Biographies & Memoirs

Explore the stories of remarkable lives in our Biographies & Memoirs section at Thryft. Discover firsthand accounts of influential figures and captivating memoirs that'll inspire and educate. Our collection is carefully curated to ensure you find the perfect narrative to delve into.

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Harry Wu

Bitter Winds - A Memoir Of My Years In China's Gulag

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"Bitter Winds" is a compelling memoir that provides a raw and haunting insight into the life of Chinese prison camps during the Maoist era and afterward. It is a must-read for history and human rights enthusiasts as the author exposes the terrifying yet pivotal moments of his life. The book also highlights the Chinese practice of exporting forced labor goods illegally into the U.S., ultimately leading to Harry Wu's congressional testimony and continuing investigation into his findings.

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W.E. Williams

Allen Lane : A Personal Portrait

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Somaly Mam, Lisa Appignanesi

The Road Of Lost Innocence

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In Cambodia, girls as young as five are sold into prostitution every day. Somaly Mam was one such girl. Abandoned as a baby, Somaly was looked after by her grandmother until she disappeared. She was then taken into the care of a man she called 'grandfather', but was treated no better than an unpaid servant. Raped at twelve and forced to marry at fifteen, Somaly was then sold to a brothel. After years of abuse she managed to escape, and went on to co-found AFESIP to combat the sexual trafficking of young girls and women. Somaly Mam has become an international figure and won a Glamour magazine Woman of the Year award in 2006.

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Lucy Sante

The Factory of Facts

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The acclaimed author of Low Life reinvents the memoir in a cunning, lyrical book that is at once a personal history and a meditation on the construction of identity.Born in Belgium but raised in New Jersey, Luc Sante transformed himself from a pious, timid Belgian boy into a loutish American adolescent, who eschewed French while fantasizing about the pop star Françoise Hardy. To show how this transformation came about--and why it remained incomplete--The Factory of Facts  combines family anecdote and ancestral legend; detailed forays into Belgian history, language, and religion; and deft synopses of the American character.From the Trade Paperback edition.

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Darlene Deibler Rose

Evidence not Seen (New Edition)

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This book could be a good read for those interested in true stories of resilience and faith in the face of adversity. Darlene Deibler Rose's personal account of her experiences in the New Guinea jungles and a Japanese internment camp during World War II depicts her unwavering faith in God and her eventual triumph over extreme hardship. Readers are sure to be inspired by her story of survival and resilience.

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Janet Lim

Sold for Silver : An Autobiography of a Girl Sold into Slavery in Southeast Asia

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The true story of China-born Janet Lim, who was sold into slavery as a young girl in 1930s Singapore. When Singapore falls to the Japanese in 1942, she escapes by ship, but when it’s bombed and sinks, Janet floats at sea for days close to death. Rescued by fishermen then captured by the Japanese, she narrowly escapes sexual-imprisonment as a comfort woman and is tortured. An inspirational autobiography of a true heroine.

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Adeline Yen Mah

Falling Leaves : THE TRUE STORY OF AN UNWANTED CHINESE DAUGHTER

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Born in 1937 in a port city north of Shanghai, Adeline Yen Mah was the youngest child of an affluent Chinese family who enjoyed rare privileges during a time of political and cultural upheaval. But wealth and position could not shield Adeline from a childhood of appalling emotional abuse at the hands of her Eurasian stepmother. Determined to survive, Adeline struggled for independence as she moved from Hong Kong to England and eventually to the United States to become a physician and writer. A compelling, painful, and ultimately triumphant story of a girl's journey into adulthood, Adeline's story is a testament to the most basic of human needs: acceptance, love, and understanding.

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Quentin Blake, Roald Dahl

Going Solo

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This book is for those who are fascinated with Dahl's life as an adult, and enjoy reading about travel, war and thriving in different cultures. Going Solo provides a rare insight into Dahl's personal experiences, and is written with his signature wit and charm. Readers will be captivated by Dahl's tales of adventure, bravery and unexpected twists of fate.

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Jonathan Franzen

The Discomfort Zone - A Personal History

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Recommended because it offers a heartfelt account of growing up in a Christian family in Missouri. This book is for readers who enjoy candid memoirs that explore the complex nature of one's growth and development. Franzen's writing style immerses readers in his world, making it easy to empathize with his experiences and struggles.

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Bao Pu, Renee Chiang, Zhao Ziyang

Prisoner of the State

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Prisoner of the State is the story of the man who brought liberal change to China and who, at the height of the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989, tried to stop the massacre and was dethroned for his efforts. When China's army moved in, killing hundreds of students and other demonstrators, Zhao was placed under house arrest at his home in Beijing. The Premier spent the last 16 years of his life, up until his death in 2005, in seclusion. China scholars often lamented that Zhao never had his final say. As it turns out, Zhao did produce a memoir, in complete secrecy. He methodically recorded his thoughts and recollections on what had happened behind the scenes during many of modern China's most critical moments. The tapes he produced were smuggled out of the country and form the basis for Prisoner of the State. Although Zhao now speaks from beyond the grave, his voice has the moral power to make China sit up and listen.

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Sidney Poitier

The Measure Of A Man : A Memoir

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Recommendation: - This memoir by Sidney Poitier is a captivating and inspiring read. Poitier's story takes us on a journey from poverty to success, breaking barriers along the way. His candid reflections on racism in Hollywood, consumerism, and the media provide thought-provoking insights. Through it all, Poitier maintains his integrity and shares the rewards of staying true to oneself. This book is a must-read for those seeking inspiration and the courage to follow their convictions.

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Andrew Carnegie, Gordon Hutner

The Autobiography Of Andrew Carnegie And The Gospel Of Wealth

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The enlightening memoir of the industrialist as famous for his philanthropy as for his fortune.His good friend Mark Twain dubbed him “St. Andrew.” British Prime Minister William Gladstone called him an “example” for the wealthy. Such terms seldom apply to multimillionaires. But Andrew Carnegie was no run-of-the-mill steel magnate. At age 13 and full of dreams, he sailed from his native Dunfermline, Scotland, to America. The story of his success begins with a $1.20-a-week job at a bobbin factory. By the end of his life, he had amassed an unprecedented fortune—and given away more than 90 percent of it for the good of mankind. Here, for the first time in one volume, are two impressive works by Andrew Carnegie his autobiography and “The Gospel of Wealth,” a groundbreaking manifesto on the duty of the wealthy to give back to society all of their fortunes. And he practiced what he preached, erecting 1,600 libraries across the country, founding Carnegie Mellon University, building Carnegie Hall, and performing countless other acts of philanthropy because, as Carnegie wrote, “The man who dies thus rich dies disgraced.” With an Introduction by Gordon Hutner

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Suk Lee, Bob Song

Jack Ma: In His Own Words

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Recommendation: Jack Ma: In His Own Words could be a good read for individuals interested in entrepreneurship and seeking inspiration from one of the world's most successful business magnates. This book offers a unique perspective into Jack Ma's thoughts on business values, innovation, competition, teamwork, philanthropy, and more. The candid quotes provide valuable insights and inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to navigate the ever-evolving world of technology and commerce.

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William Horwood

The Boy With No Shoes : A Memoir

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Five-year-old Jimmy Rova is the unwanted child of a mother who rejects him, and whose other children bully him. The one thing he can call his own is a pair of shoes, a present from the only person he feels has ever loved him. When they are cruelly taken away, Jimmy spirals down into a state of loneliness and terrible loss from which there seems no recovery. This triumphant story of a boy's struggle with early trauma and his remarkable journey into adulthood is based on William Horwood's own remarkable childhood in south-east England after the Second World War. Using all the skills that went into the creation of his modern classics, Horwood has written an inspiring story of a journey from a past too painful to imagine to the future every child deserves.

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Emily Riordan Lee, Caspar Lee

Caspar Lee

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Caspar Lee is a hilarious memoir written by his mum, charting his life from infancy to now. It includes his first day at school, his love life and more! It's a great read for anyone looking for an entertaining and light-hearted book. Readers will love Caspar's unique sense of humor and his ability to see the humor in even the most mundane situations.

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Tom Daley

My Story

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Enter the enthralling world of Tom Daley—a medalist in the 2012 London Olympic Games—in My Story . Tom had the whole country behind him when he won bronze at the Olympics this year. A double Commonwealth gold medal winner, he is one of the sport's most exciting athletes. But there is also a heartbreaking and inspiring story of a young man coping with the death of his father while under the glare of the world's media spotlight. In this, Tom's first official memoir, he offers unprecedented access to the pressures, challenges, and fascinating experiences of a world-class Olympian. From his day-to-day schedule, to his hobbies and family life, to sharing his hopes and dreams in the build up to the London Olympics, this book offers a unique chance to get close to Tom. The face of the Olympics, and host of ITV show splash, Tom is loved by the nation. My Story features exclusive photography of Tom Daley, both personal and newly commissioned, in the ultimate book for the 2012 Olympics.

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Karl Pilkington

Happyslapped by a Jellyfish : The Words of Karl Pilkington

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This book is perfect for anyone who wants to be entertained with witty and hilarious commentary on travel. Karl Pilkington's unique and deadpan humor makes even the most mundane aspects of travel amusing. His observations on exotic locations and tourist destinations are refreshingly honest, and his digressions into everyday life back in England are endearing and relatable. Overall, Happyslapped by a Jellyfish is a must-read for armchair adventurers who want to laugh out loud while exploring the world from the comfort of their own home.

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Waris Dirie

Waris Dirie Omnibus

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This book provides a raw account of the struggles and triumphs of a woman who defied the odds and achieved success in the face of adversity. Through her own experiences, Waris Dirie sheds light on the issue of female genital mutilation and raises awareness on women's rights in Africa. This book is a must-read for anyone looking for inspiration and insight into the life of a true fighter.

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Whoopi Goldberg

Is It Just Me? : Or Is It Nuts Out There?

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Whoopi Goldberg's book is a must-read for anyone frustrated with the lack of basic civility in society. Her humor and irreverence make this book both entertaining and eye-opening. The most unique aspect of this book is Goldberg's ability to point out the absurd and frustrating aspects of modern manners in a way that is relatable and accessible to all readers.

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Ted Hughes

Birthday Letters

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Birthday Letters could be a good read for fans of Sylvia Plath's poetry and those interested in the complex and troubled relationship between Hughes and Plath. The book provides raw, emotional insight into their relationship and the psychological turmoil that led to Plath's suicide. Readers can expect to be moved by Hughes's honesty and the beautiful language of his poetry.

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Christina Noble

Bridge Across My Sorrows

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Bridge Across My Sorrows is an inspiring autobiography of Christina Noble who dedicated her life to helping destitute children in Vietnam. Her unorthodox methods of dealing with the challenges she faced while helping vulnerable children will make you laugh, cry, and will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on you. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to be inspired and gain a new perspective on life.

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Donna Sinisgalli, Lance Armstrong, Sally Jenkins

Every Second Counts

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The four-time Tour de France winner and number 1 New York Times bestselling author returns with an inspirational account of his recent personal and professional victories—and some failures—and an intimate glimpse into how almost dying taught him to really live.Since the release of his megabestseller, It’s Not About the Bike , Lance Armstrong has enjoyed a new series of thrilling rides, from the birth of his twin daughters, to an astounding succession of Tour de France triumphs, to being chosen as Sportsman of the Year by Sports Illustrated in 2002. Continuing the inspiring story begun in his first book, Every Second Counts captures the mind-set of a man who has beaten incredible odds and considers each day an opportunity for excellence.Armstrong’s previous book recounted his journey from a grim diagnosis of testicular cancer, which had spread to his lungs and brain, to a stunning recovery that culminated in his winning the 1999 Tour de France—the ultimate evidence that he had also won a daunting battle with death.His new book addresses the equally daunting challenge of living in the aftermath of this experience and making the most of every breath of life. Armstrong candidly discusses his prickly relationship with the French and the ultimately disproved accusations of doping within his Tour de France team, and he writes about his recent achievements, including celebrating five years of cancer survival and how he restored a magnificent chapel in his beloved Spain.A fresh perspective on the spirit of survivors everywhere, Every Second Counts will invigorate and enthrall Armstrong’s millions of admirers.

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Meihong Xu, Larry Engelmann

Daughter of China

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"Daughter of China" is a fascinating memoir that tells the true story of Meihong Xu and American professor Larry Engelmann's love affair during a time of political tension between their two countries. Through Xu's personal experiences, the book provides a unique perspective on the Communist regime in China and its impact on individual lives. Readers who appreciate memoirs, love stories, and tales of political history will find "Daughter of China" to be a captivating and thought-provoking read.

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David Beckham

David Beckham: My Side

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He may live in Madrid but he continues to make front-page headlines. This is David Beckham's own story of his career to date, for Manchester United, Real Madrid and England, and of his childhood, family and private life. Featuring David's first full account of a turbulent year in Spain, on and off the field, and England's fortunes in Euro 2004.This is Beckham's fascinating life story in his own words. His rise through the ranks at the biggest club side in the world. His complex relationship with United boss Alex Ferguson. The England story, from being vilified by the nation before returning as the prodigal son to eventually captaining his country. His acrimonious falling-out with his manager and departure from Old Trafford in June 2003. And starting a new chapter of his life on foreign soil in the glare of the world’s press.Now from Beckham himself, we gain a vivid and eye-opening insight into the family man behind the famous footballer, the international model and fashion leader. He describes how he first met and then married ex-Spice girl Victoria Adams, and the upbringing of their two children Brooklyn and Romeo. How his family's every step is monitored by a posse of newshounds and paparazzi. Also, the influence of his parents, growing up as a shy youngster in the family home, and how their subsequent split affected him.Intimate and soul-searching, this is the real David Beckham like we have never seen before.NEW FOR THIS PAPERBACK- Beckham’s first season with Real Madrid from within the dressing room, with key stories on the likes of Figo, Roberto Carlos and Zidane.- His exclusive reaction to the sensational allegations about his private life; their effect on his relationship with Victoria and a reappraisal of their living arrangements.

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Roald Dahl

Going Solo

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In Going Solo, the world's favourite storyteller, Roald Dahl, tells of life as a fighter pilot in Africa. 'They did not think for one moment that they would find anything but a burnt-out fuselage and a charred skeleton, and they were astounded when they came upon my still-breathing body lying in the sand nearby.' In 1938 Roald Dahl was fresh out of school and bound for his first job in Africa, hoping to find adventure far from home. However, he got far more excitement than he bargained for when the outbreak of the Second World War led him to join the RAF. His account of his experiences in Africa, crashing a plane in the Western Desert, rescue and recovery from his horrific injuries in Alexandria, flying a Hurricane as Greece fell to the Germans, and many other daring deeds, recreates a world as bizarre and unnerving as any he wrote about in his fiction. 'Very nearly as grotesque as his fiction. The same compulsive blend of wide-eyed innocence and fascination with danger and horror' Evening Standard 'A non-stop demonstration of expert raconteurship' The New York Times Book Review Roald Dahl, the brilliant and worldwide acclaimed author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, Matilda, and many more classics for children, also wrote scores of short stories for adults. These delightfully disturbing tales have often been filmed and were most recently the inspiration for the West End play, Roald Dahl's Twisted Tales by Jeremy Dyson. Roald Dahl's stories continue to make readers shiver today.

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Terry Funk, Scott E. Williams

Terry Funk - More Than Just Hardcore

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This autobiography is a must-read for fans of wrestling and anyone interested in learning about the sacrifices and dedication required to succeed in a challenging industry. Terry Funk's story is inspiring and his anecdotes offer a deeper understanding of the wrestling world and its culture. Readers will appreciate his honesty about the ups and downs of his long career and the toll it took on him physically and mentally.

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Torey L. Hayden

The Tiger's Child : The Story of a Gifted, Troubled Child and the Teacher Who Refused to Give Up on Her

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Torey Hayden returns with this deeply-moving sequel to her first book, One Child (the Sunday Times bestseller). After seven years, Torey is reunited with Sheila, the disturbed 6-year-old she tried to rescue. Sheila was a deeply disturbed six-year-old when she came into Torey Hayden's life – a story poignantly chronicled One Child. The Tiger's Child picks up the story seven years later. Hayden has lost touch with the child she helped to free from a hellish inner prison of rage and silence. But now Sheila is back, now a gangly teenager with bright orange hair – no longer broken and lost, but still troubled and searching for answers.This story of dedication and caring that began in childhood moves into a new and extraordinary chapter that tests the strength and heart of both Sheila and her one-time teacher. In The Tiger's Child the skilled and loving educator answers the call once again to help a child in need through her difficult yet glorious transition into young womanhood.

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Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Heather McNamara

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Children with Special Needs : Stories of Love and Understanding for Those Who Care for Children with Disabilities

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Raising a child with special needs is a lifelong commitment that is as unique as each person who embarks on it. Written by a variety of authors who share in this distinctive relationship, Chicken Soup for the Soul Children with Special Needs offers a glimpse into the lives of others who are on a similar path.

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David Roth

Sacred Honor

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Sacred Honor is a great read for anyone interested in learning more about the life of General Colin Powell. The book offers a unique perspective on Powell's rise through the ranks, and the prejudice and poverty he faced along the way. Readers will also enjoy Powell's insights on politics and leadership, and his unyielding commitment to doing what's right. Overall, Sacred Honor is an inspiring and thought-provoking book that is sure to leave a lasting impact on anyone who reads it.

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Stan Redding, Frank W. Abagnale

Catch Me If You Can

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The amazing true story of the most extraordinary liar in the history of fun and profit! 'Irresistible! ...touches that current of larceny that lies within all of us.' (Houston Chronicle) Frank Abagnale wrote US$2.5 million in bad cheques, practised law without a licence, practised medicine with no medical training, co-piloted a Pan-Am jet with a fake licence, taught at a college though he was actually a high school drop-out, and managed to outwit and outrage the police of 26 foreign countries and every US state, before he turned 21. Catch Me If You Can is the hilarious, now-classic story of Abagnale's stranger-than-fiction international escapades, and his ingenious escapes - including one from an airplane. This amazing true story of how one man fooled multi-national corporations, banks, universities, hospitals, and law enforcement organisations around the world is utterly riveting, and astounding even today, and contains all the ingredients of the most wildly imaginative fiction (except that all of Abagnale's exploits actually happened). Stylish, charming and not one to skimp on luxury, Abagnale lived a luxurious life on the lam until his 'retirement' at 21. After conning his way around the world, Frank was jailed and released five years later, only after he agreed to work, unpaid, for the US government sharing his knowledge of fraud with them in order to help them prevent it. He is now one of the world's foremost experts in secure documents and fraud prevention and travels to Australia regularly in his role as consultant for Leigh-Mardon Australia, the company responsible for design and production of all Australia's secure documents including passports, banknotes, bank cheques, personal cheques, credit cards, drivers licences etc. His bestselling memoir, Catch Me If You Can, was made into a major film directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks.

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Amy Sickels, Harold Bloom

Jorge Luis Borges

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This book is a great read for anyone interested in the literary works of Jorge Luis Borges. Harold Bloom offers insightful analysis of the author's themes and symbols, making it easier to understand and appreciate his work. The book is especially useful for students studying Borges' works or anyone looking to gain more meaningful insights into one of the most acclaimed writers of the 20th century.

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Kuki Gallmann

I Dreamed of Africa

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I Dreamed of Africa would be a good read for someone who is looking for a captivating and moving memoir about a woman's life in Africa. Kuki Gallmann's unique story about bringing up a family in Kenya, her relationship with the land, and the dramatic twists and turns of her life would leave readers experiencing a wide range of emotions. The book's most distinctive feature is the author's deep connection to Africa, which she expresses beautifully throughout the book.

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Bruce Alvin King

Robert Graves : A Biography

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"Robert Graves: A Biography" is a must-read for anyone interested in the life of one of the 20th century's most distinguished poets. The book offers a unique glimpse into Graves' unconventional life, including his unusual relationships with strong-willed women, his search for poetic inspiration, and his experiences in the First World War. With its vivid descriptions and insightful analysis, this biography sheds new light on the life of one of the great literary figures of the past century."

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Ryan Giggs, Joe Lovejoy

Giggs : The Autobiography

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Fans of Ryan Giggs and Manchester United would enjoy reading about the pivotal role he played in the team's success over the years. Giggs shares his journey from his early days to becoming a pivotal figure in United's renaissance. The book offers a unique perspective into the inner workings of the team and the mind of one of the most decorated players in the club's history.

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Benjamin Mee

We Bought a Zoo (Film Tie-in) : The Amazing True Story of a Broken-Down Zoo, and the 200 Animals That Changed a Family Forever

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When Benjamin Mee decided to uproot his family and move them to an unlikely new home in Devon - a dilapidated zoo where over 200 exotic animals would be their new neighbours - his friends and colleagues thought he was crazy.Benjamin's dream was to refurbish the zoo and run it as a family business. But with a grand reopening scheduled for spring, there was much work to be done and none of it would be easy for these novice zookeepers.Benjamin's story is a remarkable tale of anxious wolves, awkward creditors, escaping big cats, the power of family and the triumph of hope over tragedy.Now a major motion picture starring Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson, directed by Cameron Crowe

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Ginger Rogers

Ginger : My Story

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She was born Virginia Katherine McMath, but the world would come to know her—and love her—as Ginger Rogers: Broadway star, Academy Award-winning actress, and the ultimate on-screen dancing partner of the inimitable Fred Astaire. In Ginger: My Story, the legendary entertainer shares the triumphs of a remarkable career that began when she won a Texas dancing contest at age fourteen; the joys and heartbreaks of her five marriages; her relationships with some of Hollywood's major leading men, including Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart, and damaged daredevil billionaire Howard Hughes; and the strength of her religious convictions that got her through thick and thin.Lavishly illustrated with rare photographs from the author's personal collection, Ginger is an enthralling, behind-the-scenes tour of Hollywood life during the Golden Age of movies by one of its most enduring stars.

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Pauline Loh, Sherena Loh

Shaped For A Purpose

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Meet Sherena Loh. Sherena has Muscular Dystrophy, a debilitating disease in which the muscles progressively weaken. Doctors told her that she would only live until 25 years old. But many years later, Sherena is still alive - and living a full life. She rose above her circumstances and did all the things she never imagined she would be able to do - she graduated with a degree and various diplomas, found fulfilling jobs and even got married. She also helped set up the Muscular Dystrophy Association (Singapore) (MDAS) and currently serves as its Executive Director, dedicating her life to helping other persons with Muscular Dystrophy find purpose beyond their limits. How did she do it? This book is not meant for people with disabilities and their caregivers alone, but for every one of us who has experienced adversity. Read about hoer Sherena developed a positive mindset that helped her conquer her physical, social and psychological struggles - and be inspired to conquer your own mountains.

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William J. Duiker

Ho Chi Minh : A Life

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"Ho Chi Minh: A Life" could be a great read for history enthusiasts and those interested in the life of a charismatic revolutionary leader. The book provides an authoritative account of Ho Chi Minh's life, from his early years to his role in Vietnam's struggle for independence and the complexities of his leadership. The most unique aspect of the book is that it sheds light on a relatively unknown figure who is central to the history of Vietnam and the 20th century in general.

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Anthony Bourdain

Anthony Bourdain Omnibus: "Kitchen Confidential", "A Cook's Tour"

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For food enthusiasts who enjoy reading courageous yet humorous stories about culinary adventures and the underbelly of the food industry, the Anthony Bourdain Omnibus would be a great read. Bourdain's storytelling is raw, unfiltered, and witty, and definitely an adventure from start to finish. Additionally, readers should expect to be taken on a culinary journey and experience some gastronomic shock factor as Bourdain explores cuisines from different parts of the world.

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Isobel Kuhn

By Searching : My Journey Through Doubt into Faith

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Isobel Miller gave up God for worldly pursuits. But as graduation approached and her engagement was broken, she questioned that decision. ‘If You will prove to me that You are, and if You will give me peace, I will give You my whole life.’ God heard Isobel's prayers and responded. He reached out to her, ending years of searching, and building her up for decades of fruitful missionary service with her husband, John Kuhn, in China.

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Mark Victor Hansen, Amy Newmark, Jack Canfield

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Teens Talk Growing Up : Stories about Growing Up, Meeting Challenges, and Learning from Life

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Teens share their personal stories and life lessons with you in these 101 stories about growing up, meeting challenges, and learning from life.Being a teenager is hard but you have lots of friends in the Chicken Soup family. In this collection, we share our 101 best stories with you about growing up, meeting challenges, and learning from life.Teens share their stories with you

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Caspar Lee, Emily Riordan Lee

Caspar Lee

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"If you're a fan of Caspar Lee, this book is a must-read. Written by his mom, it's full of hilarious stories, although he claims 98% of it is lies. With anecdotes about his first day of school, his head size, and his success with the ladies, you'll be entertained from start to finish. Don't take it too seriously, but enjoy it for what it is - an amusing insight into the life of a YouTube sensation."

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Ming Yao, Yao Ming

Yao : A Life in Two Worlds

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The China-born center for the Houston Rockets chronicles his odyssey from his Shanghai youth, through his first year in the NBA and the challenges he has faced, to his role as an international sports icon.

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Da Chen

Colours Of The Mountain

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A unique modern memoir of growing up in rural China, Colours of the Mountain is a powerful and moving story of supreme determination and extraordinary faith against the most impossible odds. Da Chen was born in 1962 in a town over 50 hours' train journey from Beijing. Persecuted because of his family's landlord status, Da was an easy target for the farmer-teachers and bullying peasant boys. Whilst his older brother and sisters were forced to work in the fields, Da tired of the chaotic schooling of the Cultural Revolution and found solace with a band of good-time thugs. Following the death of Mao, an academic meritocracy was reintroduced. Da determined to escape Ch'ing Mountain, where he ran around barefoot and there was no electricity and no future. Together with his brother Jin, who had been working the land since boyhood, he began to study day and night. His determination is staggering and inspiring. In 1978, at the age of sixteen, Da Chen took a bus and a train for the first time in his life and travelled to Beijing, to the best English language institute in China. A book about friendships, prejudice, familial love and academic striving, and of one man's escape from hunger, poverty and ignorance, Colours of the Mountain is an inspiring and eloquently recounted memoir.

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Ted Hughes, Christopher Reid

Letters of Ted Hughes

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The "Letters of Ted Hughes" is an insightful and revealing collection of correspondences that provides a unique glimpse into the life and mind of one of the greatest poets of the 20th century. Hughes' letters are both deeply personal and intellectually stimulating, forming a narrative that covers his life from age 17 until his death. The letters offer an intimate portrait of Hughes, documenting his thoughts, feelings, and experiences as he navigated the complexities of life as a writer. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in poetry, literary history, or the inner lives of great artists.

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Alan Greenspan

The Age of Turbulence. Adventures in a New World

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The Age Of Turbulence is Alan Greenspan’s incomparable reckoning with the contemporary financial world, channeled through his own experiences working in the command room of the global economy longer and with greater effect than any other single living figure. Following the arc of his remarkable life’s journey through his more than eighteen-year tenure as chairman of the Federal Reserve Board to the present, in the second half of The Age of Turbulence Dr. Greenspan embarks on a magnificent tour d’horizon of the global economy. The distillation of a life’s worth of wisdom and insight into an elegant expression of a coherent worldview, The Age of Turbulence will stand as Alan Greenspan’s personal and intellectual legacy.

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Colin Powell, Joseph E. Persico

My American Journey

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Recommended for those seeking motivation and leadership insights. Powell shares his transformation from a regular kid in Harlem to serving in the military, working at the White House, and eventually becoming the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. His inspiring story and leadership lessons can motivate and guide readers.

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A Legacy to My Sons: A Father's Reflections on Aspirations, Values and Life

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Author: Jimmy Teo
Format: English Books
Publication Date: 2012/01

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Kathryn Harrison

Seeking Rapture - A Memoir

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From the bestselling author of THE BINDING CHAIR, this greatly acclaimed and dazzling follow-up to her memoir THE KISS explores the bonds of motherhood between four generations.When Kathryn Harrison was a little girl, her young mother left her in the care of her British grandmother who was raised in Shanghai. To Kathryn, her mother's mother seemed an almost unimaginably powerful figure: an imperious arbiter of good taste and a master storyteller, who, when coaxed, might reveal stories of a magic and vanished world. She jilted an array of suitable men before concluding that she was not quite modern enough to have a baby without a husband. At the age of 43 she finally married, and the fruit of this union, Harrison's mother, was no more interested than she in being bound by convention. An occasional witness to her daughter's growth to adulthood, she would appear sporadically in film-star clothes and urge unwanted glamour on her shy child. Harrison grew up a spectator of the remarkable, striving to comprehend these women and yet find her own way to live.In this witty, touching memoir, Harrison writes of the ties that bind mothers to their children – and the forces that can drive them apart. She ponders the legacy of storytelling she inherited from her grandmother, and peers into the deep well of family history from which she draws inspiration for her novels. Reconsidering her past as she watches her own children grow, she recalls the thrilling risk of shoplifting; the longing for perfection that resulted in a fierce eating disorder; the thunderous fights that showed how impossible and how necessary it was to leave home. SEEKING RAPTURE conveys the aching tenderness Harrison feels toward her children, and her awe of their imaginary worlds that no adult can enter. This powerfully evocative book will awaken readers to sift through their own sense of motherhood, loss and regeneration. In prose that sings, SEEKING RAPTURE chronicles the unforgettable episodes that form the drama of domestic life.

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Oliver Sacks

Uncle Tungsten : Memories of a Chemical Boyhood

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Oliver Sacks's luminous memoir charts the growth of a mind. Born in 1933 into a family of formidably intelligent London Jews, he discovered the wonders of the physical sciences early from his parents and their flock of brilliant siblings, most notably "Uncle Tungsten" (real name, Dave), who "manufactured lightbulbs with filaments of fine tungsten wire." Metals were the substances that first attracted young Oliver, and his descriptions of their colors, textures, and properties are as sensuous and romantic as an art lover's rhapsodies over an Old Master. Seamlessly interwoven with his personal recollections is a masterful survey of scientific history, with emphasis on the great chemists like Robert Boyle, Antoine Lavoisier, and Humphry Davy (Sacks's personal hero). Yet this is not a dry intellectual autobiography; his parents in particular, both doctors, are vividly sketched. His sociable father loved house calls and "was drawn to medicine because its practice was central in human society," while his shy mother "had an intense feeling for structure ... for her [medicine] was part of natural history and biology." For young Oliver, unhappy at the brutal boarding school he was sent to during the war, and afraid that he would become mentally ill like his older brother, chemistry was a refuge in an uncertain world. He would outgrow his passion for metals and become a neurologist, but as readers of Awakenings and The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat know, he would never leave behind his conviction that science is a profoundly human endeavor. --Wendy Smith

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Dive Into Real-Life Stories

Biographies and memoirs offer unparalleled insights into the lives and minds of individuals who've shaped our world. Be it political icons, celebrities, or unsung heroes, Thryft brings you a rich assortment of stories that reveal extraordinary experiences and life lessons. Embark on a journey through time as you explore the personal tales that have influenced history and culture.