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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Gyalo Thondup, Anne F. Thurston

The Noodle Maker of Kalimpong : My Untold Story of the Struggle for Tibet

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For over half a century, noodlemaker Gyalo Thondup has been a familiar figure in the Himalayan hill town of Kalimpong. But it was not until 2010 that the townsfolk discovered his true identity: Gyalo Thondup is none other than the older brother of the Dalai Lama and his special envoy, a trusted interlocutor between Tibet and foreign leaders from Chiang Kai-shek to Jawaharlal Nehru, Zhou Enlai to Deng Xiaoping. Indeed, only the Dalai Lama himself has played a more important role in the political history of modern, tragedy-ridden Tibet.Now, for the first time, Gyalo Thondup is prepared to tell his story. His remarkable account offers an intimate, personal look at the Dalai Lama and his immediate family, as well as an insider's view of the vicious and sometimes deadly struggles within the Potala Palace - the seat of power in Tibet. His is a story of the 'real' Tibet - a country that is secular as well as sacred, where the source of conflict is not just with China but between Tibetans themselves. Candid and insightful, this long-awaited account reveals Gyalo Thondup to have been a key figure in the great game played out by China, India, Russia and the United States over the strategically important Tibetan plateau.

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Wendy Lesser

Why I Read

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Why I Read provides a unique and personalized insight into the joys and challenges that come with reading. With a broad view of literature, Lesser explores the different aspects that create a truly meaningful reading experience. This book is perfect for anyone looking to expand their reading list, deepen their appreciation for literature, or simply indulge in the pleasures of a great book.

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Michelle Thomas

My Sh*t Therapist : & Other Mental Health Stories

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My Sh*t Therapist is perfect for individuals who are looking for a relatable and humorous take on living with mental illness. Michelle Thomas's honest and refreshing accounts of her own struggles and those of others are captivating and engaging. This book's unique feature is its unapologetic and humorous approach to the realities of living with mental illness. It is highly recommended for anyone who wants to feel less alone, start a conversation about mental health, and be thoroughly entertained.

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Anne Frank, Harry Brockway, su Massotty

The Diary of a Young Girl : The Definitive Edition

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Anne Frank's diary offers an intimate and unfiltered perspective of life in hiding during a time of unspeakable terror. Her words resonate with the universal feelings of adolescence, yet are steeped in the specific challenges of her circumstances. With honesty, optimism, and a wisdom beyond her years, Anne's account isn't just historical—it's deeply human. This book could be a profound experience if you're interested in personal stories from World War II, or in seeing the strength of the human spirit through the eyes of a young girl.

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Lily Collins

Unfiltered: No Shame, No Regrets, Just Me

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In this groundbreaking debut essay collection, featuring never-before-seen photos, actress Lily Collins—star of Mortal Instruments and the upcoming Rules Don’t Apply—is opening a poignant, honest conversation about the things young women struggle with: body image, self-confidence, relationships, family, dating, and so much more.For the first time ever, Lily shares her life and her own deepest secrets, underlining that every single one of us experiences pain and heartbreak. We all understand what it’s like to live in the light and in the dark. For Lily, it’s about making it through to the other side, where you love what you see in the mirror and where you embrace yourself just as you are. She's learned that all it takes is one person standing up and saying something for everyone else to realize they’re not alone.By turns hilarious and heartbreaking, Lily’s honest voice will inspire you to be who you are and say what you feel. It’s time to claim your voice! It’s time to live your life unfiltered.

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Aldous Huxley, David Bradshaw

Texts and Pretexts

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"Texts and Pretexts" could be a good read for poetry enthusiasts who want to gain a deeper understanding of the meaning and context behind famous poems. Aldous Huxley's commentaries provide insightful and thought-provoking analysis on various works of poetry, making this book a unique and valuable addition to any poetry lover's collection.

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Jean Overton Fuller

Noor-un-nisa Inayat Khan: Madeleine: George Cross MBE, Croix de Guerre with Gold Star

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This book could be a good read for someone who is interested in learning about incredible acts of bravery and resilience during World War II. It tells the true story of Noor-un-nisa Inayat Khan, a remarkable woman who defied the odds and risked everything to fight against the Nazis. Through her harrowing journey as a prisoner and her ultimate sacrifice, Noor's story will leave you inspired and in awe of her unwavering courage.

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Maguire Toni

Don't Tell Mummy : A True Story of the Ultimate Betrayal

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Recommended for readers who want to gain insight into the long-term impact of sexual abuse on victims and how they cope with it. The book is a heart-wrenching memoir that portrays the author's emotional and psychological journey from childhood to adulthood, and how she learns to deal with the anguish caused by her father's sexual abuse. Toni Maguire brings clarity and raw honesty to the subject, often eliciting empathy from readers.

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Frank McCourt

Angela's Ashes

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"Angela's Ashes" is a heart-wrenching memoir that showcases the resilience of a family in poverty. Frank McCourt narrates his childhood and tells the story of his mother Angela, who fights every day to provide for her children, and his alcoholic father Malachy who adds to their troubles. Despite its harsh realities, the book is written with McCourt's characteristic sense of humor, making readers laugh and cry. This book is a perfect read for those interested in stories of human struggle, family dynamics, and Irish culture.

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Michael Lewis

The Undoing Project : A Friendship That Changed Our Minds

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Bestselling author Michael Lewis examines how a Nobel Prize–winning theory of the mind altered our perception of reality.Forty years ago, Israeli psychologists Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky wrote a series of breathtakingly original studies undoing our assumptions about the decision-making process. Their papers showed the ways in which the human mind erred, systematically, when forced to make judgments about uncertain situations. Their work created the field of behavioral economics, revolutionized Big Data studies, advanced evidence-based medicine, led to a new approach to government regulation, and made much of Michael Lewis’s own work possible. Kahneman and Tversky are more responsible than anybody for the powerful trend to mistrust human intuition and defer to algorithms.The Undoing Project is about the fascinating collaboration between two men who have the dimensions of great literary figures. They became heroes in the university and on the battlefield―both had important careers in the Israeli military―and their research was deeply linked to their extraordinary life experiences. In the process they may well have changed, for good, mankind’s view of its own mind.

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Maryam Rostampour, Marziyeh Amirizadeh, Anne Graham Lotz

Captive In Iran

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Captive In Iran is a gripping recount of the courage and unwavering faith of Maryam and Marziyeh. The book is a must-read for those seeking inspiration and hope in the most adverse of circumstances. The unique and distinctive factor of the book lies in how the two women chose to share their faith in the face of death inside a prison known for its brutality, giving hope to those who had lost everything and showing love to those in despair.

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John Carreyrou

Bad Blood : Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup

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The full inside story of the breathtaking rise and shocking collapse of a multibillion-dollar startup, by the prize-winning journalist who first broke the story and pursued it to the end in the face of pressure and threats from the CEO and her lawyers.In 2014, Theranos founder and CEO Elizabeth Holmes was widely seen as the female Steve Jobs: a brilliant Stanford dropout whose startup "unicorn" promised to revolutionize the medical industry with a machine that would make blood tests significantly faster and easier. Backed by investors such as Larry Ellison and Tim Draper, Theranos sold shares in a fundraising round that valued the company at $9 billion, putting Holmes's worth at an estimated $4.7 billion. There was just one problem: The technology didn't work.For years, Holmes had been misleading investors, FDA officials, and her own employees. When Carreyrou, working at The Wall Street Journal, got a tip from a former Theranos employee and started asking questions, both Carreyrou and the Journal were threatened with lawsuits. Undaunted, the newspaper ran the first of dozens of Theranos articles in late 2015. By early 2017, the company's value was zero and Holmes faced potential legal action from the government and her investors. Here is the riveting story of the biggest corporate fraud since Enron, a disturbing cautionary tale set amid the bold promises and gold-rush frenzy of Silicon Valley.

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John LeFevre

Straight to Hell : True Tales of Deviance, Debauchery, and Billion-Dollar Deals

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“Some chick asked me what I would do with 10 million bucks. I told her I’d wonder where the rest of my money went.”—@GSElevatorDarkly funny, remarkably revealing, and utterly unapologetic, Straight to Hell is John LeFevre’s own account of his adventures as a globe-conquering investment banker whose career spanned New York, London, and Hong Kong. Sitting above the “Chinese Wall” separating investment banking and sales and trading, in a senior position with a unique vantage point, LeFevre did billion-dollar deals with sovereign borrowers, prestigious multinational corporations, and every bank on Wall Street, not to mention Chinese tycoons and Indonesian thugs, and shot up the ranks to be one of the most prolific bond syndicate managers in Asia. He also got banned from the Four Seasons, where he was living at the time, totaled his brand-new Maserati, and indulged in riotous debauchery on and off the trading floor.Hundreds of thousands follow LeFevre’s @GSElevator Twitter account; Goldman Sachs launched an internal investigation into his tweets, and when his true identity was revealed, it created a national media firestorm—but that was only part of the story. Straight to Hell delves deep inside an industry that is both envied and reviled, taking you from the training programs, trading floors, and roadshows to private planes, shady deals, and after-hours overindulgence. This is not a moralistic tale of redemption. Full of shocking rule-breaking, frat-boyish antics, and win-at-all-cost schemes, Straight to Hell brazenly pulls back the curtain on the deviant and absolutely excessive world of finance. Also included are some of the best lines from @GSElevator, created and curated by LeFevre.Prepare yourself and buckle up, because this is one of the most entertaining and eye-opening books ever written about the world of finance.

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Dalai Lama XIV

Freedom in Exile: the Autobiography of the Dalai Lama

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Book by Dalai Lama XIV

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Po Bronson

What Should I Do with My Life? - The True Story of People who Answered the Ultimate Question

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“Brimming with stories of sacrifice, courage, commitment and, sometimes, failure, the book will support anyone pondering a major life choice or risk without force-feeding them pat solutions.”— Publishers WeeklyIn  What Should I Do with My Life ? Po Bronson tells the inspirational true stories of people who have found the most meaningful answers to that great question. With humor, empathy, and insight, Bronson writes of remarkable individuals—from young to old, from those just starting out to those in a second career—who have overcome fear and confusion to find a larger truth about their lives and, in doing so, have been transformed by the experience. What Should I Do with My Life?  struck a powerful, resonant chord on publication, causing a multitude of people to rethink their vocations and priorities and start on the path to finding their true place in the world. For this edition, Bronson has added nine new profiles, to further reflect the range and diversity of those who broke away from the chorus to learn the sound of their own voice.

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Donald J. Trump, Mark Burnett, Robert T. Kiyosaki

Midas Touch : Why Some Entrepreneurs Get Rich-And Why Most Don't

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This book is a goldmine for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to understand the secrets behind achieving exceptional success. Through the compelling insights of Donald Trump and Robert Kiyosaki, you'll learn how to develop strength of character, stay focused, build a powerful brand, nurture valuable relationships, and master the art of paying attention to the little things that truly matter. If you're hungry for entrepreneurial wisdom and ready to take your business to the next level, Midas Touch is an invaluable guide that will transform your mindset and fuel your journey towards becoming a successful entrepreneur.

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Nadia Murad, Amal Clooney

The Last Girl - My Story Of Captivity, And My Fight Against The Islamic State

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The Last Girl is an inspiring memoir of Nadia Murad's unbelievable journey of survival as an ISIS captive and her subsequent fight as a human rights activist. Through her bravery and resilience, she sheds light on the atrocities committed against the Yazidi community. The book offers insight into the struggles of women in conflict zones and empowers readers to fight for justice and human rights.

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Roz Chast

Can't We Talk about Something More Pleasant? : A Memoir

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"Can't We Talk about Something More Pleasant?" is a heartwarming yet humorous memoir on aging parents and dealing with loss. Roz Chast's signature wit is on full display as she tells the story of her parents' final years through art, photos, and narratives. Its universal themes of accepting parental roles, dealing with logistics, and managing personal care make it relatable and comforting to those who have faced similar situations.

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Paul Kalanithi

When Breath Becomes Air

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This book is a powerful reflection on the fragility of life and the pursuit of meaning in the face of mortality. Through the lens of a neurosurgeon-turned-patient, it delves into profound questions about the essence of existence. Kalanithi's eloquent writing and personal journey will leave you contemplating your own life's purpose and cherishing the moments that truly matter. A must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of life and the human experience.

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Neil Irwin

The Alchemists : Three Central Bankers and a World on Fire

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The inside story of the world’s most powerful central bankers—and the most intense exercise in economic crisis management the world has ever seenSuddenly, without warning, in August 2007, three men who had never been elected to public office found themselves the most powerful people in the world. They were the leaders of the world’s three most important central Ben Bernanke of the U.S. Federal Reserve, Mervyn King of the Bank of England, and Jean-Claude Trichet of the European Central Bank. In The Alchemists , Washington Post reporter Neil Irwin presents the truly global story of the central bankers’ role in the world economy that we have been missing. Definitive, revelatory, and riveting, it shows us where money comes from—and where it may well be going.

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Marcus Aurelius

Meditations

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This book, "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius, is a hidden gem filled with profound insights and guidance. It offers a unique perspective from a Roman emperor who also happened to be a stoic philosopher. Through Aurelius' personal notes, you'll explore the complexities of human nature, rationality, and moral virtue. This timeless masterpiece is perfect for those seeking inner wisdom and harmony amidst the chaos of life. So, if you're ready to uncover the secrets to finding balance, this book is a must-read!

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Piper Kerman

Orange is the New Black : My Time in a Women's Prison

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With her career, live-in boyfriend and loving family, Piper Kerman barely resembles the rebellious young woman who got mixed up with drug runners and delivered a suitcase of drug money to Europe over a decade ago. But when she least expects it, her reckless past catches up with her; convicted and sentenced to fifteen months at an infamous women's prison in Connecticut, Piper becomes inmate #11187-424. From her first strip search to her final release, she learns to navigate this strange world with its arbitrary rules and codes, its unpredictable, even dangerous relationships. She meets women from all walks of life, who surprise her with tokens of generosity, hard truths and simple acts of acceptance.

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Sydney Padua

The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace and Babbage : The (Mostly) True Story of the First Computer

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In The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace and Babbage Sydney Padua transforms one of the most compelling scientific collaborations into a hilarious set of adventuresMeet two of Victorian London's greatest geniuses... Ada Lovelace, daughter of Lord Byron: mathematician, gambler, and proto-programmer, whose writings contained the first ever appearance of general computing theory, a hundred years before an actual computer was built. And Charles Babbage, eccentric inventor of the Difference Engine, an enormous clockwork calculating machine that would have been the first computer, if he had ever finished it.But what if things had been different? The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace and Babbage presents a delightful alternate reality in which Lovelace and Babbage do build the Difference Engine and use it to create runaway economic models, battle the scourge of spelling errors, explore the wider realms of mathematics and, of course, fight crime - for the sake of both London and science. Extremely funny and utterly unusual, The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace and Babbage comes complete with historical curiosities, extensive footnotes and never-before-seen diagrams of Babbage's mechanical, steam-powered computer. And ray guns.

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Kevin Hart

I Can't Make This Up : Life Lessons

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Superstar comedian and Hollywood box office star Kevin Hart turns his immense talent to the written word by writing some words. Some of those words include:  the ,  a ,  for ,  above , and even  even . Put them together and you have the funniest, most heartfelt, and most inspirational memoir on survival, success, and the importance of believing in yourself since  Old Yeller . It begins in North Philadelphia. He was born an accident, unwanted by his parents. His father was a drug addict who was in and out of jail. His brother was a crack dealer and petty thief. And his mother was overwhelmingly strict, beating him with belts, frying pans, and his own toys. The odds, in short, were stacked against our young hero, just like the odds that are stacked against the release of a new book in this era of social media (where Hart has a following of over 100 million, by the way). But Kevin Hart, like Ernest Hemingway, JK Rowling, and Chocolate Droppa before him, was able to defy the odds and turn it around. In his literary debut, he takes the reader on a journey through what his life was, what it is now, and how he's overcome each challenge to become the man he is today. And that man happens to be the biggest comedian in the world, with tours that sell out football stadiums and films that have collectively grossed over $3.5 billion. He achieved this not just through hard work, determination, and talent: It was through his unique way of looking at the world. Because just like a book has chapters, Hart sees life as a collection of chapters that each person gets to write for himself or herself. "Not only do you get to choose how you interpret each chapter, but your interpretation writes the next chapter," he says. "So why not choose the interpretation that serves your life the best?"Candid, wickedly funny, and unforgettable, I Can't Make This Up is more than a memoir. It is a training manual designed to teach you a positive, drama-free outlook on life and code of conduct that will serve you, serve others, and serve your biggest, boldest dreams.

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Catherine Belton

Putin's People : How the KGB Took Back Russia and Then Took on the West

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A chilling and revelatory expose of the KGB’s renaissance, Putin’s rise to power, and how Russian black cash is subverting the world.In Putin’s People, former Moscow correspondent and investigative journalist Catherine Belton reveals the untold story of how Vladimir Putin and his entourage of KGB men seized power in Russia and built a new league of oligarchs.Through exclusive interviews with key inside players, Belton tells how Putin’s people conducted their relentless seizure of private companies, took over the economy, siphoned billions, blurred the lines between organised crime and political powers, shut down opponents, and then used their riches and power to extend influence in the West.In a story that ranges from Moscow to London, Switzerland and Trump’s America, Putin’s People is a gripping and terrifying account of how hopes for the new Russia went astray, with stark consequences for its inhabitants and, increasingly, the world.

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David Lebovitz

The Sweet Life in Paris : Delicious Adventures in the World's Most Glorious - and Perplexing - City

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From the New York Times bestselling author of  My Paris Kitchen and L'Appart, a deliciously funny, offbeat, and irreverent look at the city of lights, cheese, chocolate, and other confections.Like so many others, David Lebovitz dreamed about living in Paris ever since he first visited the city and after a nearly two-decade career as a pastry chef and cookbook author, he finally moved to Paris to start a new life. Having crammed all his worldly belongings into three suitcases, he arrived, hopes high, at his new apartment in the lively Bastille neighborhood. But he soon discovered it's a different world en France .From learning the ironclad rules of social conduct to the mysteries of men's footwear, from shopkeepers who work so hard not to sell you anything to the etiquette of working the right way around the cheese plate, here is David's story of how he came to fall in love with—and even understand—this glorious, yet sometimes maddening, city.When did he realize he had morphed into un vrai parisien ? It might have been when he found himself considering a purchase of men's dress socks with cartoon characters on them. Or perhaps the time he went to a bank with 135 euros in hand to make a 134-euro payment, was told the bank had no change that day, and thought it was completely normal. Or when he found himself dressing up to take out the garbage because he had come to accept that in Paris appearances and image mean everything.Once you stop laughing, the more than fifty original recipes, for dishes both savory and sweet, such as Pork Loin with Brown Sugar–Bourbon Glaze, Braised Turkey in Beaujolais Nouveau with Prunes, Bacon and Bleu Cheese Cake, Chocolate-Coconut Marshmallows, Chocolate Spice Bread, Lemon-Glazed Madeleines, and Mocha–Crème Fraîche Cake, will have you running to the kitchen for your own taste of Parisian living.

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Shaun Bythell

Confessions of a Bookseller : THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

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"Do you have a list of your books, or do I just have to stare at them?"Shaun Bythell is the owner of The Bookshop in Wigtown, Scotland. With more than a mile of shelving, real log fires in the shop and the sea lapping nearby, the shop should be an idyll for bookworms.Unfortunately, Shaun also has to contend with bizarre requests from people who don't understand what a shop is, home invasions during the Wigtown Book Festival and Granny, his neurotic Italian assistant who likes digging for river mud to make poultices.The Diary of a Bookseller (soon to be a major TV series) introduced us to the joys and frustrations of life lived in books. Sardonic and sympathetic in equal measure, Confessions of a Bookseller will reunite readers with the characters they've come to know and love.

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Anthony Sadler

The 15:17 To Paris. Film Tie-N - The True Story Of A Terrorist, A Train And Three American Heroes

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The 15:17 To Paris is a must-read book for those interested in real-life stories of bravery and heroism. It is a gripping, powerful story that shows the strength of human unity and courage in the face of terrorism. Through the personal experiences of the three friends who averted the tragedy, readers will gain insight into the importance of loyalty, support, and faith in challenging situations. The book is not only a tribute to their extraordinary act of bravery but also a reminder of the power of friendship, and the strength of the human spirit.

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Scott Jurek

North: Finding My Way While Running the Appalachian Trail

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North is a captivating read that documents Scott Jurek's journey to breaking records on the Appalachian Trail- covering 2,200 miles between Georgia and Maine. With insights into running and descriptions of the route's awe-inspiring landscape, North will leave you inspired, whether or not running is your thing.

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Walter Isaacson

Benjamin Franklin : An American Life

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Benjamin Franklin: An American Life could be a great read for history buffs who are interested in US political history and the life of one of America's founding fathers. Walter Isaacson portrays Franklin in an intriguing manner that showcases his practical and determined personality, bringing his legacy to life. Readers will gain insights into Franklin's long-lasting impact on America's identity and his instrumental role in the Revolutionary War.

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Glennon Doyle

Untamed : Stop Pleasing, Start Living: THE NO.1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

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‘Untamed will liberate women - emotionally, spiritually, and physically. It is phenomenal.’ (Elizabeth Gilbert, author of City of Girls and Eat Pray Love) Who were you before the world told you who to be? Part inspiration, part memoir, Untamed explores the joy and peace we discover when we stop striving to meet the expectations of the world, and instead dare to listen to and trust in the voice deep inside us. From the beloved New York Times bestselling author, speaker and activist Glennon Doyle.*****For many years, Glennon Doyle denied her discontent. Then, while speaking at a conference, she looked at a woman across the room and fell instantly in love. Three words flooded her mind: There. She. Is. At first, Glennon assumed these words came to her from on high but soon she realised they had come to her from within. This was the voice she had buried beneath decades of numbing addictions and social conditioning. Glennon decided to let go of the world’s expectations of her and reclaim her true untamed self.Soulful and uproarious, forceful and tender, Untamed is both an intimate memoir and a galvanising wake-up call. It is the story of how one woman learned that a responsible mother is not one who slowly dies for her children, but one who shows them how to fully live. It is also the story of how each of us can begin to trust ourselves enough to set boundaries, make peace with our bodies, honour our anger and heartbreak, and unleash our truest, wildest instincts.Untamed shows us how to be brave. And, as Glennon insists, 'The braver we are, the luckier we get.'

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Åsne Seierstad

One of Us : The Story of Anders Breivik and the Massacre in Norway

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One of Us is a powerful and sobering account of the 2011 terrorist attacks in Norway. Asne Seierstad's journalistic approach provides a deeply insightful perspective into the tragedy, examining both the killer and the victims. While the subject matter is heavy, the book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of modern-day violence and its impact on communities.

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Robert M. Gates

Exercise of Power : American Failures, Successes, and a New Path Forward in the Post-Cold War World

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From the former secretary of defense and author of the acclaimed #1 best-selling memoir, Duty, a candid, sweeping examination of power in all its manifestations, and how it has been exercised, for good and bad, by American presidents in the post-Cold War world.Since the end of the Cold War, the global perception of the United States has progressively morphed from dominant international leader to disorganized entity, seemingly unwilling to accept the mantle of leadership or unable to govern itself effectively. Robert Gates argues that this transformation is the result of the failure of political leaders to understand the complexity of American power, its expansiveness, and its limitations. He makes clear that the successful exercise of power is not limited to the use of military might or the ability to coerce or demand submission, but must encompass as well diplomacy, economics, strategic communications, development assistance, intelligence, technology, ideology, and cyber. By analyzing specific challenges faced by the American government in the post-Cold War period--Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, North Korea, Syria, Libya, Russia, China and others--Gates deconstructs the ways in which leaders have used the instruments of power available to them. With forthright judgments of the performance of past presidents and their senior-most advisors, first-hand knowledge, and insider stories, Gates argues that U.S. national security in the future will require learning, and abiding by, the lessons of the past, and re-creating those capabilities that the misuse of power has cost the nation.

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Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead
New
Sheryl Sandberg

Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead

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If you've ever found yourself hesitating at the threshold of your professional ambition or questioning your merit in the face of challenges, "Lean In" could be the nudge you need. Sheryl Sandberg doesn't just share her own journey; she arms you with actionable insights and encourages a collective rethink about gender dynamics in the workplace. It's the kind of book that doesn't just echo inside boardrooms and offices but within the inner chambers of your own resolve.

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Issa Rae

The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl

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I’m awkward—and black. Someone once told me those were the two worst things anyone could be. That someone was right. Where do I start?Being an introvert (as well as “funny,” according to the Los Angeles Times) in a world that glorifies cool isn’t easy. But when Issa Rae, the creator of the Shorty Award-winning hit series The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, is that introvert—whether she’s navigating love, the workplace, friendships, or “rapping”—it sure is entertaining. Now, in this New York Times bestselling debut collection written in her witty and self-deprecating voice, Rae covers everything from cybersexing in the early days of the Internet to deflecting unsolicited comments on weight gain, from navigating the perils of eating out alone and public displays of affection to learning to accept yourself—natural hair and all.The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl is a book no one—awkward or cool, black, white, or other—will want to miss.

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Abby Ellin

Duped : Compulsive Liars and How They Can Deceive You

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An investigation into the people who lead secret double lives--and why their loved ones don't catch on--drawing on the author's personal experience. From the day Abby Ellin's went on her first date with The Commander, she was caught up in a whirlwind. Within five months he'd proposed, and they'd moved in together. But there were red flags: strange stories of international espionage, involving Osama Bin Laden and the Pentagon. And soon his stories began to unravel until she discovered, far later than she'd have liked, that he was a complete and utter fraud.When Ellin wrote about her experience in Psychology Today, the responses were unlike anything she'd experienced as a reporter. Legions of people wrote in with similar stories, of otherwise sharp-witted and self-aware people being taken in by ludicrous scams. Why was it so hard to spot these outlandish stories? Why were so many of the perpetrators male, and so many of the victims female? Was there something universal at play here?In Duped, Abby Ellin plunges headlong into the world of double lives. Studying the art and science of lying, talking to women who've had their worlds turned upside down, and writing with great openness about her own mistakes, she lays the phenomenon bare. It is a strangely relatable trip to the fringe of our normal world. You'll come away with a new appreciation for just how strange and improbable our everyday lives really are.

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Lilly Singh

How to Be a Bawse : A Guide to Conquering Life

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This book could be a good read for millennials who need guidance on how to achieve success in life. Lilly Singh shares her own experiences to help readers learn to conquer their fears and boost self-confidence while working towards their goals. The book offers a no-nonsense approach to success and encourages readers to work hard, stay focused, and stay committed to their dreams.

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Anchee Min

The Cooked Seed

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Recommended for readers seeking an inspiring story of overcoming obstacles, cultural adaptation, and personal growth. Anchee Min's candid and captivating writing style vividly portrays her experience as a Chinese immigrant in America, making this memoir a must-read.

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Mineko Iwasaki, Rande Brown

Geisha of Gion

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GEISHA, A LIFE ""No woman in the three-hundred-year history of the karyukai has ever come forward in public to tell her story. We have been constrained by unwritten rules not to do so, by the robes of tradition and by the sanctity of our exclusive calling...But I feel it is time to speak out.""Celebrated as the most successful geisha of her generation, Mineko Iwasaki was only five years old when she left her parents' home for the world of the geisha. For the next twenty-five years, she would live a life filled with extraordinary professional demands and rich rewards. She would learn the formal customs and language of the geisha, and study the ancient arts of Japanese dance and music. She would enchant kings and princes, captains of industry, and titans of the entertainment world, some of whom would become her dearest friends. Through great pride and determination, she would be hailed as one of the most prized geishas in Japan's history, and one of the last great practitioners of this now fading art form.In "Geisha, a Life," Mineko Iwasaki tells her story, from her warm early childhood, to her intense yet privileged upbringing in the Iwasaki okiya (household), to her years as a renowned geisha, and finally, to her decision at the age of twenty-nine to retire and marry, a move that would mirror the demise of geisha culture. Mineko brings to life the beauty and wonder of Gion Kobu, a place that "existed in a world apart, a special realm whose mission and identity depended on preserving the time-honored traditions of the past." She illustrates how it coexisted within post-World War II Japan at a time when the country was undergoing its radical transformation from apost-feudal society to a modern one."There is much mystery and misunderstanding about what it means to be a geisha. I hope this story will help explain what it is really like and also serve as a record of this unique component of Japan's cultural history," writes Mineko Iwasaki. "Geisha, a Life" is the first of its kind, as it delicately unfolds the fabric of a geisha's development. Told with great wisdom and sensitivity, it is a true story of beauty and heroism, and of a time and culture rarely revealed to the Western world.

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Evan Wright

Generation Kill

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Another nameless town, another target for First Recon. It's only five in the afternoon, but a sandtorm has plunged everything into a hellish twilight of murky, red dust. On rooftops, in alleyways lurk militiamen with machine guns, AK rifles and the odd rocket-propelled grenade. Artillery bombardment has shattered the town's sewers and rubble is piled up in lagoons of human excrement. It stinks. Welcome to Iraq...First Recon are the special forces of the US Marine Corps, a lean, mean fighting machine trained to perfection and spoiling for action. This is their story as they spearhead the blitzkrieg on Iraq - a story of extreme bravery, borderline lunacy, touching camaraderie and breathtaking violence on the road to Baghdad.First Recon's thankless task is to race ahead of the main coalition forces to spring enemy ambushes, earning them the nickname 'First Suicide Battalion'. Generation Kill allows an intimate look at how people fighting in war actually experience it, as the voices of soldiers on the front line are heard for the first time.

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Robert S. Boynton

The Invitation-Only Zone : The Extraordinary Story of North Korea's Abduction Project

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Throughout the late 1970s and early '80s, dozens of Japanese citizens were abducted from coastal Japanese towns by North Korean commandos. In what proved to be part of a global project, North Korea attempted to reeducate the abductees and train them to spy on the state's behalf. When the project faltered, the abductees were hidden in a series of guarded communities known as "Invitation-Only Zones"--the fiction being that these were exclusive enclaves, not prisons.In 2002, Kim Jong Il admitted to kidnapping thirteen Japanese citizens and returned five of them (the other eight, he said, had died). From the moment that Robert S. Boynton first saw a photograph of these men and women, he became obsessed with the window their story provided into the vexed politics of Northeast Asia. In The Invitation-Only Zone, he untangles the logic behind the kidnappings and shows why some Japanese citizens described them as "their 9/11." He tells the story of how dozens were abducted and reeducated; how they married and had children; and how they lived anonymously as North Korean citizens. He speaks with nationalists, diplomats, abductees, and even crab fishermen, unearthing the bizarre North Korean propaganda tactics and the peculiar cultural interests of both counties.A deeply reported, thoroughly researched treatise on the power struggle of one of the most important areas in the global economy, Boynton's keen investigation is riveting and revelatory.

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Christopher Hitchens

Hitch 22 - A Memoir

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Recommendation: Hitch 22 is a must-read for those interested in intellectual discourse. Hitchens' unique perspective on a range of issues is both thought-provoking and entertaining. The book provides a rare glimpse into the mind of one of the most brilliant contrarians of our time.

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Mary Giuliani

Tiny Hot Dogs - A Memoir In Small Bites

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Recommendation: Mary Giuliani's humorous yet inspiring journey from an insecure child to a successful caterer will make you laugh, cry and crave tiny hot dogs. A must-read for anyone looking for a fresh and personal memoir filled with entertaining stories and relatable insights on overcoming obstacles and pursuing dreams.

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Jack Welch

Winning : The Ultimate Business How-to Book

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Recommendation: - If you are an ambitious individual looking to succeed in the competitive business world, "Winning" is a must-read. Jack Welch, the former CEO of General Electric, shares his invaluable insights on how to navigate the challenges of business. This book is packed with practical advice and strategies for success, making it an essential guide for anyone looking to thrive in their career.

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Neil Strauss

Game : Undercover In The Secret Society Of Pick-up Artists

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Hidden somewhere, in nearly every major city in the world, is an underground seduction lair. And in these lairs, men trade the most devastatingly effective techniques ever invented to charm women. This is not fiction. These men really exist. They live together in houses known as Projects. And Neil Strauss, the bestselling author, spent two years living among them, using the pseudonym Style to protect his real-life identity. The result is one of the most explosive and controversial books of the year—guaranteed to change the lives of men and transform the way women understand the opposite sex forever. On his journey from AFC (average frustrated chump) to PUA (pick-up artist) to PUG (pick-up guru), Strauss not only shares scores of original seduction techniques but also has unforgettable encounters with the likes of Tom Cruise, Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, Heidi Fleiss, and Courtney Love. And then things really start to get strange—and passions lead to betrayals lead to violence. The Game is the story of one man's transformation from frog to prince—to prisoner in the most unforgettable book of the year.

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Olaudah Equiano

The Life of Olaudah Equiano : Or Gustavus Vassa, the African

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The Life of Olaudah Equiano is an essential read for anyone interested in African-American history and the struggle for equal rights. Equiano's vivid descriptions of his homeland and his harrowing experience aboard a slave ship make this book a powerful indictment of the horrors of slavery. His journey from captivity to freedom, and his later work as a key figure in the British abolitionist movement, make this book an inspiring account of human resilience and the fight for dignity.

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Frank McCourt

Angela's Ashes

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Recommended for those who enjoy heartfelt memoirs and stories of perseverance. McCourt's writing style is marked with humor and compassion despite the difficult circumstances he endured.

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Adharanand Finn

Running with the Kenyans : Discovering the secrets of the fastest people on earth

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Completely satisfying, as well-paced and exhilarating as a good run."--"The Boston Globe" Whether running is your recreation or your religion, Adharanand Finn's incredible journey to the elite training camps of Kenya will captivate and inspire you, as he ventures to uncover the secrets of the fastest people on earth. Finn's mesmerizing quest combines a fresh look at barefoot running, practical advice on the sport, and the fulfillment of a lifelong dream: to run with his heroes. Uprooting his family of five, Finn traveled to a small, chaotic town in the Rift Valley province of Kenya--a mecca for long-distance runners, thanks to its high altitude, endless paths, and some of the top training schools in the world. There Finn would run side by side with Olympic champions, young hopefuls, and barefoot schoolchildren, and meet a cast of unforgettable characters. Amid the daily challenges of training and of raising a family abroad, Finn would learn invaluable lessons about running--and about life. With a new Afterword by the author "Not everyone gets to heaven in their lifetime. Adharanand Finn tried to run there, and succeeded. "Running with the Kenyans" is a great read."--Bernd Heinrich, author of "Why We Run" "Part scientific study, travel memoir, and tale of self-discovery, Finn's journey makes for a smart and entertaining read."--"Publishers Weekly" "A hymn to the spirit, to the heartbreaking beauty of tenacity, to the joy of movement.""--The Plain Dealer

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Sean Smith

Adele

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Adele touches the hearts of millions of people who love her for her music and share the real and honest emotion she brings to each and every song. In a cynical age, she is a phenomenon. In Adele, bestselling biographer Sean Smith talks to those close to her as he follows her astonishing journey to fame that began on the gritty streets of Tottenham. Through compelling new research and interviews, he reveals that there is far more to Adele than the superstar we all think we know. He uncovers the story of her complex family relationships; the ill-starred love affair between her mother and father; her devastation at the untimely death of her grandfather; and her seemingly unpromising future in a gang-ravaged area of South London. She found salvation at the BRIT School before a series of unhappy love affairs provided the inspiration for her record-breaking albums. He describes how she conquered America and how it all could have been ended by a dramatic vocal injury. Instead, she has made an amazing comeback and found personal happiness in a new relationship and becoming a mum. Intimate and revealing, Adele is the uplifting story of the woman with the most glorious voice in the world.

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Frank McCourt

Angela's Ashes

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"Angela's Ashes" is a poignant memoir of Frank McCourt's childhood in extreme poverty in New York and Ireland. The book showcases the strength of the human spirit and the ability to survive even the toughest of circumstances. McCourt narrates the story with a unique blend of humor and compassion, making it a heartwarming read that will leave you feeling inspired and grateful for life's blessings. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to appreciate the human experience from a different perspective.

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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.