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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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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. 

Aretha Franklin: The Queen of Soul Has Died at 76

Read an excerpt from this music legend’s biography. 

10 Captivating Writer Biographies

See these talented authors in a whole new light.

6 Gloria Steinem Books That Will Inspire You

Through her writing, the feminist icon shares the wisdom she's gained from decades of activism.

21 Beach Reads to Pick Up This Summer

Make the most out of your days in the sun.

Powerful Quotes About Depression from William Styron's Memoir Darkness Visible

Author William's Styron's public fight with depression has helped others who have struggled with mental illness.

Looking Back: Joyce Maynard on Her Career-Launching Essay and Relationship With J.D. Salinger

Joyce Maynard's 1972 essay captured life in 1960s America—and the attention of one of the world's most enigmatic icons.

11 Madeleine L'Engle Books You May Have Missed

Look beyond A Wrinkle in Time, and discover the true breadth of the Newbery winner's talent.

Before He Was Muhammad Ali: The Amateur Boxer Who Won Gold at the 1960 Olympics 

The boxer won the Light Heavyweight gold medal at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome when he was just 18 years old.

7 Donald Trump Books Written By Authors from Both Sides

Orange-faced ogre, or the savior of our country? Opinions vary...vastly.

Paul Monette's Fiercely Honest AIDS Memoir

The author candidly writes about the death of his partner, Roger Horwitz.

Can't Get Enough of the Big News? Here Are Some More Royal Reads!

You may not make Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding guest list, but these books are your personal invitations to the world of royalty.

The Durrells in Corfu Returns to PBS for Season 2

The series is based on Gerald Durrell’s Corfu Trilogy, which details his family’s life after moving from England to Greece in the 1930s.

Battle of the Sexes: The Real Story Behind the Billie Jean King vs. Bobby Riggs Tennis Match Up 

In "Game, Set, and Match," sportswriter Herbert Warren Wind tells the story of how this famous tennis match came to be.

10 Touching Memoirs for Fans of The Glass Castle

Dysfunctional families and unconventional upbringings were the norm for these authors.

Portrait of an Icon: 8 Books About Marilyn Monroe

We reflect on the actress' troubled but extraordinary life.