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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Amy Tan

Where the Past Begins : Memory and Imagination

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In this frank and intimate memoir, the bestselling author of The Joy Luck Club explores the traumatic childhood that made her a writer, her complex relationship with her father, and the shocking truths uncovered by family memorabilia.

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Lisa Brennan-Jobs

Small Fry

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Recommendation: Small Fry is a raw and intimate memoir that delves into the complexities of growing up as the daughter of Steve Jobs. Lisa Brennan-Jobs narrates her journey through alternating moments of awe and disappointment, as she navigates the contrasting worlds of her artist mother and her distant, yet influential father. Through her captivating storytelling, Brennan-Jobs captures the tangled web of familial dynamics, offering readers an unfiltered and poignant glimpse into her extraordinary upbringing. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a fan of memoirs, or simply seeking a deeply personal narrative, Small Fry is a must-read that will resonate with anyone who has experienced the complexities of family and the longing for parental love.

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Monte Reel

Between Man and Beast : An Unlikely Explorer, the Evolution Debates, and the African Adventure That Took the Victorian World by Storm

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Between Man and Beast is an exhilarating exploration of a young explorer who braved the hazardous rainforests of Africa, returning with evidence of gorillas, a creature previously known only in myth. The book delves into the heated evolution debates of the Victorian era and the racial concepts of that time and their impact on the young explorer's burgeoning celebrity. With vivid anecdotes and captivating writing, this book is a must-read for adventure-seekers and history buffs alike.

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Tony Fernandes

Flying High : My Story: From AirAsia to QPR

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Flying High is a compelling autobiography that charts the meteoric rise of Tony Fernandes, the founder of Air Asia. This book is an excellent read for anyone looking for a motivational tale of how sheer determination and hard work can turn a start-up into a multi-billion dollar empire. Tony's insights into how to overcome adversity and build a successful brand are essential reading for any aspiring entrepreneur.

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Scott McEwen, Jim DeFelice, Chris Kyle

American Sniper : The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History

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American Sniper is a good read for those interested in the life of a sniper and the challenges faced by soldiers in modern-day warfare. Kyle's account of his combat deployments provides readers with an insight into the intensity and danger of the job. The book also delves into the impact of war on personal relationships and the psychological toll of the experience. Overall, American Sniper is a must-read for individuals who enjoy military biographies and want to better understand the sacrifices made by soldiers in service to their country.

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Anthony Bourdain

Kitchen Confidential

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Kitchen Confidential could be a good read for those interested in the behind-the-scenes workings of a restaurant and the life of a chef. Bourdain's witty and honest writing style makes this memoir not only entertaining but also insightful. His stories of the chaotic kitchen atmosphere and unique characters he's encountered give readers a new appreciation for the food they consume. This book would be most enjoyed by foodies and those interested in the culinary world.

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Gayle Tzemach Lemmon

The Daughters Of Kobani - A Story Of Rebellion, Courage, And Justice

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This book is a captivating and empowering account of the courageous women who defied all odds to stand up against ISIS. It not only sheds light on the terrifying reality of war but also celebrates the power of women as leaders and fighters. Through their unwavering determination and sacrifice, these women not only fought for their own liberation but also became a symbol of hope for women everywhere. Prepare to be inspired by their remarkable journey of resilience and the unwavering pursuit of justice.

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Sophie Morgan

The Diary of a Submissive : A True Story

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Sophie Morgan is an independent woman in her thirties with a successful journalism career. Intelligent, witty and sarcastic, she could be the girl next door. Except that Sophie is a submissive; in the bedroom she likes to relinquish her power and personal freedom to a dominant man for their mutual pleasure.In the wake of Fifty Shades of Grey, here is a memoir that offers the real story of what it means to be a submissive. From the endorphin rush of her first spanking right through to punishments the likes of which she couldn't begin to imagine, she explains in frank and explicit fashion the road she travels. But it isn't until she meets James that her boundaries are really pushed. As her relationship with him travels into darker and darker places the question becomes: where will it end? Can she reconcile her sexuality with the rest of her life and is it possible for the perfect man to also be perfectly cruel?Racy, controversial, but always warm, fun and astoundingly honest this is a fascinating and thought provoking look at a seemingly paradoxical side to human nature and sexuality that no man or woman will be able to put down.

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Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu

Notes to the Future : Words of Wisdom

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From the heart and soul of visionary Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela, a collection of his most uplifting, time-honored quotes that have inspired our world and offer a path for peace.“The book that you hold in your hands is nothing short of a miracle.” —Desmond Tutu, from the IntroductionNotes to the Future is the definitive book of quotations from one of the great leaders of our time. This collection—gathered from privileged access to Mandela’s vast personal archive of private papers, speeches, correspondence, and audio recordings—features more than three hundred quotations spanning more than sixty years and includes his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech.These inspirational quotations, organized into four sections—Struggle, Victory, Wisdom, and Future—are both universal and deeply personal. We see Mandela’s sense of humor, his loneliness and despair, his thoughts on fatherhood, and the reluctant leader who had no choice but to become the man history demanded.“A good pen can also remind us of the happiest moments in our lives, bring noble ideas into our dens, our blood and our souls. It can turn tragedy into hope and victory” (from a letter to Zindzi Mandela, written on Robben Island, February 10, 1980).

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Amanda Palmer, Brené Brown

The Art of Asking : How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Let People Help

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Rock star, crowdfunding pioneer, and TED speaker Amanda Palmer knows all about asking. Performing as a living statue in a wedding dress, she wordlessly asked thousands of passersby for their dollars. When she became a singer, songwriter, and musician, she was not afraid to ask her audience to support her as she surfed the crowd (and slept on their couches while touring). And when she left her record label to strike out on her own, she asked her fans to support her in making an album, leading to the world's most successful music Kickstarter.Even while Amanda is both celebrated and attacked for her fearlessness in asking for help, she finds that there are important things she cannot ask for-as a musician, as a friend, and as a wife. She learns that she isn't alone in this, that so many people are afraid to ask for help, and it paralyzes their lives and relationships. In this groundbreaking book, she explores these barriers in her own life and in the lives of those around her, and discovers the emotional, philosophical, and practical aspects of The Art Of Asking.Part manifesto, part revelation, this is the story of an artist struggling with the new rules of exchange in the twenty-first century, both on and off the Internet. The Art Of Asking will inspire readers to rethink their own ideas about asking, giving, art, and love.

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Marina Chapman

The Girl with No Name : The Incredible True Story of a Child Raised by Monkeys

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This book is a great read for those interested in true stories of survival and human resilience. Marina's story of being abducted, abandoned and surviving alone in the Colombian rainforest with a troop of capuchin monkeys is both inspiring and harrowing. Her journey as a feral child in the jungle and later as a street kid in a Colombian city who took control of her life despite the challenges, makes for a captivating read.

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Jeanette Winterson

Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal?

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Recommended for readers who enjoy candid, introspective personal narratives, with themes of identity, love, and belonging. Winterson's unique writing style, a blend of fiction and memoir, provides a refreshing take on the genre.

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Gary Williams

Seal of Honor : Operation Red Wings and the Life of Lt Michael P Murphy, USN

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Here's why "Seal of Honor: Operation Red Wings and the Life of Lt Michael P Murphy, USN" could be a good read for you: - This book offers a gripping and emotional account of Lt. Michael Murphy's life, leading up to his heroic actions during a deadly firefight with Taliban fighters in Afghanistan. It explores the true character of Lt. Murphy and delves into the reasons behind his willingness to sacrifice his life for his comrades. - Through the lens of the Murphy family, the book provides a compelling narrative that brings the Afghan war and the impact of Lt. Murphy's death on his loved ones to the forefront. - "Seal of Honor" is a deeply moving tribute to Lt. Michael Murphy, shedding light on his extraordinary heroism and his unwavering commitment to duty, making it a must-read for anyone interested in military history and tales of bravery.

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Michael Wolff

Fire and Fury : Inside the Trump White House

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If you're curious about the inner workings of the Trump White House and love scandalous revelations, Fire and Fury is an absolute must-read. Michael Wolff's explosive insider account provides unprecedented access to the chaos and controversy of the Trump presidency, revealing shocking details about Trump's staff, his firing of James Comey, the power struggles within his administration, and much more. This book is like a behind-the-scenes tell-all that will leave you amazed and astounded by the inner workings of American politics at its most divisive.

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Władysław Szpilman

The Pianist

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Recommendation: The Pianist is a poignant reminder of the atrocities that occurred during the Holocaust. Through Szpilman's firsthand account, readers are taken on a gripping journey of survival and resilience in the face of unimaginable horrors. The book's power lies in its simplicity and rawness, with Szpilman's understated writing style allowing the events to speak for themselves. Highly recommended for anyone interested in history or personal memoirs.

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Anya Hindmarch

If In Doubt, Wash Your Hair: A Modern Guide To Life

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Recommendation: "If In Doubt, Wash Your Hair" offers a refreshing take on modern living by blending practical and philosophical life advice. The most unique and distinctive feature of the book is the author's engaging and witty writing style, which would make it an enjoyable read for anyone looking for a dose of inspiration and humor. Users who enjoyed self-help books like "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck" by Mark Manson or memoirs like "Becoming" by Michelle Obama would find this book to be a valuable addition to their reading list.

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Liyana Dhamirah

Homeless: The Untold Story of a Mother’s Struggle in Crazy Rich Singapore

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Ten years ago, Liyana Dhamirah was in a precarious situation: at 22, she was heavily pregnant and had no place to call home.For Liyana, home was often unstable. Once a bright teenager full of optimism, she faced uncertainty and found no support from family, government agencies and welfare groups. She had nowhere to go, no one to turn to. When she started living on a beach in Sembawang, she discovered a community of people—families—who were homeless just like her. They stuck together and watched out for each other, even when there were raids. She learned that in prosperous Singapore, the homeless are not always identifiable by appearance alone.Months later, journalists eventually uncovered Liyana’s story and how she navigated a bureaucracy of obstacles. Today she is a successful entrepreneur and this is her memoir.

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Andrea Wulf

The Invention of Nature : Alexander Von Humboldt's New World

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"The Invention of Nature" could be a good read for anyone interested in the history of science and environmentalism. This book presents an in-depth account of Alexander von Humboldt’s life, his expeditions, and his discoveries, highlighting his revolutionary ideas of a complex interconnected global force called nature. The author presents a compelling case of how Humboldt influenced other naturalists and writers, and how his work shaped environmental thinking. The book has won several awards and is highly recommended for those who want to learn about the history of modern environmentalism.

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Flea

Acid For The Children - The Autobiography Of Flea, The Red Hot Chili Peppers Legend

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If you're a fan of the Red Hot Chili Peppers or simply interested in the life of a rock music legend, "Acid For The Children" is a must-read. Written by Flea, the bassist of the band, this autobiography takes you on a wild and emotional ride through his life. From his troubled childhood to his rise to fame, Flea's candid storytelling and raw honesty will leave you inspired and captivated. Get ready to be immersed in a world of music, rebellion, and self-discovery.

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Piyush Pandey

Pandeymonium : Piyush Pandey on Advertising

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Pandeymonium offers a rare glimpse into the mind of Piyush Pandey, one of the most celebrated creative directors in the advertising industry. The book is filled with insightful anecdotes and tips that are sure to inspire both aspiring and seasoned professionals alike. Pandey's approach to advertising is humanistic; he believes in creating campaigns that connect with people on a personal level, using storytelling to bring products to life. If you're interested in advertising or are simply looking for some creative inspiration, you won't be disappointed with Pandeymonium.

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Ben Macintyre

Double Cross - The True Story Of The D-Day Spies

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This book is an engaging portrayal of the secret lives of the D-Day spies, with a focus on their major contribution towards the success of D-Day. The author's vivid account of the spy's secret strategies, betrayals and close encounters with danger make it a thrilling read.

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Andre Agassi

Open : An Autobiography

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"Open" offers a candid and detailed account of Agassi's life, both on and off the court, showcasing the struggles of a professional athlete in the public eye. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the life of a tennis great, or anyone seeking inspiration through adversity.

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Le Ly Hayslip, Jay Wurts

When Heaven and Earth Changed Places : A Vietnamese Woman's Journey from War to Peace

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“One of the most important books of Vietnamese American and Vietnam War literature...Moving, powerful.” —Viet Thanh Nguyen, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of  The SympathizerIn these pages, Le Ly Hayslip—just twelve years old when U.S. helicopters landed in her tiny village of Ky La—shows us the Vietnam War as she lived it. Initially pressed into service by the Vietcong, Le Ly was captured and imprisoned by government forces. She found sanctuary at last with an American contractor and ultimately fled to the United States. Almost twenty years after her escape, Le Ly found herself inexorably drawn back to the devastated country and loved ones she’d left behind, and returned to Vietnam in 1986. Scenes of this joyous reunion are interwoven with the brutal war years, creating an extraordinary portrait of the nation, then and now—and of one courageous woman who held fast to her faith in humanity. First published in 1989, When Heaven and Earth Changed Places was hailed as an instant classic. Now, some two decades later, this indispensable memoir continues to be one of our most important accounts of a conflict we must never forget.

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Robert M. Gates

Duty : Memoirs of a Secretary at War

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From the former secretary of defense, a strikingly candid, vividly written account of his experience serving Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.Before Robert M. Gates received a call from the White House in 2006, he thought he’d left Washington politics behind: after working for six presidents in both the CIA and the National Security Council, he was happy in his role as president of Texas A&M University. But when he was asked to help a nation mired in two wars and to aid the troops doing the fighting, he answered what he felt was the call of duty. Now, in this unsparing memoir, meticulously fair in its assessments, he takes us behind the scenes of his nearly five years as a secretary at war: the battles with Congress, the two presidents he served, the military itself, and the vast Pentagon bureaucracy; his efforts to help Bush turn the tide in Iraq; his role as a guiding, and often dissenting, voice for Obama; the ardent devotion to and love for American soldiers—his “heroes”—he developed on the job.In relating his personal journey as secretary, Gates draws us into the innermost sanctums of government and military power during the height of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, illuminating iconic figures, vital negotiations, and critical situations in revealing, intimate detail. Offering unvarnished appraisals of Dick Cheney, Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, and Presidents Bush and Obama among other key players, Gates exposes the full spectrum of behind-closed-doors politicking within both the Bush and Obama administrations.He discusses the great controversies of his tenure—surges in both Iraq and Afghanistan,  how to deal with Iran and Syria, “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell,” Guantánamo Bay, WikiLeaks—as they played out behind the television cameras. He brings to life the Situation Room during the Bin Laden raid. And, searingly, he shows how congressional debate and action or inaction on everything from equipment budgeting to troop withdrawals was often motivated, to his increasing despair and anger, more by party politics and media impact than by members’ desires to protect our soldiers and ensure their success.However embroiled he became in the trials of Washington, Gates makes clear that his heart was always in the most important theater of his tenure as secretary: the front lines. We journey with him to both war zones as he meets with active-duty troops and their commanders, awed by their courage, and also witness him greet coffin after flag-draped coffin returned to U.S. soil, heartbreakingly aware that he signed every deployment order. In frank and poignant vignettes, Gates conveys the human cost of war, and his admiration for those brave enough to undertake it when necessary.Duty tells a powerful and deeply personal story that allows us an unprecedented look at two administrations and the wars that have defined them.

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Laura Hillenbrand

Unbroken

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Product Description The new book from the author of the bestselling and much-loved Seabiscuit. On a May afternoon in 1943, a bomber crashed into the Pacific Ocean and disappeared, leaving only a spray of debris and a slick of oil, gasoline and blood. Then, on the ocean surface, a face appeared. It was that of a young lieutenant, who struggled to a life raft and pulled himself aboard. So began one of the most extraordinary odysseys of the Second World War. The lieutenant’s name was Louis Zamperini. In boyhood, he’d been an incorrigible delinquent, breaking into houses, brawling, and fleeing his home to ride the rails. As a teenager, he had channelled his defiance into running, discovering a prodigious talent that had carried him to the Berlin Olympics and within sight of the four-minute mile. But when war had come, the athlete had become an airman, embarking on a journey that led to his doomed flight, a tiny raft, and adrift into the unknown. Ahead of Zamperini lay thousands of miles of open ocean, leaping sharks, a foundering raft, thirst and starvation, enemy aircraft, and, beyond, a trial even greater. Driven to the limits of endurance, Zamperini would answer desperation with ingenuity; suffering with hope, resolve, and humour; brutality with rebellion. His fate, whether triumph or tragedy, would be suspended on the fraying wire of his will. The long-awaited new book from Laura Hillenbrand, ‘Unbroken’ is a gripping account of human endurance and the resilience of one remarkable individual.

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Joe McGinniss

The Miracle Of Castel Di Sangro

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The Miracle of Castel Di Sangro is a heartwarming and inspiring sports story that captures the triumph of an underdog team from a small town in Italy that rose to the top of the professional Italian soccer league. Through the eyes of author Joe McGinniss, readers will witness the town's passion for the game of soccer and how their dedication and hard work led to a magical transformation that inspired not only themselves but the entire nation.

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Frank Warren

PostSecret : Extraordinary Confessions From Ordinary Lives

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This book is a must-read for people who enjoy real-life confessions. Once you pick it up, you won't be able to put it down. You will be intrigued by the various confessions, both humorous and emotional in nature, and the way they reveal much about people's lives. The book is superbly illustrated, adding to the reader's experience.

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Blake J. Harris

Console Wars : Sega, Nintendo, and the Battle That Defined a Generation

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Console Wars would be a great read for video game enthusiasts interested in the history and business aspect of the industry. The book provides an in-depth look at how Sega challenged Nintendo's video game monopoly, the unconventional tactics used by Tom Kalinske and his team to transform Sega, and the corporate war that followed. It is unique in its focus on the business side of the video game industry and provides insights into the strategies of market leaders.

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Sarah Robb O'Hagan

Extreme You : Step Up. Stand Out. Kick Ass. Repeat.

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As a child, Sarah Robb O’Hagan dreamed she could be a champion. Her early efforts failed to reveal a natural superstar, but she refused to settle for average. Through dramatic successes and epic fails, she studied how extraordinary people in sports, entertainment and business set and achieve extremely personal goals. Sarah became an executive at Virgin Atlantic and Nike, and despite being fired twice in her twenties, she went on to become the global president of Gatorade and of Equinox—as well as a wife, mother, and endurance athlete. In every challenging situation, personal or professional, individuals face the pressure to play it safe and conform to the accepted norms. But doing so comes with heavy passions stifled, talents ignored, and opportunities squelched. The bolder choice is to embrace what Sarah calls Extreme to confidently bring all that is distinctive and relevant about yourself to everything you do. Inspiring, surprising, and practical, Extreme You is her training program for becoming the best version of yourself.

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John R. Bolton

The Room Where It Happened : A White House Memoir

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As President Trump’s National Security Advisor, John Bolton spent many of his 453 days in the room where it happened, and the facts speak for themselves.The result is a White House memoir that is the most comprehensive and substantial account of the Trump Administration, and one of the few to date by a top-level official. With almost daily access to the President, John Bolton has produced a precise rendering of his days in and around the Oval Office. What Bolton saw astonished him: a President for whom getting re-elected was the only thing that mattered, even if it meant endangering or weakening the nation. “I am hard-pressed to identify any significant Trump decision during my tenure that wasn’t driven by re-election calculations,” he writes. In fact, he argues that the House committed impeachment malpractice by keeping their prosecution focused narrowly on Ukraine when Trump’s Ukraine-like transgressions existed across the full range of his foreign policy - and Bolton documents exactly what those were, and attempts by him and others in the Administration to raise alarms about them.He shows a President addicted to chaos, who embraced our enemies and spurned our friends, and was deeply suspicious of his own government. In Bolton’s telling, all this helped put Trump on the bizarre road to impeachment. “The differences between this presidency and previous ones I had served were stunning,” writes Bolton, who worked for Reagan, Bush 41, and Bush 43. He discovered a President who thought foreign policy is like closing a real estate deal - about personal relationships, made-for-TV showmanship, and advancing his own interests. As a result, the US lost an opportunity to confront its deepening threats, and in cases like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea ended up in a more vulnerable place.Bolton’s account starts with his long march to the West Wing as Trump and others woo him for the National Security job. The minute he lands, he has to deal with Syria’s chemical attack on the city of Douma, and the crises after that never stop. As he writes in the opening pages, “If you don’t like turmoil, uncertainty, and risk - all the while being constantly overwhelmed with information, decisions to be made, and sheer amount of work - and enlivened by international and domestic personality and ego conflicts beyond description, try something else.”The turmoil, conflicts, and egos are all there - from the upheaval in Venezuela, to the erratic and manipulative moves of North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, to the showdowns at the G7 summits, the calculated warmongering by Iran, the crazy plan to bring the Taliban to Camp David, and the placating of an authoritarian China that ultimately exposed the world to its lethal lies. But this seasoned public servant also has a great eye for the Washington inside game, and his story is full of wit and wry humor about how he saw it played.

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John Henry Newman

Apologia Pro Vita Sua

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"Apologia Pro Vita Sua" could be a good read for someone who is interested in religious autobiographies and spirituality. Newman's journey from Anglican vicar to Roman Catholicism is an eye-opening exploration of religious convictions, and his arguments against Protestantism are thought-provoking. This book has become a classic for a reason and readers of all faiths can learn from Newman's honest and passionate defense of his beliefs.

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Vinay Sitapati

Half-Lion: How Narasimha Rao Transformed India

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When P.V. Narasimha Rao became the unlikely prime minister of India in 1991, he inherited economic crisis, violent insurgencies and a nation adrift. Despite being unloved by his people, mistrusted by his party, a minority in Parliament and ruling under the shadow of 10 Janpath, Rao reinvented India, at home and abroad. Few world leaders have achieved so much with so little power.With exclusive access to Rao’s never-before-seen personal papers as well as over a hundred interviews, this definitive biography provides new revelations on the Indian economy, nuclear programme, foreign policy and the Babri Masjid. While tracing Rao’s life from a village in Telangana through his years in power and humiliation in retirement, the book never loses sight of the inner man, his difficult childhood, his corruptions and love affairs, his lingering loneliness.

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Frances Mayes

Under The Tuscan Sun

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If you're a foodie and love travel, you'll adore this charming memoir about restoring a villa in Tuscany. Mayes' descriptions of the local cuisine and Italian culture are vivid, and her recipes inspired by the seasonal ingredients she finds at the markets are delicious. This book is a feast for the senses and a great escape for armchair travelers seeking a delightful Italian adventure.

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Anne Lamott

Traveling Mercies : Some Thoughts On Faith

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Traveling Mercies is a must-read for those who are questioning their own faith, or those who are skeptical about religion. Anne Lamott's distinct and sharp humor adds a unique edge to her exploration of faith and spirituality, and her unwavering honesty in sharing her own struggles and questions makes this book relatable to anyone on their own faith journey.

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Jeanette Winterson

Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal?

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In 1985 Jeanette Winterson's first novel, Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit, was published. It was Jeanette's version of the story of a terraced house in Accrington, an adopted child, and the thwarted giantess Mrs Winterson. It was a cover story, a painful past written over and repainted. It was a story of survival.This book is that story's silent twin. It is full of hurt and humour and a fierce love of life. It is about the pursuit of happiness, about lessons in love, the search for a mother, and a journey into madness and out again. It is generous, honest, and true.

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Pamela Druckerman

There Are No Grown-Ups: A Midlife Coming-Of-Age Story

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This book could be a good read for anyone who's navigating their way through their 40s and wondering if they've truly become a grown-up. With humor and introspection, the author shares her experiences and observations, exploring the modern forties and the quest for self-knowledge. Druckerman's relatable and witty writing style will make you feel like you're having a conversation with a wise and funny friend who understands the challenges of midlife. You'll find yourself nodding along and gaining insights as you embark on your own journey of reinvention and self-discovery.

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Rebecca Solnit

A Field Guide To Getting Lost

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A Field Guide to Getting Lost draws on emblematic moments and relationships in Solnit's own life to explore issues of wandering, being lost, and the uses of the unknown. The result is a distinctive, stimulating, and poignant voyage of discovery.

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Olaudah Equiano, Angelo Costanzo

The Interesting Narrative Of The Life Of Olaudah Equiano

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Recommended for those interested in personal narratives and history. Provides important insight into the life of a slave, as well as the historical context of the abolitionist movement.

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Alec Ash

Wish Lanterns : Young Lives in New China

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This is the generation that will change China. The youth, over 320 million of them in their teens and twenties, more than the population of the USA. Born after Mao, with no memory of Tiananmen, they are destined to transform both their nation and the world.These millennials, offspring of the one-child policy, face fierce competition to succeed. Pressure starts young, and their road isn't easy. Their stories are also like those of young people all over the world: moving out of home, starting a career, falling in love.Wish Lanterns follows the lives of six young Chinese. Dahai is a military child and netizen; 'Fred' is a daughter of the Party. Lucifer is an aspiring superstar; Snail a country migrant addicted to online games. Xiaoxiao is a hipster from the freezing north; Mia a rebel from Xinjiang in the far west.Alec Ash, a writer in Beijing of the same generation, has given us a vivid, gripping account of young China as it comes of age. Through individual stories, Wish Lanterns shows with empathy and insight the challenges and dreams that will define China's future global impact.

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Jenny Lawson

Let's Pretend This Never Happened : A Mostly True Memoir

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A relatable memoir filled with dark humor. Lawson's ability to find humor in the most trying moments of her life makes this a poignant and hilarious read. Highly recommended for anyone who needs a good laugh and a reminder that we all have those "pretend this never happened" moments.

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M.J. Carter

George, Nicholas and Wilhelm : Three Royal Cousins and the Road to World War I

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In the years before the First World War, the great European powers were ruled by three first King George V of Britain, Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, and Tsar Nicholas II of Russia. Together, they presided over the last years of dynastic Europe and the outbreak of the most destructive war the world had ever seen, a war that set twentieth-century Europe on course to be the most violent continent in the history of the world. Through brilliant and often darkly comic portraits of these men and their lives, their foibles and obsessions, Miranda Carter delivers the tragicomic story of Europe’s early twentieth-century aristocracy, a solipsistic world preposterously out of kilter with its times.

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Nina Renata Aron

Good Morning, Destroyer of Men's Souls : A memoir about women, addiction and love

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"The disease he has is addiction," Nina Renata Aron writes of her boyfriend, K. "The disease I have is loving him." Their love affair is dramatic, urgent, overwhelming-an intoxicating antidote to the long, lonely days of early motherhood. Soon after they get together, K starts using again, and years of relapses and broken promises follow. Even as his addiction deepens, she stays, convinced she is the one who can get him sober. After an adolescence marred by family trauma and addiction, Nina can't help but feel responsible for those suffering around her. How can she break this pattern? If she leaves K, has she failed him?Writing in prose at once unflinching and acrobatic, Aron delivers a piercing memoir of romance and addiction, drawing on intimate anecdotes as well as academic research to crack open the long-feminized and overlooked phenomenon of codependency. She shifts between visceral, ferocious accounts of her affair with K and introspective analyses of the part she plays in his addictions, as well as defining moments in the history of codependency, from the temperance movement to the formation of Al-Anon to more recent research in the psychology of addiction. Good Morning, Destroyer of Men's Souls is a blazing, bighearted book that illuminates and adds nuance to the messy tethers between femininity, enabling, and love.

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Henry Louis Gates Jr., Ira Berlin, Solomon Northup

12 Years a Slave (Movie Tie-In)

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"12 Years a Slave" isn't just a recount of a free man's forced descent into the abyss of slavery; it’s a masterful and poignant narrative that offers a rare and educated perspective, bridging the gap between freed people and slaves. Imagine feeling Solomon Northup's piercing struggle against dehumanization while grasping the quintessence of courage in adversity. This book doesn’t just paint a picture of history; it immerses you in the raw truth of human strength and resilience.

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Eric Lomax

The Railway Man

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The Railway Man is a powerful memoir of Eric Lomax's experience as a prisoner of war in WWII, and his journey decades later to confront one of his captors. The book is recommended for those interested in stories of resilience and forgiveness after trauma.

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Leandra Medine

Man Repeller : Seeking Love. Finding Overalls.

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The bold voice behind the popular Man Repeller blog shares humorous and deeply personal essays demonstrating that what we choose to wear may hold our dearest memories.Engage using #manrepeller.Silk parachute pants. A gold lamé jumpsuit. Ankle boots with fringe. Were these fashion-forward items sending men running in the opposite direction? Maybe, but Leandra Medine never cared.Slipping into drop-crotch shorts and a boxed sequin blazer in the dressing room of Topshop in downtown Manhattan, a brokenhearted Leandra had an epiphany. Looking in the mirror, she suddenly realized she didn't have a boyfriend because of the way she dressed. And the more she thought about it, the more she realized that such outfits said a lot about her life-romantic and otherwise.Now, in her first book, the acclaimed blogger and fashion darling recounts her most significant memories through the lens of her sartorial choices. With her signature sass, blunt honesty, and some personal photos, Leandra shares details of the night she lost her virginity right down to the pair of white tube socks she forgot to take off, as well as when and why she realized her grandma's vintage Hermès ostrich skin clutch could hold much more than just keys and a cell phone. Through it all, she proves you don't need to compromise even your most repellent qualities to find your way into that big white dress (and an organza moto jacket). See? You can have your yeti and wear it, too.Showcasing the singular voice that has won Leandra millions of fans, this book is a collection of awkwardly funny experiences, a sweet love story, and above all, a reminder to celebrate and embrace a world made for women, by women.

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Michael Lewis

Moneyball (Movie Tie-In Edition) (Movie Tie-In Editions)

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Moneyball is an eye-opening read for sports fans who want to gain insight into how game-changing strategies emerged in baseball. The book is informative, analytical, and easy to read, as Michael Lewis explains the non-traditional approaches that have led to a winning formula for success. Whether a baseball fan or not, readers will appreciate learning how innovation and new thinking can overcome traditional models, even in this age-old sport.

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Elizabeth Gilbert

Committed : A Sceptic Makes Peace with Marriage

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Elizabeth Gilbert

Regular price $4.63 from $2.78 Save up to 40%

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Lomax Eric

The Railway Man (Vintage War) Exp

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Recommendation: "The Railway Man" is a gripping tale of wartime suffering and the courage to face and ultimately overcome torment. Lomax's story of intense physical and emotional pain offers an unflinching look at the brutality of war, but also a glimmer of hope in the form of redemption, forgiveness, and healing. This book is a must-read for those interested in the impact of war on individuals and society alike.

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Lisa See

On Gold Mountain : A Family Memoir of Love, Struggle and Survival

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On Gold Mountain could be a good read for those interested in exploring the experiences of Chinese-Americans in America. This book captures the struggles and triumphs of a Chinese family over five generations, as they navigate their way through a changing and often racist society. The unique feature of this book is its powerful social history that highlights the immigrant experience of Chinese families and the challenges they face in their attempts to succeed.

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The School of Life, Stuart Patience, Alain de Botton

Great Thinkers : Simple Tools from 60 Great Thinkers to Improve Your Life Today

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This is a collection of some of the most important ideas of Eastern and Western culture — drawn from the works of those philosophers, political theorists, sociologists, artists and novelists whom we believe have the most to offer to us today. We've worked hard to make the thinkers in this book clear, relevant and charming, mining the history of knowledge to bring you the ideas we think have the greatest important to our times. This book contains the canon of The School of Life, the gallery of individuals across the millennia who help to frame our intellectual project — and we will have succeeded if, in the days and years ahead, you find yourself turning to our thinkers to illuminate the multiple dilemmas, joys and griefs of daily life.

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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.