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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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Lost Highway: Journeys and Arrivals of American Musicians - Thryft
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Peter Guralnick | Back Bay Books

Lost Highway: Journeys and Arrivals of American Musicians

$9.90 $3.90 61% off

Goodreads rating: 4.22

$9.90 $3.90 61% off

88% off est. retail
This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the roots of American music. Peter Guralnick's incisive portraits of musicians like Elvis Presley and Merle Haggard capture their boundless passion for music-making and the grit it takes to keep going on the road. Fans of country, rockabilly, and the blues will appreciate this masterful exploration of the distinctly American sound.
Gladys Aylward : The Little Woman - Thryft
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Gladys Aylward, Christine Hunter  | Moody Press, U.s.

Gladys Aylward : The Little Woman

$4.47

Goodreads rating: 4.39

$4.47

73% off est. retail
Recommended for those seeking inspiring missionary stories. Gladys Aylward's journey to China without any support will ignite readers' faith in God. The story of her struggles during the Sino-Japanese War and how she triumphed over impossible situations will motivate readers to live with bold faith.
HRC: State Secrets and the Rebirth of Hillary Clinton - Thryft
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Jonathan Allen, Amie Parnes  | Arrow

HRC: State Secrets and the Rebirth of Hillary Clinton

$8.09

Goodreads rating: 3.61

$8.09

56% off est. retail
This book offers an in-depth look into the career of acclaimed politician Hillary Clinton, detailing the ups and downs of her political career. Readers will appreciate the behind-the-scenes accounts of the strategies, machinations and decision-making that contributed to one of the greatest political comebacks in history. Recommended for fans of political memoirs and those interested in first-hand insights leading up to a historical moment.
Fire at Eden's Gate : Tom Mccall and the Oregon Story - Thryft
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Brent Walth | Oregon Historical Society Pr

Fire at Eden's Gate : Tom Mccall and the Oregon Story

$11.22

Goodreads rating: 4.23

$11.22

76% off est. retail
This book would be a great read for someone interested in the political history of the state of Oregon, particularly during the tenure of the iconic governor Tom McCall. The author, Brent Walth, provides a detailed and well-researched account of McCall's career, showcasing his leadership amidst the tumultuous times in Oregon's history. The most unique and distinctive feature of this book is the insider perspective on McCall's life, accompanied by accounts of his achievements and challenges, which makes the book a highly informative and intriguing read.
Red Dust - Thryft
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Ma Jian | Vintage Books

Red Dust

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.85

$8.90

68% off est. retail
Red Dust is a must-read for those interested in China's recent history and culture. Through Ma Jian's insightful journey, readers can gain a unique perspective on China's societal challenges. The book is a compelling mix of beautiful descriptions of the country's natural beauty and commentary on the repressive nature of China's government in the 1980s.
Creators : From Chaucer to Walt Disney - Thryft
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Paul Johnson | Phoenix

Creators : From Chaucer to Walt Disney

$6.79 $4.75 30% off

Goodreads rating: 3.67

$6.79 $4.75 30% off

69% off est. retail
Creators: From Chaucer to Walt Disney can be a great read for those who are interested in the behind-the-scenes creative process of well-known individuals. The book celebrates the courage and self-confidence that these figures possessed, along with their emphasis on excellence. While some creators like Turner and Victor Hugo possessed recognition and sales throughout their careers, others such as Jane Austen were not recognized until after their death. The book highlights the importance of luck, and how it can play a crucial role in achieving success. Overall, it is a thought-provoking read which enables readers to witness the celebrated lives of creatives who put excellence before any other consideration.
Tolkien : A Celebration - Thryft
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Joseph Pearce | Harpercollins Uk

Tolkien : A Celebration

$6.26 $4.38 30% off

Goodreads rating: 4.12

$6.26 $4.38 30% off

80% off est. retail
"Tolkien: A Celebration" is a must-read for any fan of the acclaimed writer who desires an in-depth insight into his life and works. The personal recollections by those who knew him, combined with essays by other scholars, make for a comprehensive celebration of Tolkien's literary legacy. The unique feature of this book is its exploration of the spiritual values and faith that undergirded Middle-earth, revealing the deeper meanings behind the fantastical world.
Bill Clinton - Thryft
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Nigel Hamilton | Century

Bill Clinton

$12.17 $8.52 30% off

Goodreads rating: 3.66

$12.17 $8.52 30% off

81% off est. retail
This book is a gripping account of Bill Clinton's tumultuous presidency. Through detailed research and insightful analysis, Nigel Hamilton shows how Clinton faced up to his failures and refashioned himself in the White House. It is a must-read for anyone interested in modern American politics, with a nuanced portrait of a president who weathered overwhelming challenges to become one of the most popular leaders of the Western world.
Charles Dickens at Home - Thryft
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Graham Salter, Hilary Macaskill, Florian Schweizer  | Frances Lincoln

Charles Dickens at Home

$15.59 $10.91 30% off

Goodreads rating: 4.27

$15.59 $10.91 30% off

84% off est. retail
This book delves into the life of Charles Dickens and the impact his homes had on his writing. It offers a unique perspective on the author and his works, making it a great read for fans of Dickens' literature. The book provides an in-depth look at the places where the author lived, and how they influenced the setting and characters of his novels. Dickens' attention to detail and acute observation are highlighted, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the author's life and work. The book is illustrated with archive material and original photography, making it a beautiful addition to any book lover's collection.
Long Walk To Freedom : Film Tie In - Thryft
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Nelson Mandela | Abacus

Long Walk To Freedom : Film Tie In

$11.22 $7.85 30% off

Goodreads rating: 4.35

$11.22 $7.85 30% off

71% off est. retail
Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela is a must-read for those seeking inspiration and understanding of the triumph of human spirit against hardship and oppression. It showcases Mandela's unwavering commitment to justice, dignity, and freedom, making it a timeless classic for all generations. The memoirs recount his journey from a young boy in a South African village to becoming the first democratically elected black president of the country. It is an enthralling, emotive, and uplifting account of the experiences that helped shape Mandela's destiny and of the indomitable human spirit, illuminating the path to triumph over immense adversity.
The Art of Travel - Thryft
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Alain de Botton | Penguin Books

The Art of Travel

$9.20

Goodreads rating: 3.83

$9.20

59% off est. retail
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.
Wish Lanterns : Young Lives in New China - Thryft
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Alec Ash | Picador

Wish Lanterns : Young Lives in New China

$8.26

Goodreads rating: 4.22

$8.26

61% off est. retail
This is the generation that will change China. The youth, over 320 million of them in their teens and twenties, more than the population of the USA. Born after Mao, with no memory of Tiananmen, they are destined to transform both their nation and the world.These millennials, offspring of the one-child policy, face fierce competition to succeed. Pressure starts young, and their road isn't easy. Their stories are also like those of young people all over the world: moving out of home, starting a career, falling in love.Wish Lanterns follows the lives of six young Chinese. Dahai is a military child and netizen; 'Fred' is a daughter of the Party. Lucifer is an aspiring superstar; Snail a country migrant addicted to online games. Xiaoxiao is a hipster from the freezing north; Mia a rebel from Xinjiang in the far west.Alec Ash, a writer in Beijing of the same generation, has given us a vivid, gripping account of young China as it comes of age. Through individual stories, Wish Lanterns shows with empathy and insight the challenges and dreams that will define China's future global impact.
The Secret Barrister : Stories of the Law and How It's Broken - Thryft
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The Secret Barrister | Picador Uk

The Secret Barrister : Stories of the Law and How It's Broken

$8.26

Goodreads rating: 3.9

$8.26

51% off est. retail
An anonymous barrister offers a shocking, darkly comic and very moving journey through the legal system – and explains how it's failing all of us.The Sunday Times number one bestseller.Winner of the Books are My Bag Non-Fiction Award.Shortlisted for Waterstones Book of the Year.Shortlisted for Specsavers Non-Fiction Book of the Year.You may not wish to think about it, but one day you or someone you love will almost certainly appear in a criminal courtroom. You might be a juror, a victim, a witness or – perhaps through no fault of your own – a defendant. Whatever your role, you’d expect a fair trial.I’m a barrister. I work in the criminal justice system, and every day I see how fairness is not guaranteed. Too often the system fails those it is meant to protect. The innocent are wronged and the guilty allowed to walk free.In The Secret Stories of the Law and How It's Broken I want to share some stories from my daily life to show you how the system is broken, who broke it and why we should start caring before it’s too late.A Sunday Times top ten bestseller for twenty-four weeks.‘Eye-opening, funny and horrifying’ – Observer‘Everyone who has any interest in public life should read it’ – Daily Mail
The Singapore Story: Memoirs of Lee Kuan Yew
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Lee Kuan Yew | Times Media Private Limited

The Singapore Story: Memoirs of Lee Kuan Yew

$4.90

Goodreads rating: 4.46

$4.90

This memoir is a must-read for anyone interested in politics, leadership, and the incredible transformation of Singapore. Through the eyes of Lee Kuan Yew, the founding father of modern Singapore, you'll gain insights into his visionary leadership and the strategies he employed to turn a small, resource-poor nation into a thriving global hub. Lee's candid and pragmatic approach to governance will leave you inspired and in awe of Singapore's success story.
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.
Seven Deadly Sins : My Pursuit of Lance Armstrong - Thryft
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David Walsh | Simon & Schuster Ltd

Seven Deadly Sins : My Pursuit of Lance Armstrong

$3.18 $2.00 37% off

Goodreads rating: 4.03

$3.18 $2.00 37% off

89% off est. retail
Recommended for avid sports fans seeking truth. The book provides a gripping account of a journalist's 13-year battle to reveal the truth about Lance Armstrong's doping and conspiracy of silence within the sport. It delves deep into the murky world of professional cycling and the devastating impact on those who dare to speak up. The book is an eye-opener and a must-read for all sports enthusiasts seeking the truth about their idols.
Black Holes and Baby Universes : And Other Essays - Thryft
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Stephen Hawking | Bantam Books

Black Holes and Baby Universes : And Other Essays

$8.86

Goodreads rating: 4.17

$8.86

68% off est. retail
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.
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.
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.

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.