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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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Maybe You Should Talk to Someone : the heartfelt, funny memoir by a New York Times bestselling therapist - Thryft
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Lori Gottlieb | Scribe

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, Her Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed

$12.90

Goodreads rating: 4.37

$12.90

62% off est. retail
This book offers a unique glimpse into the world of therapy from both sides of the couch. The author shares her own therapy sessions, making the experience personal and relatable. With a mix of humor and wisdom, Maybe You Should Talk to Someone takes you on a journey of self-discovery and sheds light on the universal struggles we all face. It's a thought-provoking read that will leave you with a deeper understanding of the human psyche and the power of therapy.
The Billionaire Who Wasn't : How Chuck Feeney Secretly Made and Gave Away a Fortune - Thryft
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Conor O'Clery | Publicaffairs

The Billionaire Who Wasn't : How Chuck Feeney Secretly Made and Gave Away a Fortune

$5.59 $3.35 40% off

Goodreads rating: 4.08

$5.59 $3.35 40% off

92% off est. retail
This book is recommended for readers who are interested in learning about the life of an extraordinary man who chose to give away his fortune to charitable causes. It provides insight into Chuck Feeney's journey of amassing and then giving away his wealth, as well as the challenges and moral dilemmas he faced along the way. The unique and distinctive feature of this book is that it offers a rare glimpse into the world of high-stakes philanthropy and the complexities involved in managing and disbursing billions of dollars to worthy causes.
Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo - Thryft
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Amy Schumer | Simon & Schuster Export Editions

Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo

$15.90 $10.90 31% off

Goodreads rating: 3.73

$15.90 $10.90 31% off

64% off est. retail
"Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys comedy and, more importantly, honesty. Amy Schumer's essays are both funny and vulnerable, as she shares personal stories from her life and career. Her unique perspective on topics like body image and relationships is refreshing and relatable. Readers will appreciate her candidness and be left with a deeper understanding of the woman behind the comedy.
Dress Your Family In Corduroy And Denim - Thryft
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David Sedaris | Abacus

Dress Your Family In Corduroy And Denim

$9.90 $6.90 30% off

Goodreads rating: 4.11

$9.90 $6.90 30% off

60% off est. retail
Recommended for readers who enjoy humorous memoirs. Sedaris' essays are full of self-deprecating humor and sarcastic observations, providing an offbeat look at everyday life. Each story is a glimpse into his quirky family's dynamics and peculiarities, making for an entertaining and quick read.
Escape from Camp 14 : One Man's Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West - Thryft
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Blaine Harden | Penguin Books

Escape from Camp 14 : One Man's Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West

$7.59

Goodreads rating: 4.0

$7.59

65% off est. retail
"Escape from Camp 14" is a vivid account of the life inside North Korea's political prison. The book portrays the story of Shin Dong-hyuk, the only person born inside one of these camps to have escaped. It highlights the inhumane conditions of the political prison camps and the brutalities people had to deal with on a daily basis. It is a must-read for those interested in human rights and political issues.
Nietzsche : A Philosophical Biography - Thryft
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Shelley Frisch, Rüdiger Safranski  | W. W. Norton & Company

Nietzsche : A Philosophical Biography

$12.67

Goodreads rating: 4.1

$12.67

71% off est. retail
A seminal biography, essential reading for anyone studying the philosophy of history's most enigmatic and fascinating thinker. No other modern philosopher has proved as influential as Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900) and none is as poorly understood. In the first new biography in decades, Rüdiger Safranski, one of the foremost living Nietzsche scholars, re-creates the anguished life of Nietzsche while simultaneously assessing the philosophical implications of his morality, religion, and art. Struggling to break away from the oppressive burdens of the past, Nietzsche invented a unique philosophy based on compulsive self-consciousness and constant self-revision. As groundbreaking as it will be long-lasting, this biography offers a brilliant, multifaceted portrait of a towering figure.
First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers
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Loung Ung | Harper Perennial

First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.33

$8.90

64% off est. retail
This book is a gripping and harrowing memoir that takes you on a journey through the terrifying experiences of a young girl during the Cambodian genocide. Loung Ung's story is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of love and courage in the face of unimaginable brutality. If you are looking for a deeply moving and inspiring read that will stay with you long after you turn the last page, this book is for you.
Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother
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Amy Chua | Penguin Press

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother

$8.26

Goodreads rating: 3.66

$8.26

If you're intrigued by parenting styles or cultural differences, "Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother" will fascinate you. Amy Chua's candid storytelling takes you through her strict approach to parenting, which may either leave you nodding in agreement or shaking your head in disbelief. It's a remarkable narrative that doesn't just reveal the hardships and successes of a family but also ignites conversations about what we value in raising children.
Living History - Thryft
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Hillary Rodham Clinton | Scribner

Living History

$8.92

Goodreads rating: 3.76

$8.92

74% off est. retail
The Phenomenal #1 Worldwide Bestseller—With a New AfterwordHillary Rodham Clinton is known to hundreds of millions of people around the world. Yet few beyond her close friends and family have ever heard her account of her extraordinary journey. She writes with candor, humor and passion about her upbringing in suburban, middle-class America in the 1950s and her transformation from Goldwater Girl to student activist to controversial First Lady.Living History is her revealing memoir of life through the White House years. It is also her chronicle of living history with Bill Clinton, a thirty-year adventure in love and politics that survives personal betrayal, relentless partisan investigations and constant public scrutiny.Hillary Rodham Clinton came of age during a time of tumultuous social and political change in America. Like many women of her generation, she grew up with choices and opportunities unknown to her mother or grandmother. She charted her own course through unexplored terrain -- responding to the changing times and her own internal compass -- and became an emblem for some and a lightning rod for others. Wife, mother, lawyer, advocate and international icon, she has lived through America's great political wars, from Watergate to Whitewater.The only First Lady to play a major role in shaping domestic legislation, Hillary Rodham Clinton traveled tirelessly around the country to champion health care, expand economic and educational opportunity and promote the needs of children and families, and she crisscrossed the globe on behalf of women's rights, human rights and democracy. She redefined the position of First Lady and helped save the presidency from an unconstitutional, politically motivated impeachment. Intimate, powerful and inspiring, Living History captures the essence of one of the most remarkable women of our time and the challenging process by which she came to define herself and find her own voice -- as a woman and as a formidable figure in American politics.
Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter - Thryft
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Adeline Yen Mah | Broadway Books

Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter

$6.34

Goodreads rating: 3.9

$6.34

73% off est. retail
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.
Damaged
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Cathy Glass | Harperelement

Damaged

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

Goodreads rating: 4.27

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

65% off est. retail
"Damaged" could stir your deepest sympathies if you're moved by true stories of courage and survival against the odds. Cathy Glass not only shares the dark realities of foster care but also offers a powerful narrative of unwavering commitment to a child in desperate need. This book taps into the human capacity for kindness in the face of unimaginable challenges, which may inspire you to look at adversity with a more compassionate lens.
Angela's Ashes - Thryft
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Frank McCourt | Harper Perennial

Angela's Ashes

$7.51

Goodreads rating: 4.14

$7.51

61% off est. retail
Angela's Ashes is a poignant memoir that highlights the resilience of human spirit amidst poverty, despair and hardships. Frank McCourt chronicles his family's struggles in Limerick, painting vivid descriptions of the trials and tribulations they face. His witty, humorous writing style is heartwarming and adds a unique flair to his storytelling. The book is highly recommended for those who enjoy autobiographical accounts, especially ones that showcase the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.
American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History
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Chris Kyle, Jim DeFelice, Scott McEwen  | Harper

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

$10.90 $8.26 24% off

Goodreads rating: 4.02

$10.90 $8.26 24% off

47% off est. retail
If you're drawn to real-life military heroics and the raw truths behind them, "American Sniper" offers an unflinching look into the life and mind of Chris Kyle—a Navy SEAL legend. You'll find yourself entrenched in the harrowing experiences of war and the personal sacrifice involved, providing a perspective that only someone who has been on the front lines could offer. It's more than just a tale of combat; it's a window into the impact on a soldier's family and his own internal battles.
Somebody Else's Kids
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Torey L. Hayden | Harper Element

Somebody Else's Kids

$9.90 $3.90 61% off

Goodreads rating: 4.28

$9.90 $3.90 61% off

81% off est. retail
"Somebody Else's Kids" is more than just a read; it's an emotional journey through the lives of children who've faced unimaginable challenges. Torey Hayden's compassionate storytelling does more than tell a story; it offers a glimpse into the strength and resilience of young souls. She shows us the potential of what unwavering care and dedication can achieve in the lives of those who seem the most broken. This book could deeply move you, especially if you're drawn to real-world stories of overcoming adversity.
Tuesdays with Morrie
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Mitch Albom | Sphere

Tuesdays with Morrie

$6.90

Goodreads rating: 4.2

$6.90

60% off est. retail
You might find "Tuesdays With Morrie" to resonate deeply if you've ever longed for the wisdom of someone who's seen it all. Mitch Albom's recount of his visits with Morrie Schwartz not only offer profound insights into life and death, but also remind us of the value of mentorship and the beauty of human connection. It's a book that could provide comfort, perspective, and a heartfelt reminder to prioritize what truly matters.
Steve Jobs
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Walter Isaacson | Simon & Schuster

Steve Jobs

$13.90

Goodreads rating: 4.15

$13.90

72% off est. retail
If you're fascinated by the enigmatic Steve Jobs and the tech revolution he fueled, Walter Isaacson's biography is a must-read. Every page is ripe with the raw intensity of Jobs' personality and the groundbreaking innovations he led. This book doesn't just recount the life of a tech mogul; it delves deep into the psyche of a man who forever changed how we interact with technology. It's a compelling narrative that might ignite your own creativity and ambition.
A Work in Progress: A Memoir
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Connor Franta | Atria/keywords Press

A Work in Progress: A Memoir

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

Goodreads rating: 4.16

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

81% off est. retail
If you've ever felt like you're still finding your place in this vast digital landscape, Connor's story in "A Work in Progress" will speak to you. His sincere reflections on family, self-discovery, and chasing his passions are like finding a friend who understands the quieter struggles of growing up. It's not just a memoir, it's a companion for anyone navigating their own path to self-acceptance and creative fulfillment.

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.