, now a major motion picture.
-
Becoming by Michelle Obama
The deeply personal memoir of the former First Lady. Obama shares her journey from Chicago’s South Side to the White House, offering insight on family, advocacy, and finding one’s voice. Inspirational and candid.
-
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
A beloved memoir chronicling Gilbert’s journey around the world after a painful divorce, in search of pleasure, spirituality, and balance. A story of self-discovery that has inspired millions.
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Elon Musk by Ashlee Vance
An in-depth look at the life and career of Elon Musk, the visionary behind Tesla, SpaceX, and more. Explores his drive, ambition, and the impact of his inventions on our future.
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Benjamin Franklin: An American Life by Walter Isaacson
An engaging biography of the multi-talented Founding Father, inventor, and diplomat. Isaacson’s account reveals Franklin’s wit, curiosity, and enduring influence on American society.
-
Just Kids by Patti Smith
A lyrical memoir by the punk icon, tracing her deep friendship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe and their creative awakening in 1970s New York. A celebration of art, youth, and dreams.
-
The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
The iconic diary of a Jewish teenager in hiding during WWII, Anne Frank’s writing reveals hope, fear, and the power of the human spirit in the face of tyranny. A timeless testament to courage.
-
Clementine: The Life of Mrs. Winston Churchill by Sonia Purnell
A compelling biography of Clementine Churchill, the influential and often overlooked partner behind Winston Churchill’s leadership. Purnell brings her extraordinary story to light.
-
Open by Andre Agassi
A candid and riveting memoir from tennis legend Andre Agassi, chronicling his rise, battles with self-doubt, and search for meaning beyond the sport. Unflinching and inspiring.
-
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
Nike’s founder shares the inside story of building a global brand from scratch. Knight’s candid, behind-the-scenes account is full of risks, setbacks, victories, and the relentless pursuit of a dream.
-
The Wright Brothers by David McCullough
The dramatic, inspiring true story of Wilbur and Orville Wright, who taught the world to fly. McCullough captures their ingenuity, determination, and the dawn of the aviation age.
-
Notorious RBG by Irin Carmon & Shana Knizhnik
A lively, illustrated tribute to Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s life and legacy. Examines her groundbreaking legal career and cultural impact as a feminist icon.
-
Educated by Tara Westover
A powerful story of transformation, Westover grows up in rural Idaho with survivalist parents, eventually escaping to pursue education. A gripping account of self-invention, learning, and the courage to change one’s life.
-
Leonardo da Vinci by Walter Isaacson
An engrossing biography of the Renaissance genius, revealing the intersection of art, science, and curiosity in da Vinci’s life. Isaacson’s storytelling captures the mind behind the masterpieces.