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For some readers, real life is much more compelling than fiction, and real people are far more interesting than any character an author could dream up. If you're one of those readers, then biographies, autobiographies and memoirs are for you.
The types of true stories are endless—there are romantic memoirs and tragic memoirs. There are short, essay-length memoirs that give you just a taste of an author’s writing. Perhaps you’re interested in a travel memoir that will make you feel as though you’ve walked the same steps as the writer, or you’re an American history buff looking for a bucket list of biographies on every American president. You could read a first-hand account from a former slave who became a dressmaker for Mary Todd Lincoln, or immerse yourself in Ruth Gruber’s own account of how she helped 1000 refugees find asylum.
From biographies of politicians, business leaders, artists and celebrities, to memoirs that tell unforgettable true stories with unflinching honesty, these are the books that let you fully step into someone else's shoes.
Here's how to choose your next read.
By Nicole Klett
These works deserve a whole lot more attention.
By Orrin Grey
These memoirs and self-help books will help you realize you're not alone.
By Orrin Grey
These unbelievable stories stretch beyond the pages of your average history book.
The revised documentary tells the story of the artist's famous Silver Factory.
Immerse yourself in the culture–and history–of a place.
By Abby Ronner
We're not all living in the same America.
Get inside someone else's head.
The Roaring 20s was a time of true change for a world that had just recovered.
Celebrate the life of one of the most iconic American writers to date.
“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”―Virginia Woolf
By Nicole Klett
Find out what happened when a Muslim politician decided to have coffee with the people who sent her hate mail.
Read an excerpt from Cloris Leachman's 2009 autobiography.
These stories will remind yourself that the world changes when one person steps up.
By Orrin Grey
The little-known author and journalist captured England and China like few others have.
A glimpse into the high-stakes strategy game from fantasy to nonfiction.
Dig into 46 top-notch biographies—one for each American president.
These memoirs and novels will help you feel understood and unalone in your sorrow.