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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Anthony Bourdain

Medium Raw : A Bloody Valentine to the World of Food and the People Who Cook

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Medium Raw is a must-read for foodies who want to explore the transformation of the culinary industry. Bourdain's brutal honesty about his personal failures as a cook and his interactions with controversial figures in the food industry are fascinating. His exploration of "why cook well?" and his reflections on the importance of food culture make this book a thought-provoking page-turner.

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Henry David Thoreau

Walden: Or, Life in the Woods

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Walden is a classic piece of American literature that captures the beauty and simplicity of nature. Thoreau's observations of the natural world are insightful, and the book inspires readers to live a more deliberate, mindful existence. If you're interested in philosophy, environmentalism, or just seeking solace in the beauty of the natural world, then Walden is definitely worth your consideration.

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Atul Gawande

Better : A Surgeon's Notes on Performance

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This book would be a good read for anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes world of medicine. Atul Gawande's vivid stories and brutally honest insights provide a unique perspective on the struggles and triumphs of doctors striving for excellence. From battlefield surgical tents to malpractice courtrooms, this book uncovers the hidden challenges that medical professionals face and offers a blueprint for success that can be applied by anyone seeking to improve their performance in any field.

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Chuck Klosterman

Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs

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With an exhaustive knowledge of popular culture and an effortless ability to spin brilliant prose out of unlikely subject matter, Klosterman attacks the entire spectrum of postmodern America: reality TV, Internet porn, breakfast cereal, serial killers, Pamela Anderson, literary Jesus freaks, and the real difference between apples and oranges (of which there is none). Sex, Drugs and Coca Puffs is ostensibly about movies, sport, television, music, books, video games and kittens, but really it's about us. All of us.

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David Sedaris

Let's Explore Diabetes With Owls

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A guy walks into a bar...From here the story could take many turns. A guy walks into a bar and meets the love of his life. A guy walks into a bar and finds no one else it there. When this guy is David Sedaris, the possibilities are endless, but the result is always the same: he will both delight you with twists of humor and intelligence and leave you deeply moved. In Let's Explore Diabetes With Owls, Sedaris remembers his father's dinnertime attire (shirtsleeves and underpants), his first colonoscopy (remarkably pleasant), and the time he considered buying the skeleton of a murdered Pygmy.The common thread? Sedaris masterfully turns each episode into a love story: how it feels to be in a relationship where one loves and is loved over many years; what it means to be part of a family; and how it's possible, through all of life's absurdieties, to accept oneself. With Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls, David Sedaris shows once again why he has been described as 'a man who could capture your heart and lift your spirits while reading out the ingredients of a rice cake'(Observer).

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David Sedaris

ME Talk Pretty One Day

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"Me Talk Pretty One Day" is a collection of essays about the everyday life of the author, David Sedaris. In it, he sheds light on the little details of everyday life, highlighting strange encounters he has had in a number of different contexts. Accordingly, there are too many small interactions laid out in the book to mention here. What’s important to grasp, though, is that Sedaris is interested in exposing not only the absurdities that people overlook in daily life, but also the humor that can be found in even the most mundane situations.

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Alain de Botton

The Art of Travel

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"The Art of Travel by Alain de Botton is the perfect read for those curious about the philosophical aspects of travel. This book uses the insights of various artists and writers to delve into why travel can be such a transformative experience. The author provides a refreshing take on the subject matter, exploring how travel can teach us about ourselves and the world around us. If you're looking for a unique and enlightening read on the joys and challenges of travel, this is the book for you."

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Anne Lamott

Bird By Bird

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Recommendation: - This book is a must-read for aspiring writers who are feeling overwhelmed by the daunting task of putting words on the page. Anne Lamott's hilarious and heartfelt advice will guide you through the ups and downs of the writing journey, reminding you to take it step by step, bird by bird. Her personal anecdotes and practical tips will inspire you to keep going, even when the task seems insurmountable. Get ready to be motivated, encouraged, and thoroughly entertained as you embark on your own writing adventure with Bird by Bird.

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Chuck Klosterman

Chuck Klosterman X - A Highly Specific, Defiantly Incomplete History Of The Early 21St Century

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Chuck Klosterman X is a great read for pop culture enthusiasts who want to delve into the intricacies of 21st-century art, books, sports, and TV shows. Klosterman provides a unique perspective that is both informative and witty, making the book enjoyable and engaging. The book's most distinctive feature is the author's way of analyzing complex phenomena in a way that makes sense to average readers.

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Albert Einstein

Ideas And Opinions

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Ideas and Opinions is an excellent read for those interested in exploring Einstein's eclectic views in science and society. The book covers various aspects of his life, including his scientific accomplishments, religious and political beliefs, cultural and social opinions, and economic views. The book is a unique and compelling insight into the mind of one of the most significant thinkers of the 20th century, and its engaging and thoughtful content is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers.

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Joan Didion

The Year of Magical Thinking

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'An act of consummate literary bravery, a writer known for her clarity allowing us to watch her mind as it becomes clouded with grief.'From one of America's iconic writers, a stunning book of electric honesty and passion. Joan Didion explores an intensely personal yet universal experience: a portrait of a marriage–and a life, in good times and bad–that will speak to anyone who has ever loved a husband or wife or child.Several days before Christmas 2003, John Gregory Dunne and Joan Didion saw their only daughter, Quintana, fall ill with what seemed at first flu, then pneumonia, then complete septic shock. She was put into an induced coma and placed on life support. Days later–the night before New Year's Eve–the Dunnes were just sitting down to dinner after visiting the hospital when John Gregory Dunne suffered a massive and fatal coronary. In a second, this close, symbiotic partnership of forty years was over. Four weeks later, their daughter pulled through. Two months after that, arriving at LAX, she collapsed and underwent six hours of brain surgery at UCLA Medical Center to relieve a massive hematoma.This powerful book is Didion's attempt to make sense of the "weeks and then months that cut loose any fixed idea I ever had about death, about illness . . . about marriage and children and memory . . . about the shallowness of sanity, about life itself."

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Nora Ephron

I Remember Nothing and other reflections : Memories and wisdom from the iconic writer and director

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Nora Ephron's I Remember Nothing is a humorous yet poignant reflection on growing old. Her sharp observations on life, aging, and memory loss are relatable to readers of all ages. Through her witty and wise musings, the book offers a unique and refreshing perspective on the later years of life.

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Bill Bryson

Notes From A Big Country

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"Notes From A Big Country" provides a hilarious perspective on American life from a seasoned traveler. Bryson's clever commentary on various subjects is sure to leave readers entertained and informed. The book's unique feature is its ability to delve into seemingly mundane topics and make them hilarious. Recommended for anyone looking for a good laugh and a fresh perspective on American culture.

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Alain de Botton

The Art of Travel

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Any Baedeker will tell us where we ought to travel, but only Alain de Botton will tell us how and why. With the same intelligence and insouciant charm he brought to How Proust Can Save Your Life, de Botton considers the pleasures of anticipation; the allure of the exotic, and the value of noticing everything from a seascape in Barbados to the takeoffs at Heathrow. Even as de Botton takes the reader along on his own peregrinations, he also cites such distinguished fellow-travelers as Baudelaire, Wordsworth, Van Gogh, the biologist Alexander von Humboldt, and the 18th-century eccentric Xavier de Maistre, who catalogued the wonders of his bedroom. The Art of Travel is a wise and utterly original book. Don’t leave home without it.

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Shane Dawson

I Hate Myselfie : A Collection of Essays by Shane Dawson

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"I Hate Myselfie" is a unique memoir written by YouTube star Shane Dawson that combines humor with heartwarming personal stories. The essays range from silly to serious, providing readers with a glimpse into the struggles and successes of Dawson's life. It's perfect for fans who want to learn more about their favorite YouTuber and for individuals seeking a book that combines humor, fresh perspectives, and inspiration.

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Emma Gannon

Sabotage : How to Silence Your Inner Critic and Get Out of Your Own Way

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"Sabotage" is a must-read for those struggling with self-sabotage. Emma Gannon's book offers practical solutions to overcome procrastination and self-criticism, using real-life examples from cultural figures to help readers identify and overcome their own barriers. The book's most distinctive feature is its emphasis on introspection, challenging readers to look at themselves and question their own behaviors, and providing them with the tools to silence their inner critic. Overall, "Sabotage" is an inspiring and empowering read that helps readers take control of their own lives.

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Alain de Botton

The Art of Travel

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travel

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Omar Saif Ghobash

Letters to a Young Muslim

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"In a series of personal letters to his sons, Omar Saif Ghobash offers a short and highly readable manifesto that tackles our current global crisis with the training of an experienced diplomat and the personal responsibility of a father. Today's young Muslims will be tomorrow's leaders, and yet too many are vulnerable to extremist propaganda that seems omnipresent in our technological age. The burning question, Ghobash argues, is how moderate Muslims can unite to find a voice that is true to Islam while actively and productively engaging in the modern world. What does it mean to be a good Muslim?What is the concept of a good life? And is it acceptable to stand up and openly condemn those who take the Islamic faith and twist it to suit their own misguided political agendas? In taking a hard look at these seemingly simple questions, Ghobash encourages his sons to face issues others insist are not relevant, not applicable, or may even be Islamophobic. These letters serve as a clear-eyed inspiration for the next generation of Muslims to understand how to be faithful to their religion and still navigate through the complexities of today's world. They also reveal an intimate glimpse into a world many are unfamiliar with and offer to provide an understanding of the everyday struggles Muslims face around the globe."

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Jeff Bezos, Walter Isaacson

Invent and Wander: The Collected Writings of Jeff Bezos

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This book is a must-read for anyone aspiring to achieve great success in business. Jeff Bezos, the visionary behind Amazon, shares his insightful thoughts on topics ranging from customer obsession to innovation and the future of technology. Through his direct and down-to-earth style, Bezos offers valuable lessons on business strategy and execution, inspiring readers to adopt a Day 1 mindset and strive for continuous improvement. Get ready to explore the mind of one of the most important innovators of our time and uncover the principles that have driven his remarkable success.

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Angie Manfredi

Other F Word - A Celebration Of The Fat & Fierce

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The (Other) F Word would be a great read for someone struggling with body image and looking for relatable and diverse stories. The book offers a collection of personal essays, prose, poetry, fashion tips and art, all created by fat writers, influencers and creators. What makes this book unique is that it emphasizes that fat people telling their own stories, with no judgement. The (Other) F Word is an inspiring and empowering read that promotes body acceptance and self-love.

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Stephen Hawking

Black Holes and Baby Universes : And Other Essays

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NY Times bestseller. 13 extraordinary essays shed new light on the mysteries of the universe & on one of the most brilliant thinkers of our time.In his phenomenal bestseller A Brief History of Time, Stephen Hawking literally transformed the way we think about physics, the universe, reality itself. In these thirteen essays and one remarkable extended interview, the man widely regarded as the most brilliant theoretical physicist since Einstein returns to reveal an amazing array of possibilities for understanding our universe. Building on his earlier work, Hawking discusses imaginary time, how black holes can give birth to baby universes, and scientists’ efforts to find a complete unified theory that would predict everything in the universe. With his characteristic mastery of language, his sense of humor and commitment to plain speaking, Stephen Hawking invites us to know him better—and to share his passion for the voyage of intellect and imagination that has opened new ways to understanding the very nature of the cosmos.

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Wendy Lesser

Why I Read

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

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Po Bronson

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

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

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Ann Patchett

What Now?

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Based on her lauded commencement address at Sarah Lawrence College, this stirring essay by bestselling author Ann Patchett offers hope and inspiration for anyone at a crossroads, whether graduating, changing careers, or transitioning from one life stage to another. With wit and candor, Patchett tells her own story of attending college, graduating, and struggling with the inevitable question, What now?From student to line cook to teacher to waitress and eventually to award-winning author, Patchett's own life has taken many twists and turns that make her exploration genuine and resonant. As Patchett writes, "'What now?' represents our excitement and our future, the very vitality of life." She highlights the possibilities the unknown offers and reminds us that there is as much joy in the journey as there is in reaching the destination.

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Issa Rae

The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl

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

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Anthony Bourdain

Medium Raw : A Bloody Valentine to the World of Food and the People Who Cook

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Medium Raw could be a great read for food enthusiasts who want an unfiltered look at the restaurant industry and its players. Bourdain's no-holds-barred style and insider knowledge make this sequel a must-read for anyone who enjoyed Kitchen Confidential. A unique aspect is Bourdain's exploration of the question of why chefs cook and why they strive for excellence. The book offers a mix of anecdotes, rants, and investigations that are sure to keep readers engaged and entertained.

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David Sedaris

Calypso

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Recommendation: Calypso is a hilarious yet poignant collection of essays that explore mortality, aging, and family dynamics. Sedaris's sharp wit and unique ability to find humor in difficult topics make this book a must-read for anyone looking for a good laugh and an introspective journey. If you love dark humor and want to read a book that will make you think, Calypso is the perfect fit for you.

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Pico Iyer

A Beginner's Guide to Japan : Observations and Provocations

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From one of the most engaging and discerning travel writers of his generation, a playful and profound guide to the enigma of contemporary Japan After thirty-two years in Japan, Pico Iyer can use everything from anime to Oscar Wilde to show how his adopted home is both hauntingly familiar - and the strangest place on earth. He draws on readings, reflections and conversations with Japanese friends to illuminate an unknown place for newcomers, and to give longtime residents a look at their home through fresh eyes. A Beginner's Guide to Japan is a playful and profound guidebook full of surprising, brief and incisive glimpses into Japanese culture. Iyer's adventures and observations as he travels from a meditation-hall to a love-hotel, from West Point to Kyoto Station make for a constantly surprising series of provocations guaranteed to pique the interest and curiosity of those who don't know Japan, and to remind those who do of the wide range of fascinations the country and culture contain.

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Roxane Gay

Hunger - A Memoir Of (My) Body

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Reasons to read: - Roxane Gay's memoir, Hunger, is a powerful exploration of the complexities of living in a body that doesn't fit societal expectations. Through her intimate and vulnerable storytelling, she tackles issues of body image, trauma, and self-acceptance with raw honesty. - This book is a must-read for anyone who has ever questioned their own worth based on their appearance. Gay's unflinching examination of her own experiences will resonate deeply with readers, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of body, identity, and culture. - Hunger is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder that our bodies are not the sum total of our worth. It is a book that challenges societal norms and celebrates the diversity of human bodies, making it a vital addition to any personal library.

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Raven Smith

Raven Smith's Trivial Pursuits

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Raven Smith's Trivial Pursuits is a perfect read for anyone who enjoys witty insights into modern life. Smith's ability to find humor in the mundane creates a refreshing and relatable experience that is difficult to put down. The author's unique perspective on ordinary topics, combined with his personal anecdotes, creates a charming and captivating read that is sure to make readers laugh and reflect on their own trivial pursuits.

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Neil Gaiman

View from the Cheap Seats : Selected Nonfiction -- Paperback [Paperback]

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A collection of speeches, articles, essays and introductions from Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author, commentator and craftsman Neil Gaiman.The View from the Cheap Seats draws together, for the first time ever, myriad non-fiction writing by international phenomenon and Sunday Times bestselling author Neil Gaiman. From Make Good Art, the speech he gave at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia that went viral, to pieces on artists and legends including Terry Pratchett, Lou Reed and Ray Bradbury, the collection offers a glimpse into the head and heart of one of the most acclaimed writers of our time.'Literature does not occur in a vacuum. It cannot be a monologue. It has to be a conversation'Welcome to the conversation. Neil Gaiman fled the land of journalism to find truths through storytelling and sanctuary in not needing to get all the facts right. Of course, the real world continued to make up its own stories around him, and he has responded over the years with a wealth of ideas and introductions, dreams and speeches.The View From the Cheap Seats will draw you in to these exchanges on making good art and Syrian refugees, the power of a single word and playing the kazoo with Stephen King, writing about books, comics and the imagination of friends, being sad at the Oscars and telling lies for a living. Here 'we can meet the writer full on' (Stephen Fry) as he opens our minds to the people he admires and the things he believes might just mean something - and makes room for us to join the conversation too.

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Sarah Sands

Monk's Medicine - The Search For Peace Of Mind

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Monk's Medicine could be a good read for those seeking to improve their mental well-being. It features a collection of essays written by various authors, on topics ranging from mindfulness to anxiety. The unique aspect of this book is how it provides a diverse range of perspectives and strategies to attain peace of mind. Users might appreciate how the book is filled with actionable tips that one can integrate into their daily routines. Overall, Monk's Medicine has received positive feedback for its practical and relatable content.

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Tamar Adler, Alice Waters

An Everlasting Meal : Cooking with Economy and Grace

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"An Everlasting Meal" is a must-read for those who value sustainable cooking and appreciate the philosophy of minimally wasting food. This book is an excellent resource for learning how to cook delicious meals while being mindful of the economy and gracefulness of food preparation. The author offers practical tips on how to cook with leftover ingredients, expand the life of perishables, and prepare simple yet tasty meals that nourish not just the body but also the soul.

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Maggie Nelson

Bluets : AS SEEN ON BBC2'S BETWEEN THE COVERS

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Bluets could be a good read for someone looking for a raw and cerebral work about the inextricability of pleasure and pain. The book's exploration of color as a means of examining heartbreak is a unique and powerful perspective that will leave readers contemplating its themes long after finishing it. Additionally, its references to famous blue figures such as Joni Mitchell and Andy Warhol make for an interesting and informative read.

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David Sedaris

When You Are Engulfed in Flames

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"David Sedaris's ability to transform the mortification of everyday life into wildly entertaining art," ( The Christian Science Monitor ) is elevated to wilder and more entertaining heights than ever in this remarkable new book. Trying to make coffee when the water is shut off, David considers using the water in a vase of flowers and his chain of associations takes him from the French countryside to a hilariously uncomfortable memory of buying drugs in a mobile home in rural North Carolina. In essay after essay, Sedaris proceeds from bizarre conundrums of daily life-having a lozenge fall from your mouth into the lap of a fellow passenger on a plane or armoring the windows with LP covers to protect the house from neurotic songbirds-to the most deeply resonant human truths.  Culminating in a brilliant account of his venture to Tokyo in order to quit smoking, David Sedaris's sixth essay collection is a new masterpiece of comic writing from "a writer worth treasuring" ( Seattle Times ). Praise for When You Are Engulfed in Flames :"Older, wiser, smarter and meaner, Sedaris...defies the odds once again by delivering an intelligent take on the banalities of an absurd life." -- Kirkus ReviewsThis latest collection proves that not only does Sedaris still have it, but he's also getting better....Sedaris's best stuff will still--after all this time--move, surprise, and entertain."  -- BooklistTable of It's CatchingKeeping UpThe UnderstudyThis Old HouseBuddy, Can You Spare a Tie?Road TripsWhat I LearnedThat's AmoreThe Monster MashIn the Waiting RoomSolutions to Saturday's PuzzleAdult Figures Charging Toward a Concrete ToadstoolMemento MoriAll the Beauty You Will Ever NeedTown and CountryAerialThe Man in the HutOf Mice and MenApril in ParisCrybabyOld FaithfulThe Smoking Section

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Joan Didion

Blue Nights

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A New York Times Notable BookFrom one of our most powerful writers, a work of stunning frankness about losing a daughter.Richly textured with memories from her own childhood and married life with her husband, John Gregory Dunne, and daughter, Quintana Roo, this new book by Joan Didion is an intensely personal and moving account of her thoughts, fears, and doubts regarding having children, illness and growing old.As she reflects on her daughter’s life and on her role as a parent, Didion grapples with the candid questions that all parents face, and contemplates her age, something she finds hard to acknowledge, much less accept. Blue Nights—the long, light evening hours that signal the summer solstice, “the opposite of the dying of the brightness, but also its warning”—like The Year of Magical Thinking before it, is an iconic book of incisive and electric honesty, haunting and profound.

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Alain de Botton

The Art of Travel

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The Art of Travel is a thought-provoking book that delves into how travel can bring meaning and purpose to our lives. Alain de Botton presents a philosophical and reflective perspective on travel, which can make readers question their own motivations for exploring the world. His writing style is engaging and humorous, making the book an enjoyable read. If you're looking for a book that challenges how you think about travel, and puts into words some of the intangible aspects of it, then The Art of Travel is for you.

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René Descartes, Desmond M. Clarke

Meditations and Other Metaphysical Writings

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'I shall imagine myself as if I had no hands, no eyes, no flesh, no blood, no senses at all'Descartes was prepared to go to any lengths in his search for certainty – even to deny those things that seemed most self-evident. In his Meditations of 1641, and in the Objections and Replies that were included with the original publication, he set out to dismantle and then reconstruct the idea of the individual self and its existence. In doing so, Descartes developed a language of subjectivity that has lasted to this day and also took his first steps towards the view that would eventually be expressed in the epigram Cogito, ergo sum ('I think, therefore I am'), one of modern philosophy's most famous – and most fiercely controversial – claims.The first part of a two-volume edition of Descartes' works in Penguin Classics, this edition includes extensive selections from the Objections and Replies, Part One of The Principles of Philosophy, Comments on a Certain Manifesto and related correspondence from 1643 to 1649.

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Cathy Rentzenbrink

A Manual for Heartache

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"When Cathy Rentzenbrink was still a teenager, her happy family was torn apart by an unthinkable tragedy. In A Manual for Heartache she describes how she learnt to live with grief and loss and find joy in the world again. She explores how to cope with life at its most difficult and overwhelming and how we can emerge from suffering forever changed, but filled with hope.This is a moving, warm and uplifting book that offers solidarity and comfort to anyone going through a painful time, whatever it might be. It's a book that will help to soothe an aching heart and assure its readers that they're not alone."

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James Baldwin, Edward P. Jones

Notes of a Native Son

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A new edition of the book many have called James Baldwin’s most influential workWritten during the 1940s and early 1950s, when Baldwin was only in his twenties, the essays collected in Notes of a Native Son capture a view of black life and black thought at the dawn of the civil rights movement and as the movement slowly gained strength through the words of one of the most captivating essayists and foremost intellectuals of that era. Writing as an artist, activist, and social critic, Baldwin probes the complex condition of being black in America. With a keen eye, he examines everything from the significance of the protest novel to the motives and circumstances of the many black expatriates of the time, from his home in “The Harlem Ghetto” to a sobering “Journey to Atlanta.”Notes of a Native Son inaugurated Baldwin as one of the leading interpreters of the dramatic social changes erupting in the United States in the twentieth century, and many of his observations have proven almost prophetic. His criticism on topics such as the paternalism of white progressives or on his own friend Richard Wright’s work is pointed and unabashed. He was also one of the few writing on race at the time who addressed the issue with a powerful mixture of outrage at the gross physical and political violence against black citizens and measured understanding of their oppressors, which helped awaken a white audience to the injustices under their noses. Naturally, this combination of brazen criticism and unconventional empathy for white readers won Baldwin as much condemnation as praise.Notes is the book that established Baldwin’s voice as a social critic, and it remains one of his most admired works. The essays collected here create a cohesive sketch of black America and reveal an intimate portrait of Baldwin’s own search for identity as an artist, as a black man, and as an American.

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Ta-Nehisi Coates

We Were Eight Years in Power : 'One of the foremost essayists on race in the West' Nikesh Shukla, author of The Good Immigrant

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THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER'I've been wondering who might fill the intellectual void after James Baldwin died. Clearly it is Ta-Nehisi Coates' Toni Morrison'Searing. One of the foremost essayists on race in the West... [He] is responsible for some of the most important writing about what it is to be black in America today' Nikesh Shukla, editor of The Good ImmigrantAn essential account of modern America, from Obama to Trump, from black lives matter to white supremacists rising - by the bestselling author of Between the World and MeObama's presidency was a watershed moment in American history. From 2008-2016, the leader of the free world was a black man. In those eight years, Obama transformed the conversation around race, gender, class and wealth - inspiring hope but also attracting criticism and breeding discontent.In this unflinching book, Ta-Nehisi Coates takes stock of Obama's eight years in power, through such iconic, unmissable essays as 'Fear of a Black President' and 'The Case for Reparations'. His account traverses the intersections of the political, the ideological and the cultural, presenting an America in radical flux and yet still in the grip of racial injustice, class warfare and institutional conspiracy. And it reflects on the author's own journey through these eight years, charting the public through the private in passages of startling intimate and piercingly relevant memoir.Ta-Nehisi Coates is one of our most brilliant, most fearless and most essential living writers - and his work is crucial to understanding race in America today.Finalist for the Los Angeles Book Prize 2018Longlisted for the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence 2018RAVE READER REVIEWS:'Brilliantly written, incisive, and extremely relevant. Read it with your families, use it in your classrooms, give copies to your friends' (Liz)'Coates thinks more deeply and writes more clearly about the national tragedy and disgrace that is our collective failure to confront the legacy of White Supremacy than just about anyone... I can't recommend it highly enough' (Worddancer Redux)'Every white person who wants to really know how it looks from 'the other side' should take on the responsibility of reading Coates' eye-opening, informative book... A must read for everyone of every colour' (Indy JV)'A masterful understanding of how the USA really works' (shedgirl)'If you want to know the wellsprings of racism in America - then read this book!' (David C. R. Hancock)

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Hannah Jane Parkinson

The Joy of Small Things : 'A not-so-small joy in itself.' Nigella Lawson

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"The Joy of Small Things" can be a good read for those seeking to find happiness and contentment in the everyday experiences of life. Hannah Jane Parkinson, through her own experiences, teaches us to find joy in seemingly insignificant things. The book is a love letter to the small pleasures of life that often go unnoticed. Parkinson's writing is relatable, easy to read and witty, making it a great daily diversion.

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Elizabeth Gilbert

Eat Pray Love Made Me Do It : Life Journeys Inspired by the Bestselling Memoir

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This book is perfect for individuals seeking inspiration and an uplifting read. It consists of true stories from various people who have embarked on transformative journeys inspired by Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat Pray Love. These stories cover a range of experiences, from embracing motherhood to overcoming illness and fears, making this book a celebration of the human spirit. The unique feature of this book is its ability to inspire readers to pursue their passions and take risks towards self-discovery and fulfillment.

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Alain de Botton

The Art of Travel

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This book is for those seeking more than just a travel guide. It delves into the deeper meaning of travel and explores the emotional and philosophical aspects of our journeys. With insightful observations and thought-provoking reflections, Alain de Botton takes readers on a transformative exploration of the art of travel, offering a new perspective on why we travel and how it can enrich our lives. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or someone dreaming about your next adventure, this book will inspire you to see the world with fresh eyes and find beauty in the everyday.

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Shane Dawson

It Gets Worse : A Collection of Essays

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This book would be a great read for fans of Shane Dawson's YouTube channel or anyone who enjoys humorous memoirs. The book is filled with hilarious and relatable stories from his life, including his experiences with bisexuality and clashes with celebrities. The stories are told with honesty and vulnerability, making them both inspiring and entertaining.

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Lewis Hyde, Rainer Maria Rilke, Charlie Louth

Letters to a Young Poet

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In 1903, a student at a military academy sent some of his verses to a well-known Austrian poet, requesting an assessment of their value. The older artist, Rainer Maria Rilke (1875–1926), replied to the novice in this series of letters—an amazing archive of remarkable insights into the ideas behind Rilke's greatest poetry. The ten letters reproduced here were written during an important stage in Rilke's artistic development, and they contain many of the themes that later appeared in his best works. The poet himself afterwards stated that his letters contained part of his creative genius, making this volume essential reading for scholars, poetry lovers, and anyone with an interest in Rilke, German poetry, or the creative impulse.

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Jia Tolentino

Trick Mirror : Reflections on Self-Delusion

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Trick Mirror by Jia Tolentino is a collection of essays that challenges readers to confront their own self-delusions through cultural observations and experiences. It offers witty and honest insights on topics ranging from the dark side of the internet to the pressure to constantly optimize ourselves. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of our modern society.

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Samantha Irby

We Are Never Meeting in Real Life

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If you haven't already heard of Samantha Irby. where have you been?In this painfully funny collection, Samantha Irby captures powerful emotional truths while chronicling the rubbish bin she calls her life. From an ill-fated pilgrimage to Nashville to scatter her estranged father's ashes to awkward sexual encounters to the world's first completely honest job application, and more, sometimes you just have to laugh, even when your life is permanently pear-shaped.

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Deborah Levy

Things I Don't Want to Know

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Imagine delving into the thoughts of a writer who's masterfully intertwining her experience as a woman with the art of writing itself. Levy's narrative invites you on a contemplative and intimate odyssey that’s both enlightening and emotionally nourishing, almost akin to chatting with a wise friend. Her unique perspective is a call to introspection, especially for those drawn to the intricacies of writing and the nuances of a life lived with passionate reflection.

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Primo Levi

The Drowned and the Saved

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The Drowned and the Saved is a must-read book for anyone interested in understanding the Holocaust and its long-term impact. Through his honest and powerful essays, Primo Levi challenges the popular narratives about the Holocaust and sheds light on the experiences of both victims and oppressors. His introspective approach to memory and trauma makes this book a valuable resource for students and literary readers alike. His personal experiences as a survivor bring the Holocaust to life and honor the resiliency of the human spirit.

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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.