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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Alphonse Daudet, Julian Barnes

In the Land of Pain

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As Julian Barnes writes in the introduction to his superb translation of Alphonse Daudet’s La Doulou, the mostly forgotten writer nowadays “ate at the top literary table” during his lifetime (1840–1897). Henry James described him as “the happiest novelist” and “the most charming story-teller” of his day. Yet if Daudet dined in the highest company, he was also “a member of a less enviable nineteenth-century French that of literary syphilitics.” In the Land of Pain —notes toward a book never written—is his timelessly resonant response to the disease.In quick, sharp, unflinching strokes of his pen, Daudet wrote about his symptoms (“This is the one-man-band of pain”) and his treatments (“Mor-phine nights . . . thick black waves, sleepless on the surface of life, the void beneath”); about his fears and reflections (“Pain, you must be everything for me. Let me find in you all those foreign lands you will not let me visit. Be my philosophy, be my science”); his impressions of the patients, himself included, and their strange life at curative baths and spas (“Russians, both men and women, go into the baths naked . . . Alarm among the Southerners”); and about the “clever way in which death cuts us down, but makes it look like just a thinning-out.”Given Barnes’s crystalline translation, these notes comprise a record—at once shattering and lighthearted, haunting and beguiling—of both the banal and the transformative experience of physical suffering, and a testament to the complex resiliency of the human spirit.

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Andrew Langley

Leonardo Da Vinci

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This book is a captivating look at the life and times of one of the world's greatest artists. Through colorful photographs and fascinating anecdotes, Andrew Langley brings the Renaissance period brilliantly to life. Readers who enjoy learning about history through art and culture will find this book a delightful read. Unique and distinctive feature of this book is the way it reveals the everyday life in an Italian city-state of Renaissance period.

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Aerosmith

Walk This Way: The Autobiography Of Aerosmith

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Worn dust jacket has a short tears to the edges, page edges tanned. Orders received by 3pm Sent from the UK that weekday.

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Geoff Benge, Janet Benge

Hudson Taylor - Deep In The Heart Of China

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Hudson survived his perilous maiden voyage to his beloved China. With his heart set in determined obedience to God, and trusting the provision of the One who had called him, Hudson overcame persecution and almost overwhelming personal losses to bring God's truth to the "ripe harvest fields" of China.Today, Hudson Taylor's story continues to challenge and inspire believers young and old to carry the anchoring gospel message, regardless of personal trials or hardships, to those who are adrift and without hope (1832-1905).

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Keith Dowman

The Divine Madman : The Sublime Life and Songs of Drukpa Kunley

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Recommended for those interested in Tibetan Buddhism and seeking a witty and unconventional perspective on a revered spiritual figure. The book provides a unique outlook on Drukpa Kunley's life, songs, and teachings, making it a great read for those looking to learn more about the Tibetan spiritual tradition.

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Eric Liu

The Accidental Asian - Notes Of A Native Speaker

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Beyond black and white, native and alien, lies a vast and fertile field of human experience. It is here that Eric Liu, former speechwriter for President Clinton and noted political commentator, invites us to explore.In these compellingly candid essays, Liu reflects on his life as a second-generation Chinese American and reveals the shifting frames of ethnic identity. Finding himself unable to read a Chinese memorial book about his father's life, he looks critically at the cost of his own assimilation. But he casts an equally questioning eye on the effort to sustain vast racial categories like “Asian American.” And as he surveys the rising anxiety about China's influence, Liu illuminates the space that Asians have always occupied in the American imagination. Reminiscent of the work of James Baldwin and its unwavering honesty, The Accidental Asian introduces a powerful and elegant voice into the discussion of what it means to be an American.

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Maureen Mylander, Patch Adams

Gesundheit! : Bringing Good Health to You, the Medical System, and Society Through Physician Service, Complementary Therapies, Humor, and Joy

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Gesundheit! is a heartwarming story of social revolutionist, Patch Adams' lifetime quest to transform the healthcare system. Through his non-profit home-based medical practice, Gesundheit Institute, Adams treats thousands of people for free and aims to offer a full-scale hospital open to anyone in the world free of charge. The book inspires readers with Adams' positive vision and plan for the future of healthcare. The most unique and distinctive feature of the book is the author's emphasis on healing as a loving, creative, and humorous human exchange rather than a business transaction. Recommended for those concerned with the inaccessibility of affordable, quality health care, and who believe in the power of empathy, human connection, and laughter to heal.

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Graham Robb

Victor Hugo

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This book is a must-read for those who are fascinated by the rich tapestry of nineteenth-century French literature. Through the captivating storytelling and poetic prose, Victor Hugo presents a multidimensional exploration of human emotions, societal struggles, and the pursuit of justice. Prepare to be immersed in a world of vivid characters and be moved by the profound messages that resonate even to this day.

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Giles Milton

Big Chief Elizabeth : How England's Adventurers Gambled and Won the New World

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This book is a captivating historical adventure that delves into the fascinating story of Queen Elizabeth I and her favorite, Sir Walter Ralegh. Set in the Elizabethan era, it follows their daring expedition to establish the first English settlement in the New World. Through first-hand accounts, the author unveils a thrilling tale of heroism, mystery, and the forgotten history of early English colonization. If you enjoy immersive historical narratives, this book will transport you back in time and keep you mesmerized until the very end.

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George B. Johnson, Peter H. Raven

Biology

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Biology would be a good read for college students majoring in biology or the life sciences. The text is well-written, engaging, and provides a solid framework for understanding evolutionary concepts, as well as cellular and molecular biology. The pedagogical features integrated into this edition facilitate the learning process, making it easier to understand complex concepts. Reviewed as one of the best textbooks on biology available by biology professors, this book is a reliable and trusted resource.

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Deborah Jiang-Stein

Prison Baby : A Memoir

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Recommendation: "Prison Baby" could be a good read for anyone who enjoys memoirs of triumphing over adversity. Deborah's journey of acceptance and redemption from her troubled past could be especially inspiring for those who have faced similar struggles. Her honesty and vulnerability in recounting her experiences with drugs, violence, and crime, as well as her eventual healing and peace, make this memoir a powerful read.

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Adelaide Donnelley, Dalai Lama XIV, Ani Pachen

Sorrow Mountain : The Journey of a Tibetan Warrior Nun

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The tragedy that has befallen Tibet and its people over the past 50 years is easy to quantify, with the loss of several million lives and the wholesale destruction of the culture and natural resources in the name of "liberation". Yet the devastating reality of these events is better understood through the harrowing stories told by various refugees such as Ani Pachen. The story of her life is vividly recounted by Adelaide Donnelley in Sorrow Mountain, tracing the invasion and devastation of Tibet by the Chinese from the 50s down to the present-day as experienced by one very brave woman.Ani Pachen vividly describes the peaceful traditional Tibetan way of life she knew during her youth even though the dark clouds of impending disaster were gathering in the east. She brings to life the valiant yet futile attempts by poorly equipped Tibetan fighters to drive back the Communist army, a fight in which she also took part until her capture and subsequent imprisonment.She endured over 21 years of extreme brutality in prison, sustained only by her passionate faith in Buddhism and trust in the Dalai Lama. With a nobility of spirit that puts her jailers to shame, she was still able to pray, "let my pain take the place of others' suffering" while being tortured repeatedly. When she was finally released, with her spirit unbroken, she remained for a while in Lhasa, taking part in the freedom demonstrations of the 80s at great personal risk, before finally escaping to India where she recounted this story of her life. --Stephen Hodge

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LeUyen Pham, Shannon Hale

Real Friends

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Real Friends is a must-read for anyone who struggled to find their true friends in elementary school. Shannon Hale's honest and heartfelt story captures the emotional turmoil of navigating cliques and bullies and the journey towards finding real friends. This book will remind readers that the journey is worth it, and that the bonds of true friendship can last a lifetime.

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Ronald D. Klein

Interlogue - Studies in Singapore Literature

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If you're eager to delve into the heart of Singapore's literature, 'Interlogue' is a treasure. Kirpal Singh masterfully navigates through Singaporean authors and their works, giving you fresh perspectives and keen analyses. This read will engage your intellect and broaden your understanding of a vibrant literary culture.

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Con Coughlin

Saddam : King of Terror

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An unprecedented biography, drawn from the author's exclusive access to high-ranking defectors, intelligence officials, and even Saddam's own relatives -- fully illustrated with photos from his early life to the present Two weeks before September 11, 2001, Saddam Hussein placed his troops on their highest military alert since the Gulf War. As al-Qaeda terrorists set their attacks on America in motion, the Iraqi dictator was prepared to go to war for a second time with the United States. How did an illegitimate child from Tikrit become the West's greatest adversary, and one of the most dangerous and murderous dictators of modem times? King of Terror is the most insightful and illuminating portrait of the Iraqi president to date-and a fascinating study of the making of a tyrant. Con Coughlin, executive editor of London's award-winning Sunday Telegraph, has covered the Middle East for decades -- on the front lines, narrowly escaping kidnapping and violence. He has cultivated exclusive contacts among the Western intelligence community and numerous defectors from Saddam's inner circles -- including former generals, political associates, and bodyguards as well as childhood friends. Coughlin knew immediately that American and British declarations of war against terrorism after the September 11th attacks would sooner rather than later encompass Saddam Hussein as well as Osama bin Laden. Coughlin shows that any operation against terrorism will be incomplete as long as Saddam remains in power -- that international policies will have to change from cautious tolerance to active intervention, a change that is already becoming a reality. Coughlin also provides the first complete portrait of Saddam's childhood ever published, compiled from the author's inter-views with Saddam's contemporaries and relatives who have never before spoken publicly about him According to Coughlin, Saddam has a younger sister no one knew about, and he idolizes his mother, although his childhood was deeply marred by his shame about being fatherless. From his earliest years, he looked to his mother's brother as a father figure, and Coughlin tells how it was this uncle who first introduced Saddam to a life of crime and political rebellion. King of Terror meticulously traces Saddam's bloody rise to power, from Saddam's first murder and his time in prison, to an eyewitness account of Saddam storming Iraqs presidential palace in a tank, to his almost feral ruthlessness in disposing of his opponents, even dose friends and relatives, to create his regime -- a complex mechanism in which family and tribe are central, held together by Saddam's carefully orchestrated reign of fear. In King of Terror, we see both the bizarre, almost pathological behavior of an international pariah and the unshakable power of a tyrant who has defied the world's censure and holds a nation in his grasp.

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Andrew Mango

Ataturk : The Biography of the Founder of Modern Turkey

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This book would be a good read for anyone interested in the formation of modern Turkey and the life of its founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. The book provides a detailed account of his life and times, and how his vision and tactics transformed Turkey into a regional power. The author, Andrew Mango, writes in a clear and engaging manner, and offers a nuanced perspective on Ataturk, highlighting both his admirable qualities and controversial decisions. Overall, this biography offers a rich and informative insight into the life and legacy of a transformative leader.

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Allen Shawn

Wish I Could Be There : Notes from a Phobic Life

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Allen Shawn is afraid of many things, including heights, water, fields, parking lots, tunnels, and unknown roads. He avoids taking subways, using elevators, or crossing bridges—in short, he is agoraphobic, which means he is afraid of both public spaces and of any form of isolation. part memori, part scientific inquiry, part meditation, Wish I Could Be There is a brave book about the experience of being afraid.The search to understand his own crippling condition led Shawn into the world of people who study brains and human behavior; at the same time, he looked back to clues from his own childhood. He grew up in one of America's premier literary families; his father was William Shawn, editor of The New Yorker for thirty-five years, and his brother is the distinguished playwright and actor Wallace Shawn. He also has a twin sister who is autistic and who was sent to live in a special home when they were eight. His father led a double life that introduced strict taboos into the household.As he looks at his own life for the sources of his phobias, Shawn also talks to professionals who are trying to decode the ways the human brain—and mind—works. These include researchers who are mapping the physiology of fear and psychologists and psychiatrists still wrestling with the mystery of how we form and change our habits of thought and behavior. Shawn deftly moves back and forth between science and personal history as he tries to solve the psychological and biological puzzles that have plagued him for so long. In doing so, he offers poignant insights into the role of pain, the nature of fear, and the definition of normality. We can all find ourselves in some part of his story.Allen Shawn's droll, probing, and honest book explores the mystery of the many ways we become who we are, whether through our upbringing, our genetic makeup, or our own choices. From inside the isolation of fear, he confronts the universal struggle to face our demons.

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Seng Yu, Low Sze Wee

Iskandar Jalil: Kembara Tanah Liat (Clay Travels)

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Iskandar Jalil is celebrated as one of Southeast Asia’s most prominent ceramicists. Known for his high level of discipline, tenacity and dedication, this Colombo Plan scholar is a recipient of multiple accolades including the Cultural Medallion and the prestigious Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette for his outstanding achievement in visual arts. Published on the occasion of a retrospective exhibition at National Gallery Singapore, this catalogue illuminates Iskandar Jalil’s enduring relationship with clay, his journey to become a master in his craft and the pivotal role he plays in expanding the practice of ceramics. A collector’s edition of the catalogue (hardcover and includes a slipcase), bearing the artist’s signature, has been produced to commemorate this landmark exhibition. Featuring exquisite hand-finished production techniques, no two covers in this numbered edition of 300 are alike. A softcover version of the catalogue is also available. Both versions include over 160 full-colour image plates, newly commissioned essays and an exclusive interview with the artist.

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The Mistress: Histories, Myths and Interpretations of the Other Woman
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Victoria Griffin

The Mistress: Histories, Myths and Interpretations of the Other Woman

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The Mistress by Victoria Griffin could intrigue you with its rich blend of historical accounts, literature, and cultural analysis, especially if you're fascinated by the complex roles of women in society and relationships. Griffin's courage to investigate mistresses from all walks of life, using both historical figures and contemporary examples, might give you fresh perspectives on the subject while sparking thoughtful reflection on its relevance today.

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Constance Briscoe

Ugly

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"Ugly" could be a good read for those who want to challenge themselves with a heart-wrenching story of survival against all odds. Constance's journey is remarkable in how she overcame her past to triumph in the end. Her story is not just an inspiration, but also a reminder that we can find courage even in the bleakest of circumstances. This book is a must-read for anyone looking for an emotional rollercoaster with a strong, powerful message.

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Adeline Yen Mah

Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter

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Born in 1937 in a port city a thousand miles north of Shanghai, Adeline Yen Mah was the youngest child of an affluent Chinese family who enjoyed rare privileges during a time of political and cultural upheaval. But wealth and position could not shield Adeline from a childhood of appalling emotional abuse at the hands of a cruel and manipulative Eurasian stepmother. Determined to survive through her enduring faith in family unity, Adeline struggled for independence as she moved from Hong Kong to England and eventually to the United States to become a physician and writer.A compelling, painful, and ultimately triumphant story of a girl's journey into adulthood, Adeline's story is a testament to the most basic of human needs: acceptance, love, and understanding. With a powerful voice that speaks of the harsh realities of growing up female in a family and society that kept girls in emotional chains, Falling Leaves is a work of heartfelt intimacy and a rare authentic portrait of twentieth-century China.

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Lionel Barber (Ed.)

Lunch with the FT : 52 Classic Interviews

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This book is perfect for those who are curious about the inner thoughts and experiences of influential figures. Through intimate conversations conducted over lunch, you are invited to witness the candid moments and personal insights of people who have shaped our world. From world leaders to cultural icons, this collection of interviews offers a unique perspective on their lives and perspectives. With each turn of the page, you'll find yourself immersed in the conversations that have shaped our world, leaving you with a deeper understanding of the individuals who hold significant power and influence. So, grab a seat at the table and prepare to be captivated by the stories and revelations that unfold in Lunch with the FT: 52 Classic Interviews.

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James Merrell, Roger Banks-Pye

Interior Inspirations

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This book is a must-read for anyone looking to infuse their home with timeless elegance and creativity. With stunning examples of Roger Banks-Pye's work and the expertise of Colefax & Fowler, Interior Inspirations offers a glimpse into the world of original interiors. Through thoughtful quotations, this book teaches how to create spaces that are not only visually appealing but also authentic and inviting. Whether you're a professional designer or a homeowner seeking inspiration, this book will guide you towards creating your own masterpiece.

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Madeleine K. Albright

Madam Secretary : A Memoir

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Madam Secretary is an insightful memoir about Madeleine Albright, a pioneer for women in politics. Her account of working in a male-dominated environment is inspiring, and she writes candidly about the personal challenges she faced. Albright’s unique perspective on world leaders and her tireless advocacy for women’s rights make this book a must-read for anyone interested in political history and women’s empowerment.

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Renzo Piano

Renzo Piano : Logbook

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This book is for architecture enthusiasts who want to delve into the mind of one of the most renowned architects of our time. Renzo Piano: Logbook takes readers on a captivating journey through Piano's design process and showcases his iconic works from the Centre Pompidou to the Kansai International Airport Terminal. With its detailed insights and stunning visuals, this book will inspire and enlighten anyone with a passion for architecture and design. Get ready to be immersed in the creative mind of Renzo Piano and witness the magic of his architectural masterpieces.

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Werner Wallert

Hostage Terror - Abducted By The Abu Sayaff

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This book is a first-hand account of Werner Wallert's experience being kidnapped and held hostage by the Abu Sayaff terrorist group in the Philippines. The book provides a gripping and harrowing story of survival and escape from the clutches of the militants, making it a must-read for anyone interested in hostage situations and terrorism.

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Charlotte Zeepvat

The Camera And the Tsars: The Romanov Family In Photographs

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This lavishly illustrated book shows the extended Romanov family in formal and informal poses and traces the last days of a dynasty as well as the beginnings of commercial photography.

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Clive Goddard, Phil Robins

Alexander The Great And His Claim To Fame

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Recommendation: - If you're a history buff seeking a captivating read that dives deep into the life of one of the greatest conquerors in history, then "Alexander The Great And His Claim To Fame" is the perfect book for you. With its Horribly Famous treatment, this book provides a unique perspective on Alexander's life, revealing lesser-known facts and scandalous stories. From his audacious battle tactics, such as taking on an army of 326 elephants, to his self-proclaimed god status, this book is filled with intriguing details that will keep you hooked from start to finish. Get ready to explore the fascinating world of this legendary conqueror like never before.

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Edmund Trelawny Backhouse, J.O.P. Bland

Tales of Old Singapore

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This book is a captivating exploration of the Forbidden City during the reign of Empress Dowager Cixi. Through a combination of historical accounts and imaginative storytelling, it unveils the hidden secrets and power dynamics within the palace walls. With its mix of intrigue, controversy, and captivating characters, Tales of Old Singapore offers readers an enigmatic journey into a fascinating world of history and deception. Whether you're a history buff or simply enjoy a good tale, this book is sure to leave you spellbound.

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James Peck, Sirin Phathanothai

The Dragon's Pearl

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A woman raised as the ward of Premier Zhou Enlai, after being sent to China as a goodwill offering from Thailand, describes her Chinese education, relationships with the legendary founders of Communist China, and the perils of the Cultural Revolution.

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Rosalyn Schanzer

How We Crossed the West : The Adventures of Lewis and Clark

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Appealing art and descriptive text bring Lewis and Clark alive for young adventurers. Carefully chosen text from Lewis and Cark's actual journals opens a fascinating window into this country's exciting history.

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Mark Girouard

Big Jim

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"A remarkable book... A work of social as much as architectural history... A riveting and illuminating biography." - Spectator"What makes Girouard a good biographer is that he allows Jim's swashbuckling story to tell itself. And with magnificent restraint, he keeps the buildings as far in the background as they can be in the life of an architect...A superb book." - Guardian

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Ronald Reagan, Nancy Reagan

I Love You, Ronnie - The Letters Of Ronald Reagan To Nancy Reagan

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No matter what else was going on in his life or where he was—travelling to make movies for G.E., in the California governor's office, at the White House, or on Air Force One, and sometimes even from across the room—Ronald Reagan wrote letters to Nancy Reagan, to express his love, thoughts, and feelings, and to stay in touch. Through letters and reflections, the characters, personalities, and private lives of a president and his first lady are revealed. Nancy Reagan comments on the letters and writes with love and insight about her husband and the many phases of their life together.

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Al Bryant

Day by Day with C.H. Spurgeon

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This collection from the works of Spurgeon provides the reader with a convenient daily devotional from Genesis to Revelation.

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Reyna Grande

The Distance Between Us : Young Readers Edition

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Award-winning author Reyna Grande shares her personal experience of crossing borders and cultures in this middle grade adaptation of her memoir, The Distance Between Us —“an important account of the many ways immigration impacts children” ( Booklist , starred review).When her parents make the dangerous and illegal trek across the Mexican border in pursuit of the American dream, Reyna and her siblings are forced to live with their stern grandmother, as they wait for their parents to build the foundation of a new life.But when things don’t go quite as planned, Reyna finds herself preparing for her own journey to “El Otro Lado” to live with the man who has haunted her imagination for her long-absent father. Both funny and heartbreaking, The Distance Between Us sheds light on the immigrant experience beautifully capturing the struggle that Reyna and her siblings endured while trying to assimilate to a different culture, language, and family life in El Otro Lado (The Other Side).

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William Fotheringham

Fallen Angel : The Passion of Fausto Coppi

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A remarkable biography of one of history's greatest cyclists—a man who lived a tumultous life, and was voted the most popular Italian sportsman of the 20th century Fausto Angelo Coppi was the campionissimo, or champion of champions, and this is the tragic story of his life and death, and how a man who became the symbol of a nation's rebirth after the disasters of war died reviled and heartbroken. The greatest cyclist of the immediate post-war years, he was the first man to win cycling's great double, the Tour de France and Tour of Italy, in the same year—and he did it twice. He achieved mythical status for his crushing solo victories, world titles and world records. But his significance extends far beyond his sport. Coppi's scandalous divorce and controversial early death convulsed a conservative, staunchly Roman Catholic Italy in the 1950s. At a time when adultery was still illegal, Coppi and his lover were dragged from their bed in the middle of the night, excommunicated, and forced to face a clamorous legal battle, the ramifications of which are still being felt today. Told with insight and intelligence, this is a unique portrait of Italy and Italian sport at a time of tumultuous change.

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Richard Carlin

Country Music : The People, the Places and Moments That Shaped the Country Sound

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Covering everything from Western to Rockabilly, Bluegrass to Country Rock, this profusely illustrated celebration of country music is an authoritative and lively history of America’s most popular form of music, its creators, interpreters, and institutions.A rich visual chronicle of the diverse American musical idioms collectively known as “country,” this entertaining and meticulously researched book explores more than 100 of the most significant people, places, and moments in its century-long history. Profiles include Stephen Foster, the Carter Family, Gene Autry, Roy Acuff, Hank Williams, Minnie Pearl, Jerry Lee Lewis, Dolly Parton, Waylon Jennings, the Oak Ridge Boys, Alan Jackson, the Dixie Chicks—and dozens more. Other subjects include the Grand Ole Opry, the Bristol Sessions, “Louisiana Hayride,” Rockabilly, Country Rock, and O Brother Where Art Thou , among many other things. Timelines lay out the entire history of the form at a glance, and the greatest country songs of all time are discussed in depth throughout.Every page of this extroardinary book features a wealth of images—many of them rare and never-before published in book form—from sheet music and memorabilia to portraits, album covers, and candids. It is truly a must-have for the millions of fans of country music in all its diversity.

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Nelson Mandela

Conversations With Myself

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"Conversations With Myself" is a must-read for those seeking a more intimate understanding of Nelson Mandela. Through personal writings, readers gain insight into his darkest hours while imprisoned, as well as his political consciousness and galvanizing role on the world stage. This book includes photographs from his life, journals from his time on the run, and conversations with friends in recorded interviews. Overall, "Conversations With Myself" provides a more revealing and moving glimpse into Mandela's life than his autobiography "Long Walk to Freedom."

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Huzir Sulaiman: Collected Plays 1998-2012

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This anthology consists of twelve plays by Huzir Sulaiman, Checkpoint Theatre’s Joint Artistic Director. Based in Singapore, Huzir is one of Southeast Asia’s preeminent playwrights. The twelve plays in this collection bear testimony to his gift of imagining characters and deploying language to offer unexpected insights into the personal, the social and the political. Huzir Sulaiman: Collected Plays 1998 – 2012 offers readers an opportunity to acquaint themselves with an impressive body of work that has lit up the stage over the past 14 years, and to discover for themselves the virtuosic use of language and impeccable craft which have cemented Huzir Sulaiman as one of the most important playwrights of his generation. The collection is edited by and contains an introductory essay by Kathy Rowland, the respected theatre writer and researcher. Kathy co-founded and was managing editor of the online arts magazine, kakiseni.com, which launched the BOH Cameronian Arts Awards, Malaysia’s first Performing Arts Awards. She edited and introduced Krishen Jit: An Uncommon Position, published by the Contemporary Asian Arts Centre of Singapore.


Author: Huzir Sulaiman, Kathy Rowland (Ed.)
Format: Soft cover
Publisher: Checkpoint Theatre, Singapore
Publication Date: 2013

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Hunter S. Thompson

The Great Shark Hunt : Strange Tales from a Strange Time

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America, with all its warts, lies naked under the laser-like scrutiny of legendary outlaw journalist and brilliant reporter Hunter S. Thompson. Fearlessly, he hurls himself into each assignment, gouges out the truth, then returns with a fresh story no one else on earth could write. From Nixon to napalm, Las Vegas to Watergate, Carter to cocaine, hippies to himself, Thompson's razor-sharp insight and crystal clarity capture the crazy, hypocritical, degenerate, and redeeming aspects of the explosive and colorful '60s and '70s. Thompson is a rebel and an artist, and we are all richer for it."No other reporter reveals how much we have to fear and loathe, yet does it so hilariously."-- Chicago Tribune

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Liao Yiwu, Wenguang Huang, Philip Gourevitch

The Corpse Walker : Real-Life Stories, China from the Bottom Up

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The Corpse Walker is a compilation of twenty-seven extraordinary oral histories that opens a window, unlike any other, onto the lives of ordinary, often outcast, Chinese men and women. Liao Yiwu (one of the best-known writers in China because he is also one of the most censored) chose his subjects from the bottom of Chinese people for whom the “new” China--the China of economic growth and globalization-—is no more beneficial than the old. By asking challenging questions with respect and empathy, he manages to get his subjects to talk openly about their lives.Here are a professional mourner, a trafficker in humans, a leper, an abbot, a retired government official, a former landowner, a mortician, a feng shui master, a former Red Guard, a political prisoner, a village teacher, a blind street musician, a Falun Gong practitioner, and many others–people who have been battered by life but who have managed to retain their dignity, their humor, and their essential, complex humanity.Liao crafted the interviews (conducted between 1990 and 2003) with sensitivity and patience, working both from notes and from his own memory of these remarkable conversations. The result is an idiosyncratic, powerful, and richly revealing portrait of a people, a time, and a place we might otherwise have never known.

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Hoe Yeong Loke

Speaking Truth To Power: Singapore's Pioneer Public Servants

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It is said that the duty of public servants is to "speak truth to power" — to give honest, sound and sometimes unpopular advice to political leaders. Underneath the narrative of the Singapore story, as personified by Lee Kuan Yew and the first-generation leaders, lie the lesser-known tales of dedicated public servants in the nation-building process. Singapore's development cannot be fully understood without considering the role of those in public service during the transition to independence from the 1950s to 60s. Featuring oral history interviews from the National Archives of Singapore with 11 pioneer public servants, Speaking Truth to Singapore's Pioneer Public Servants reveals first-hand, personal accounts of the civil service's transition from the colonial era, their relationship with the political leaders, and how Singapore's economic development was driven by sound public administration in those critical years. The annotated interviews make for an easily readable format for researchers and general audiences alike. Some of Singapore's pioneer public servants featured in the book Wee Chong Jin, The First Local Chief Justice Goh Koh Pui, Chairman of the PSA Abdul Wahab Ghows, Solicitor-General and High Court Judge Hedwig Anuar, Director of the National Library Kwa Soon Bee, Pioneer of Singapore's Healthcare System Alan Choe, HDB's First Architect-Planner, and Founder of the URA Chan Chin Bock, Chairman of the EDB J. Y. Pillay, The Man Behind Singapore Airlines Ngiam Tong Dow, The Maverick Perm Sec Tommy Koh, Singapore's Representative at the United Nations Winston Choo, The First Chief of Defence Force

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William David Freeman, John Campbell

The Iron Lady : Margaret Thatcher, from Grocer's Daughter to Prime Minister

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The Iron Lady, the definitive Margaret Thatcher biography, is available just in time for the movie starring Meryl Streep as one of the most infamous figures in postwar politics. Whether you love her or hate her, Margaret Thatcher's impact on twentieth-century history is undeniable. From her humble, small-town upbringing to her rise to power as the United Kingdom's first female prime minister, to her dramatic fall from grace after more than three decades of service, celebrated biographer John Campbell delves into the story of this fascinating woman's life as no one has before. The result of more than nine years of meticulous research, The Iron Lady is the only balanced, unvarnished portrait of Margaret Thatcher, one of the most vital and controversial political figures of our time.

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Kadir Nelson

Nelson Mandela

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This book is an inspiring story of Mandela's struggle against apartheid in South Africa. It tells the story of a man who became the president of his country by fighting for equality for all people, regardless of skin color. The book's unique feature is that it is written in poignant free verse and is illustrated gloriously. Users who want to learn more about the remarkable life of Nelson Mandela will find this book a powerful read.

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Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

A Midwife's Tale : The Life of Martha Ballard, Based on Her Diary, 1785-1812

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PULITZER PRIZE WINNER • Drawing on the diaries of one woman in eighteenth-century Maine, "A truly talented historian unravels the fascinating life of a community that is so foreign, and yet so similar to our own" ( The New York Times Book Review).Between 1785 and 1812 a midwife and healer named Martha Ballard kept a diary that recorded her arduous work (in 27 years she attended 816 births) as well as her domestic life in Hallowell, Maine. On the basis of that diary, Laurel Thatcher Ulrich gives us an intimate and densely imagined portrait, not only of the industrious and reticent Martha Ballard but of her society. At once lively and impeccably scholarly, A Midwife's Tale is a triumph of history on a human scale.

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Sven-Göran Eriksson

Sven: My Story

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Recommended for football enthusiasts seeking an insider's perspective. Eriksson's autobiography offers a candid account of his 40-year journey in football, complete with juicy anecdotes involving some of the biggest names in the game. However, it's the personal insights into the enigmatic Swede that make this book worth a read. It's a reflective, honest account of a man who has dedicated his life to football, and who questions whether it was all worth it in the end.

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Caitlin Moran

More Than a Woman

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"More Than a Woman" is a must-read for any woman navigating the complexities of middle-age. Through honest and humorous anecdotes, Moran tackles tough questions about aging parents, teenage daughters, and personal identity. Her manifesto for change is a celebration of all those middle-aged women who keep the world turning.

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Thomas Thornton, Brigitte Hamann

Hitler's Vienna : A Dictator's Apprenticeship

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Recommended for history lovers, especially of WWII. This book captures the essence of Hitler's formative years in Vienna and how the city played a pivotal role in shaping his beliefs and worldview. The author delves deep into Hitler's early life, examining eyewitness accounts and new facts that shed light on his close relationship with Jewish friends and benefactors. The book also analyzes the influence of the politicians who shaped Hitler's political path. A must-read for anyone interested in understanding the origins of Hitler's radical movement and the events that led to WWII.

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King-Kok Cheung

Chinese American Literature without Borders : Gender, Genre, and Form

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This book could be a good read for someone interested in exploring the intersection of gender, culture, and writing. The author explores how Chinese American literature transcends traditional gender roles and forms and uses a bilingual approach to examine both Chinese and Chinese American writers. The book highlights how these writers experiment with poetry, theory, and metafiction to offer a reflexive lens on both their native and adopted countries. Readers interested in exploring new literary frontiers would enjoy this book.

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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.