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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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In My Time of Dying: How I Came Face-to-Face With the Idea of an Afterlife
Sebastian Junger | Simon & Schuster

In My Time of Dying: How I Came Face-to-Face With the Idea of an Afterlife

$18.90

Goodreads rating: 3.82

$18.90

If you've ever contemplated the mysteries of life and death, Sebastian Junger's personal journey will resonate deeply. Confronting his own mortality after a brush with death, Junger's narrative isn't just an intense survival story—it's a thoughtful examination of the afterlife and the human need to understand what might lie beyond. Engaging, moving, and intellectually stimulating, this book promises to be a compelling read for anyone intrigued by the intersection of science, spirituality, and the human condition.
This Is Going to Hurt
Adam Kay | Pan Macmillan

This Is Going to Hurt

$8.26

Goodreads rating: 4.4

$8.26

51% off est. retail
Recommendation: If you're looking for a brutally honest and hilarious glimpse into the chaotic world of junior doctors, "This is Going to Hurt" is a must-read. Adam Kay's diary entries will have you laughing out loud one moment and wiping away tears the next. It's an eye-opening and emotional rollercoaster that sheds light on the highs and lows of life on the front lines of the NHS.
When Breath Becomes Air
Just Arrived
Paul Kalanithi | Random House Uk

When Breath Becomes Air

$7.90

Goodreads rating: 4.41

$7.90

60% off est. retail
Recommendations: 1. This book could be a good read for someone who wants to deeply ponder the meaning of life and the fragility of our existence. Kalanithi's personal journey and philosophical musings make for a thought-provoking and emotional read. 2. If you're interested in gaining insight into the unique perspective of a doctor-turned-patient, this book offers an intimate and honest portrayal. Kalanithi's empathetic storytelling brings into focus the complexities of the doctor-patient relationship and the emotional challenges of facing mortality. 3. When Breath Becomes Air is not just a book about death, but rather a celebration of life. It reminds us of the preciousness of every moment and the importance of finding purpose and meaning in our own lives.
Critical Science and Stories from the Brink of Human Life
Matt Morgan | Simon & Schuster Ltd

Critical Science and Stories from the Brink of Human Life

$10.90

Goodreads rating: 4.08

$10.90

"Critical" takes you behind the scenes of the ICU, where lives hang in the balance, and the very essence of human resilience and medical science intersect. Dr. Matt Morgan weaves together patient stories that not only shed light on the often invisible struggles within hospital walls but also serve as poignant reminders of the thin line between life and death. It's educational, deeply human, and might just change how you perceive the fragility of life.
Confessions of a Surgeon: The Good, the Bad, and the Complicated—Life Behind the O.R. Doors
Just Arrived
Paul A. Ruggieri | Penguin Publishing Group

Confessions of a Surgeon: The Good, the Bad, and the Complicated—Life Behind the O.R. Doors

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.75

$8.90

If you're intrigued by what truly happens behind the scenes of an operating room, "Confessions of a Surgeon" could provide you with that insider perspective. Dr. Ruggieri doesn't hold back as he paints a vivid picture of the medical field's triumphs and tribulations. It's a compelling read for anyone curious about the ethical dilemmas and intense pressures surgeons face, alongside the humanity within the hospital walls.
Preventable: The Inside Story of How Leadership Failures, Politics, and Selfishness Doomed the U.S. Coronavirus Response
Andy Slavitt | St. Martin's Press

Preventable: The Inside Story of How Leadership Failures, Politics, and Selfishness Doomed the U.S. Coronavirus Response

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 4.14

$11.90

"Preventable" gives a gripping, insider's perspective on a national tragedy that many of us have lived through. If you’re looking to understand not only the specific missteps of the recent pandemic response but also the underlying flaws in America's health and political systems that allowed for such a catastrophe, Andy Slavitt’s account is a crucial read. It resonates with a call for accountability and the urgency to learn from these painful lessons.
Mirror Touch: Notes from a Doctor Who Can Feel Your Pain
Just Arrived
Joel Salinas | Harperone

Mirror Touch: Notes from a Doctor Who Can Feel Your Pain

$13.90

Goodreads rating: 3.62

$13.90

"Mirror Touch" might fascinate you if you're intrigued by the mysterious workings of the human brain and the deep connections between empathy and neuroscience. Dr. Salinas' memoir not only provides insight into the rare condition of mirror-touch synesthesia but also delves into the complexities of human relationships. As he narrates his personal and professional challenges, you'll be captivated by how intimately and profoundly we can connect with one another. This book promises to broaden your perception of sensory experience and empathy.
Reaching Down the Rabbit Hole: Extraordinary Journeys Into the Human Brain
Allan H. Ropper, Brian David Burrell  | Atlantic Books

Reaching Down the Rabbit Hole: Extraordinary Journeys Into the Human Brain

$12.90

Goodreads rating: 3.98

$12.90

If you're captivated by the enigmas of the human brain and how it shapes our reality, "Reaching Down the Rabbit Hole" is a must-read. Dr. Allan Ropper provides a backstage pass to the dramas playing out in a leading neurology unit, allowing you to witness the complexities of the mind through a physician's challenges and triumphs. It's like being a part of the diagnosis, feeling the weight of responsibility and the surge of breakthroughs in real time.
One by One by One: Making a Small Difference Amid a Billion Problems
Aaron Berkowitz | Sanfran

One by One by One: Making a Small Difference Amid a Billion Problems

$12.90

Goodreads rating: 4.2

$12.90

52% off est. retail
Imagine facing the immense pressure of both ethical dilemmas and cultural differences while holding a life in your hands. "One by One by One" delivers a powerful firsthand account of a doctor's quest for social justice in healthcare, set against the backdrop of Haiti's profound poverty. This book promises to resonate with readers who appreciate true stories of humanity, perseverance, and the complex challenges of global health.
A Leg to Stand On
Oliver Sacks | Picador

A Leg to Stand On

$12.90

Goodreads rating: 3.8

$12.90

If you're intrigued by the confluence of the physical and psychological, "A Leg to Stand On" offers a rare insider's view, literally from the bed of an acclaimed neurologist. Sacks' narrative transforms his personal adversity into a thought-provoking exploration of the self, making it a compelling read for anyone fascinated by the mysteries of the human mind-body connection.
DNA: The Secret of Life
James D. Watson, Andrew Berry  | Knopf

DNA: The Secret of Life

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.12

$8.90

You seem intrigued by the building blocks of life itself. "DNA: The Secret of Life" traces the thrilling journey of genetic discovery from its foundational double helix to the modern marvels of genetic engineering. If you're seeking a deeper understanding of how we're made and what the future may hold, this book will offer you a front-row seat to science's most groundbreaking narrative.
Genetic Rounds: A Doctor's Encounters in the Field That Revolutionized Medicine - Thryft
Robert Marion | Kaplan Publishing

Genetic Rounds: A Doctor's Encounters in the Field That Revolutionized Medicine

$19.71 $5.90 70% off

Goodreads rating: 4.18

$19.71 $5.90 70% off

75% off est. retail
If you're drawn to the human side of medicine, you might find "Genetic Rounds" a compelling read. It's not every day that you get an inside look into the complexities pediatric geneticists face. Dr. Robert Marion’s experiences are rich with ethical quandaries, all delivered through narratives that showcase the resilience and challenges of his young patients. Read this for a journey into the emotional heart of a medical specialty that’s shaping our future.
Pox : Genius, Madness, And The Mysteries Of Syphilis - Thryft
Deborah Hayden | Basic Books

Pox : Genius, Madness, And The Mysteries Of Syphilis

$12.53

Goodreads rating: 3.75

$12.53

Was Beethoven experiencing syphilitic euphoria when he composed "Ode to Joy"? Did van Gogh paint "Crows Over the Wheatfield" in a fit of diseased madness right before he shot himself? Was syphilis a stowaway on Columbus's return voyage to Europe? The answers to these provocative questions are likely "yes," claims Deborah Hayden in this riveting investigation of the effects of the "Pox" on the lives and works of world figures from the fifteenth through the twentieth centuries. Writing with remarkable insight and narrative flair, Hayden argues that biographers and historians have vastly underestimated the influence of what Thomas Mann called "this exhilarating yet wasting disease." Shrouded in secrecy, syphilis was accompanied by wild euphoria and suicidal depression, megalomania and paranoia, profoundly affecting sufferers' worldview, their sexual behavior and personality, and, of course, their art. Deeply informed and courageously argued, Pox has already been heralded as a major contribution to our understanding of genius, madness, and creativity.
Malignant Sadness: The Anatomy of Depression
Lewis Wolpert | Faber And Faber

Malignant Sadness: The Anatomy of Depression

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.71

$8.90

52% off est. retail
If you've ever felt alone in your struggle with depression or simply want to understand it better, "Malignant Sadness" could be a grounding read for you. Lewis Wolpert combines personal experience with scientific investigation, providing an accessible yet thorough examination of this complex condition. It could offer both solace and knowledge, shedding light on a topic frequently shrouded in silence.
One in Three: A Son's Journey Into the History and Science of Cancer
Adam Wishart | Grove Press

One in Three: A Son's Journey Into the History and Science of Cancer

$12.90

Goodreads rating: 3.86

$12.90

52% off est. retail
If cancer has touched your life, Wishart's blend of personal storytelling and medical history in "One in Three" may resonate with you deeply. The book offers an intimate look at the progress science has made in understanding and treating this complex disease. It's a hopeful read that could change your perspective on cancer, presenting it as something that, while daunting, can be lived with rather than an automatic death sentence.
Bio - Thryft
Neil A. Campbell | Benjamin-cummings Pub Co

Bio

$34.90 $9.90 72% off

Goodreads rating: 4.16

$34.90 $9.90 72% off

84% off est. retail
BIO provides a deep, evolutionary perspective on life sciences and helps students distinguish between key concepts in detail. Its focus on "big ideas" makes it the perfect choice for those seeking a comprehensive understanding of biology.
Doctors : The Biography of Medicine - Thryft
Sherwin B. Nuland | Vintage

Doctors : The Biography of Medicine

$6.50

Goodreads rating: 4.06

$6.50

Doctors is a great read for those interested in understanding how medicine has advanced through the centuries. Sherwin B. Nuland offers fascinating life portraits of some of the greatest medical innovators and pioneers, including Hippocrates and Andreas Vesalius. What makes this book unique is that it shows how these medical professionals were products of their own times and places, and how their work has influenced modern medicine. If you're interested in medical history or just curious about the development of medicine, this book is a must-read.
Awakenings
Oliver Sacks | Picador

Awakenings

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.09

$8.90

"Awakenings" by Oliver Sacks might just redefine your understanding of the human mind and medical science. It blends the almost miraculous stories of patients emerging from decades-long catatonia with deeply philosophical insights, offering both a heartfelt journey and a profound cerebral experience. If you're fascinated by the resilience of the human spirit and the wonders of neurological medicine, this book could leave you with a lasting impression of awe and a greater appreciation for the delicate balance of life.
Plague of Corruption: Restoring Faith in the Promise of Science
Sold out
Kent Heckenlively, Judy A. Mikovits, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.  | Skyhorse

Plague of Corruption: Restoring Faith in the Promise of Science

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.25

$8.90

76% off est. retail
If you're the kind of reader who's drawn to stories about underdogs challenging the establishment, "Plague of Corruption" could be the next book you can't put down. Dr. Judy Mikovits's journey combines the intrigue of scientific discovery with the passion of someone fighting to reveal hard truths. It'll appeal to your sense of justice and may change the way you view science's role in society.
Better: A Surgeon's Notes on Performance - Thryft
Sold out
Atul Gawande | Picador

Better: A Surgeon's Notes on Performance

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.24

$8.90

65% off est. retail
"Better" is an inspiring read that pulls back the curtain on the medical profession, revealing the relentless pursuit of excellence in a world where high stakes and human limitations collide. Atul Gawande's genuine stories, combined with his introspective account as a surgeon, will not only satisfy your curiosity about the medical field but also leave you with profound respect for those who navigate its challenges daily. It's the kind of book that offers life lessons well beyond its medical context, perfect for anyone who values continuous improvement and ethical quandaries tackled with humanity.
The Skeleton Cupboard: Stories of Sanity, Madness and Hope
Sold out
Tanya Byron | Pan Books

The Skeleton Cupboard: Stories of Sanity, Madness and Hope

$9.90 $6.90 30% off

Goodreads rating: 4.1

$9.90 $6.90 30% off

59% off est. retail
The Skeleton Cupboard delves into the world of clinical psychology, providing an interesting and emotional ride. It offers a unique perspective of the profession through the eyes of Tanya Byron, who shares intimate stories of her patients' lives. The author's black humor and incredible storytelling skills make this book a must-read for those interested in psychology. It portrays the struggles and the triumphs of both patients and psychologists and highlights the power of human resilience.
The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down - Thryft
Sold out
Anne Fadiman | Farrar, Straus And Giroux

The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

Goodreads rating: 4.19

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

75% off est. retail
"The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down" is a profound exploration into the clash between two worlds - the Hmong culture's deeply rooted traditions and the stark rationality of Western medicine. Understanding this book could open your eyes to the complexities of cultural assimilation and the often overlooked nuances in healthcare. It's a must-read if you're interested in the ways in which cultural differences impact lives in very real, tangible ways.
When Breath Becomes Air
Sold out
Paul Kalanithi, Abraham Verghese  | Random House Lcc Us

When Breath Becomes Air

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.4

$8.90

50% off est. retail
If you've ever contemplated the fleeting nature of existence or the irony of a caregiver turned patient, "When Breath Becomes Air" will speak to you deeply. Kalanithi's unique perspective as a neurosurgeon faced with his own mortality offers a raw, profound journey through the human condition, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the crossroads of life, death, and meaning.

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.