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Best Biography and Memoir Recommendations

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.

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The 10 Best Biographies and Memoirs for Every Kind of Reader

No matter what you're looking for, we have a book for you.

15 Best Memoirs That Will Change Your Outlook on Life

You can't help but see the world with a new perspective after reading these engrossing memoirs.

The Best Book Club Books for Fall 2019

There's something for everyone in this list!

8 Books We Wish We Read in High School

If we could do it all over again, we'd make time for these stories.

11 Travel Books That Take You Across the World

A good book can take you places you've never been.

15 Nonfiction Spy Books More Thrilling Than John le Carré

When it comes to spy stories, the truth is often stranger—and more compelling—than fiction.

9 Inspiring Survival Stories for Fans of Dunkirk

Like the heroes of the Battle of Dunkirk, these survivors stood their ground in the face of impossible odds.

10 Moving Biographies and Memoirs

Prepare to be blown away by these real-life stories of triumph over adversity.

Dive into the Beauty and Danger of Fred Waitzkin’s Deep Water Blues

A calm sea turns into a tempestuous storm in the Searching for Bobby Fischer author’s latest novel.

May Sarton’s Greatest Works: 12 Books That Will Move You

Get lost in the words of one of America’s most innovative writers.

20 Biographies of Remarkable Women That You Need to Read

These fascinating biographies deserve a spot on your must-read list.

9 Travel Writings That Will Take You on a Journey

Enjoy a sun-soaked voyage, a cross-country road trip, and other unforgettable adventures—all without leaving your couch.

Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author Russell Baker Dies at 93

The journalist will be forever remembered through his award-winning biography, Growing Up. 

The Author of The Other Einstein Brings Hedy Lamarr's Incredible Story to Life

The Only Woman in the Room paints a fictionalized portrait of the Hollywood actress who was so much more than a pretty face.

 9 Books About President George H.W. Bush 

 Revealing reads about the political life and times of 41. 

100 Years: The Life and Work of Madeleine L’Engle 

The ability to understand a child’s imagination is just one of the reasons why the A Wrinkle in Time author’s work has stood the test of time. 

Crazy Horse and Custer, A Dual Biography

The author of Band of Brothers explores the parallel lives of two formidable 19th-century warriors.

The Durrells in Corfu, from Page to Screen

Discover the books behind the hit show on PBS Masterpiece.

8 Artist Biographies That Will Change Your World View

These artists laid the foundation for their craft and led incredibly fascinating lives.

Beyond Politics: An Inside Look at the Life of Elizabeth Warren

Learn more about this political leader in Antonia Felix’s new book, Elizabeth Warren: Her Fight. Her Work. Her Life.