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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Connor Franta

A Work in Progress : A Memoir

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A Work in Progress could be a great read for young adults who are looking for inspiration to pursue their passions. Connor Franta shares his personal struggles with identity and body image and encourages readers to be true to themselves. The book offers heartfelt words of wisdom and is filled with humour, making it an excellent read for anyone coming of age in the digital era. Additionally, the full-colour collection with photographs and childhood clippings provided by Connor makes the reading experience more engaging and enjoyable.

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Elizabeth Sherrill, John Sherrill, Brother Andrew

God's Smuggler

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"God's Smuggler" could be a great read for those interested in real-life stories of faith and adventure. Brother Andrew's courageous efforts to smuggle Bibles across closed borders and the miraculous ways in which God provided for him will leave readers inspired and in awe. This book offers a unique and authentic glimpse into the lives of persecuted Christians and their unwavering faith in the face of danger.

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Gautam Bhattacharya, Sourav Ganguly

A Century Is Not Enough - My Roller Coaster Ride To Success

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A Century Is Not Enough is a must-read for any cricket enthusiast or anyone seeking inspiration. Sourav Ganguly's journey teaches us how to face challenges and emerge victorious. The book discusses the pressure he handled as India captain and how to fight back in life. It is an inspiring story of a man who has bounced back from every setback and emerged stronger.

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Maria Ressa

How To Stand Up To A Dictator

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Recommendation: - This gripping memoir, written by Maria Ressa, Nobel Peace Prize winner, takes you on a journey through the harrowing reality of fighting against a dictator's regime. Ressa's unwavering pursuit of truth and justice, even in the face of multiple arrest warrants, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up to power. Through her experiences, she exposes the insidious web of disinformation and its impact on democracy. A must-read for anyone seeking inspiration to challenge oppressive regimes.

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Chris Patten

First Confession : A Sort of Memoir

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Recommendation: First Confession by Chris Patten is an insightful memoir that offers a unique perspective on personal and political identity. Patten's experiences in various controversial institutions, such as the Tory party, the Vatican, the Chinese government, and the BBC, offer readers a rare glimpse into the complex workings of these organizations. His writing is vivid and engaging, making the book a great read for anyone interested in politics and personal development.

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Elif Shafak

Black Milk : On Motherhood and Writing

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A thoughtful and incisive meditation on literature, motherhood, and spiritual wellbeing from Turkey's leading female authorAfter the birth of her first child, Elif Shafak experienced a profound personal crisis. Plagued by guilt, anxiety, and bewilderment about her new maternal role, the acclaimed novelist stopped writing for the first time in her life. As she plummeted into post-partum depression, Shafak looked to the experiences of other prominent female writers--including Sylvia Plath, Virginia Woolf, Simone de Beauvoir, and Alice Walker--for help navigating the conflict between motherhood and artistic creation in a male-dominated society. Searingly honest, eloquent, and unexpectedly humorous, "Black Milk" will be widely embraced by writers, academics, and anyone who has undergone the identity crisis engendered by being a mother.

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Maggy van Eijk

Remember This When You're Sad : Lessons Learned on the Road from Self-Harm to Self-Care

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Maggy Van Eijk knows where the best place to cry in public is: the top deck of a bus, right at the front. She also knows that eating super salty liquorice or swimming in an icy cold pond are things that make you feel alive but aren't bad for you.These are the things to remember when you're sad. Turning 27, Maggy had the worst mental health experience of her life so far. She ended a three-year relationship. She was almost fired (twice). She lost friends and made bad decisions. She drank too much and went to A&E over twelve times. She saw three different therapists and had three different diagnoses. She went to two burns units for self-inflicted wounds and was escorted in an ambulance to a mental health crisis team. It was quite the year.This book is about anxiety and depression, Maggy's panic attacks, teenage bulimia and disassociation. But it's also about being a young woman with the added pressure of having an untrustworthy mind. Remember This When You're Sad is a brave, beautifully written and important book that lays bare the true reality of mental illness in the hope it can help others through their turmoil.

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Barbara K. Lipska

The Neuroscientist Who Lost Her Mind : A Memoir of Madness and Recovery

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'Oliver Sacks-meets-When Breath Becomes Air ... Barbara Lipska's remarkable story illuminates the many mysteries of our fragile yet resilient brains.' LISA GENOVA, bestselling author of Still Alice and Every Note PlayedAll we think, feel and dream, how we move, if we move, everything that makes us who we are, comes from the brain. We are the brain. So what happens when the brain fails? What happens when we lose our mind?In January 2015 renowned neuroscientist Barbara Lipska's melanoma spread to her brain. It was, in effect, a death sentence. She had surgery, radiation treatments and entered an immunotherapy clinical trial. And then her brain started to play tricks on her. The expert on mental illness - who had spent a career trying to work out how the brain operates and what happens when it fails - experienced what it is like to go mad.She began to exhibit paranoia and schizophrenia-like symptoms. She became disinhibited, completely unaware of her inappropriate behaviour. She got lost driving home from work, a journey she did every day. She couldn't remember things that had just happened to her. Small details like what she was having for breakfast became an obsession, but she ignored the fact that she was about to die. And she remembers every moment with absolute clarity.Weaving the science of the mind and the biology of the brain into her deeply personal story, this is the dramatic account of Dr Lipska's own brilliant brain gone awry.

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Bill McDermott, Joanne Gordon

Winners Dream : A Journey from Corner Store to Corner Office

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"Winners Dream" could be a great read for anyone looking to improve their leadership and career prospects. Bill McDermott's compelling journey from a small deli owner to the CEO of SAP is filled with practical insights and valuable takeaways. McDermott's emphasis on relentless optimism, hard work, and disciplined execution are sure to inspire readers to pursue audacious goals and embrace the journey towards success.

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Edward Snowden

Permanent Record

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"Permanent Record" is a captivating and eye-opening memoir about Edward Snowden's journey from a young online prodigy to becoming a whistleblower that exposed the US government's system of mass surveillance. The book offers an unfiltered look at the inner workings of intelligence agencies and the far-reaching impact of their actions on every individual's privacy. It is an important read for anyone concerned about digital privacy and government overreach.

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Adeline Yen Mah

Chinese Cinderella : The True Story of an Unwanted Daughter

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An alternative cover edition for this ISBN can be found here.A riveting memoir of a girl's painful coming-of-age in a wealthy Chinese family during the 1940s.A Chinese proverb says, "Falling leaves return to their roots." In Chinese Cinderella, Adeline Yen Mah returns to her roots to tell the story of her painful childhood and her ultimate triumph and courage in the face of despair. Adeline's affluent, powerful family considers her bad luck after her mother dies giving birth to her. Life does not get any easier when her father remarries. She and her siblings are subjected to the disdain of her stepmother, while her stepbrother and stepsister are spoiled. Although Adeline wins prizes at school, they are not enough to compensate for what she really yearns for -- the love and understanding of her family.Following the success of the critically acclaimed adult bestseller Falling Leaves, this memoir is a moving telling of the classic Cinderella story, with Adeline Yen Mah providing her own courageous voice. Includes 6-page photo insert.From the Paperback edition.

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Sylvia Nasar

Beautiful Mind Movie Tie , A

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"How could you, a mathematician, believe that extraterrestrials were sending you messages?" the visitor from Harvard asked the West Virginian with the movie-star looks and Olympian manner."Because the ideas I had about supernatural beings came to me the same way my mathematical ideas did," came the answer. "So I took them seriously."Thus begins the true story of John Nash, the mathematical genius who was a legend by age thirty when he slipped into madness, and who—thanks to the selflessness of a beautiful woman and the loyalty of the mathematics community—emerged after decades of ghost-like existence to win a Nobel Prize and world acclaim. The inspiration for a major motion picture, Sylvia Nasar's award-winning biography is a drama about the mystery of the human mind, triumph over incredible adversity, and the healing power of love.

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Shonda Rhimes

Year of Yes

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The instant New York Times bestseller from the creator of Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal and executive producer of How to Get Away with Murder shares how saying YES changed her life. “As fun to read as Rhimes’s TV series are to watch” ( Los Angeles Times ).She’s the creator and producer of some of the most groundbreaking and audacious shows on television today. Her iconic characters live boldly and speak their minds. So who would suspect that Shonda Rhimes is an introvert? That she hired a publicist so she could avoid public appearances? That she suffered panic attacks before media interviews?With three children at home and three hit television shows, it was easy for Shonda to say she was simply too busy. But in truth, she was also afraid. And then, over Thanksgiving dinner, her sister muttered something that was both a wake up and a call to arms: You never say yes to anything. Shonda knew she had to embrace the challenge: for one year, she would say YES to everything that scared her.This poignant, intimate, and hilarious memoir explores Shonda’s life before her Year of Yes—from her nerdy, book-loving childhood to her devotion to creating television characters who reflected the world she saw around her. The book chronicles her life after her Year of Yes had begun—when Shonda forced herself out of the house and onto the stage; when she learned to explore, empower, applaud, and love her truest self. Yes.“Honest, raw, and revelatory” ( The Washington Post ), this wildly candid and compulsively readable book reveals how the mega talented Shonda Rhimes finally achieved badassery worthy of a Shondaland character. Best of all, she “can help motivate even the most determined homebody to get out and try something new” ( Chicago Tribune ).

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Ernest Hemingway

A Moveable Feast

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This book could be a good read for someone who is enthralled by the mystique of Paris in the 1920s and wants to experience the city's vibrant literary scene. Hemingway's vivid and nostalgic recollections transport readers to a time of artistic awakening and creative exploration. Through his honest and intimate storytelling, Hemingway captures the essence of a young writer's pursuit of passion, friendship, and artistic fulfillment. A Moveable Feast is a literary feast itself, offering an unfiltered glimpse into the lives of literary giants like James Joyce and F. Scott Fitzgerald, all set against the backdrop of a magical city that served as their creative muse.

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Stephen A. Schwarzman

What It Takes : Lessons in the Pursuit of Excellence

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This book is a must-read for anyone looking to achieve their full potential and make a significant impact. Stephen Schwarzman, the co-founder of Blackstone, shares his personal journey and the valuable lessons he has learned along the way. From building thriving organizations to philanthropy and diplomacy, Schwarzman provides practical strategies and insights on ambition, risk-taking, and relentless pursuit of excellence. This empowering and informative guide will inspire and equip you to achieve your goals and create a life of consequence.

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Anthony Bourdain

The Nasty Bits : Collected Cuts, Useable Trim, Scraps and Bones

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Recommendation: - If you're a fan of Anthony Bourdain's unfiltered storytelling style, "The Nasty Bits" is a must-read. Bourdain takes you on a wild ride across the globe, serving up brutally honest, funny, and sometimes shocking stories from his travels. From scrounging for eel in Hanoi to revealing the behind-the-scenes of television production, this collection is a passionate stew that will leave you craving for more.

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Jenny Lee Smith, Helen Edwards

My Secret Sister : Jenny Lucas and Helen Edwards' family story

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Helen grew up in a pit village in Tyneside in the post-war years, with her gran, aunties and uncles living nearby. She felt safe with them, but they could not protect her from her neglectful mother and violent father. Behind closed doors, she suffered years of abuse. Sometimes she talked to an imaginary sister, the only one who understood her pain. Jenny was adopted at six weeks and grew up in Newcastle. An only child, she knew she was loved, and with the support of her parents she went on to become a golfing champion, but still she felt that something was missing. . . Neither woman knew of the other's existence until, in her fifties, Jenny went looking for her birth family and found her sister Helen. Together they searched for the truth about Jenny's birth - and uncovered a legacy of secrets that overturned everything Helen thought she knew about her family. Happily, they also discovered that they were not just sisters, they were twins. Inspirational and moving, this is the story of two women brave enough to confront their past, and strong enough to let love, not bitterness, define them.

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Conor Grennan

Little Princes : One Man's Promise to Bring Home the Lost Children of Nepal

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Paperback. Pub Date :2011-08-04 320 English Harpertrue The riveting story of Conor Grennans year in Nepal reads like a cross between Into Thin Air and Three Cups of Tea While volunteering at an orphanage. Conor discovers. that the children are not they are trafficked Despite the danger. Conor treks up dirt paths with photographs of the children. miraculously reuniting dozens of families.Its 2006 and Nepal is a country torn apart by war. greed and corruption Caught in the middle are the Nepalese children. snatched and sold into slavery. the kidnappers promising their families that they will be taken to a safe haven from where they will eventually return. Some of the luckier ones are finally dumped in an orphanage. only to be found by Conor. an unlikely philanthropist. Conors search for intrepid adventure on the cusp of 30 soon becomes a ...

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David Sedaris

When You Are Engulfed in Flames

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This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys dark humor and finds amusement in the absurdities of everyday life. With his trademark wit, David Sedaris takes readers on a humorous journey through bizarre conundrums, from awkward encounters on airplanes to protecting a house from neurotic songbirds. Not only will this collection of essays make you laugh out loud, but it will also resonate with the deeper truths of human existence. So, buckle up, get ready to laugh, and let Sedaris engulf you in his riotously entertaining stories.

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Billy Idol

Dancing with Myself

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"I am hopelessly divided between the dark and the good, the rebel and the saint, the sex maniac and the monk, the poet and the priest, the demagogue and the populist. Pen to paper, I've put it all down, every bit from the heart.I'm going out on a limb here, so watch my back." --Billy Idol An early architect of punk rock's sound, style, and fury, whose lip-curling sneer and fist-pumping persona vaulted him into pop's mainstream as one of MTV's first megastars, Billy Idol remains, to this day, a true rock 'n' roll icon. Now, in his long-awaited autobiography, "Dancing with Myself," Idol delivers an electric, searingly honest account of his journey to fame--from his early days as front man of the pioneering UK punk band Generation X to the decadent life atop the dance-rock kingdom he ruled--delivered with the same in-your-face attitude and fire his fans have embraced for decades. Beyond adding his uniquely qualified perspective to the story of the evolution of rock, Idol is a brash, lively chronicler of his own career. A survivor's tale at its heart, this sometimes chilling and always riveting account of one man's creative drive joining forces with unbridled human desire is unmistakably literary in its character and brave in its sheer willingness to tell. With it, Billy Idol is destined to emerge as one of the great writers among his musical peers.

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Jill Tracie Nichols, Satya Nadella, Greg Shaw

Hit Refresh : The Quest to Rediscover Microsoft's Soul and Imagine a Better Future for Everyone

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Foreword by Bill GatesMicrosoft’s CEO tells the inside story of the company’s continuing transformation, tracing his own personal journey from a childhood in India to leading some of the most significant technological changes in the digital era. As much a humanist as engineer and executive, Nadella concludes with his vision for the coming wave of intelligent technologies and a distinct call to action for leaders everywhere.Hit Refresh is about individual change, about the transformation happening inside of Microsoft and the technology that will soon impact all of our lives—the arrival of the most exciting and disruptive wave of technology humankind has experienced: artificial intelligence, mixed reality, and quantum computing.It’s about how people, organizations, and societies can and must transform "hit refresh" in their persistent quest for new energy, new ideas, and continued relevance and renewal. At its core, it’s about us humans and how our one unique quality—empathy—will become ever more valuable in a world where technological advancement will disrupt the status quo as never before.Satya Nadella explores a fascinating childhood before immigrating to the U.S. and how he learned to lead along the way. He then shares his meditations as sitting CEO—one who is mostly unknown following the brainy Bill Gates and energetic Steve Ballmer. He tells the inside story of how a company rediscovered its soul—transforming everything from culture to their fiercely competitive landscape and industry partnerships. Nadella concludes with his vision for the coming wave of technology and by exploring the potential impact to society and delivering call to action for world leaders."Ideas excite me," Nadella explains. "Empathy grounds and centers me." Hit Refresh is a reflection, meditations, and series of recommendations presented as algorithms from a principled, deliberative leader searching for improvement—for himself, for a storied company, and for society.

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David Walsh

Seven Deadly Sins : My Pursuit of Lance Armstrong

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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.

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Bill Bryson

Down Under

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Down Under is a great read for those who are looking for an adventure-filled journey of Australia. The book is a unique blend of humor and information that highlights the quirks and deadly beauty of Australia. Bill Bryson's witty writing style will keep you engaged throughout the book, and his vivid descriptions of the land, people, and culture will leave you with a newfound appreciation of the country.

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Michael Chabon

Manhood for Amateurs : The Pleasures and Regrets of a Husband, Father, and Son

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The Pulitzer Prize-winning author--"an immensely gifted writer and a magical prose stylist" (Michiko Kakutani, New York Times)--offers his first major work of nonfiction, an autobiographical narrative as inventive, beautiful, and powerful as his acclaimed, award-winning fiction. A shy manifesto, an impractical handbook, the true story of a fabulist, an entire life in parts and pieces, Manhood for Amateurs is the first sustained work of personal writing from Michael Chabon. In these insightful, provocative, slyly interlinked essays, one of our most brilliant and humane writers presents his autobiography and his vision of life in the way so many of us experience our own lives: as a series of reflections, regrets, and reexaminations, each sparked by an encounter, in the present, that holds some legacy of the past. What does it mean to be a man today? Chabon invokes and interprets and struggles to reinvent for us, with characteristic warmth and lyric wit, the personal and family history that haunts him even as--simply because--it goes on being written every day. As a devoted son, as a passionate husband, and above all as the father of four young Americans, Chabon presents his memories of childhood, of his parents' marriage and divorce, of moments of painful adolescent comedy and giddy encounters with the popular art and literature of his own youth, as a theme played--on different instruments, with a fresh tempo and in a new key--by the mad quartet of which he now finds himself co-conductor. At once dazzling, hilarious, and moving, Manhood for Amateurs is destined to become a classic.

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Tyler Oakley

Binge

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Binge could be a good read for someone who is a fan of Tyler Oakley's YouTube channel and loves humorous stories about mishaps and shenanigans. The book is filled with personal anecdotes that Tyler has never shared before, and his trademark humor shines through every page. Readers will be entertained by Tyler's charming personality and relate to the embarrassing moments he shares with them. Overall, Binge is a must-read for anyone looking for a good laugh and an insight into Tyler Oakley's life.

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Neil Strauss

Game

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Hidden somewhere, in nearly every major city in the world, is an underground seduction lair. And in these lairs, men trade the most devastatingly effective techniques ever invented to charm women. This is not fiction. These men really exist. They live together in houses known as Projects. And Neil Strauss, the bestselling author, spent two years living among them, using the pseudonym Style to protect his real-life identity. The result is one of the most explosive and controversial books of the year -- guaranteed to change the lives of men and transform the way women understand the opposite sex forever. On his journey from AFC (average frustrated chump) to PUA (pick-up artist) to PUG (pick-up guru), Strauss not only shares scores of original seduction techniques but also has unforgettable encounters with the likes of Tom Cruise, Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, Heidi Fleiss, and Courtney Love. And then things really start to get strange -- and passions lead to betrayals lead to violence. The Game is the story of one man's transformation from frog to prince -- to prisoner in the most unforgettable book of the year.

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Jung Chang

Wild Swans : Three Daughters of China

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"Wild Swans could be a great read for history enthusiasts who want to learn about China's transformative 20th century. Jung Chang uses the stories of three women in her family to weave together a gripping tale of war, revolution, and survival. The intricate descriptions of the Chinese society and culture make this an unforgettable masterpiece that's both engrossing and informative."

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Slavomir Rawicz

The Long Walk : The True Story of a Trek to Freedom

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Recommendation: - This book is a captivating account of Slavomir Rawicz's harrowing journey from a Siberian gulag to freedom in British India. It vividly portrays the immense challenges he and his companions faced, including extreme cold, hunger, and the constant threat of death. The book will keep you on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning the pages to see if they make it. Rawicz's story is a true testament to the indomitable human spirit and the will to survive against all odds.

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David Sedaris

Me Talk Pretty One Day

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Anyone that has read NAKED and BARREL FEVER, or heard David Sedaris speaking live or on the radio will tell you that a new collection from him is cause for jubilation. His recent move to Paris from New York inspired these hilarious new pieces, including 'Me Talk Pretty One Day', about his attempts to learn French from a sadistic teacher who declares that 'every day spent with you is like having a caesarean section'. His family is another inspiration. 'You Can't Kill the Rooster' is a portrait of his brother, who talks incessant hip-hop slang to his bewildered father. And no one hones a finer fury in response to such modern annoyances as restaurant meals presented in ludicrous towers of food and cashiers with six-inch fingernails.

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Natasha Stoynoff, Catherine Oxenberg

Captive : A Mother's Crusade to Save Her Daughter from the Terrifying Cult Nxivm

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This book provides a gripping and emotional portrayal of a mother's crusade to save her daughter from a dangerous cult. The author's personal account highlights the manipulation and control tactics used by cult leaders, and the resilience of a mother's love. Readers interested in true crime or those seeking to understand the dangers of cults will find this book both eye-opening and compelling.

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Jeanette Winterson

Love : Vintage Minis

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Love is a map, not a destination. That's why there is no such thing as "they all lived happily ever after"How do we love? With romance. With work. Through heartbreak. Throughout a lifetime. As a means, but not an end. Love in all its forms has been an abiding theme of Jeanette Winterson’s writing. Here are selections from her books about that impossible, essential force, stories and truths that search for the mythical creature we call Love.Selected from the books of Jeanette WintersonVINTAGE MINIS: GREAT MINDS. BIG IDEAS. LITTLE BOOKS.A series of short books by the world’s greatest writers on the experiences that make us human

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David Sheff

Beautiful Boy - A Father's Journey Through His Son's Addiction

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What had happened to my beautiful boy? To our family? What did I do wrong? Those are the wrenching questions that haunted every moment of David Sheff’s journey through his son Nic’s addiction to drugs and tentative steps toward recovery. Before Nic Sheff became addicted to crystal meth, he was a charming boy, joyous and funny, a varsity athlete and honor student adored by his two younger siblings. After meth, he was a trembling wraith who lied, stole, and lived on the streets. David Sheff traces the first subtle warning signs: the denial, the 3 A.M. phone calls (is it Nic? The police? The hospital?), the rehabs. His preoccupation with Nic became an addiction in itself, and the obsessive worry and stress took a tremendous toll, but as a journalist, he instinctively researched every avenue of treatment that might save his son and refused to give up on him. Beautiful Boy is a fiercely candid memoir that brings immediacy to the emotional roller coaster of loving a child who seems beyond help.

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Mark Vanhoenacker

Skyfaring : A Journey with a Pilot

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Skyfaring is a book for those who love to travel and dream of flying. The book offers a new perspective on the world, seen from high above. Vanhoenacker expertly weaves together technical knowledge of flying with poetic prose that captures the wonder and beauty of being up in the sky. It's a beautiful and contemplative book that will make you look at flying in a whole new way.

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Duchess Goldblatt

Becoming Duchess Goldblatt

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Becoming Duchess Goldblatt is a heart-warming and unique memoir that explores the transformative power of social media and the ability to connect with others through storytelling. Fans of Duchess Goldblatt will appreciate the inside look at her creation, while newcomers will be drawn to the wit and life-affirming love that has made her a beloved figure on social media. The book is a celebration of community and the joy of connecting with others through shared experiences.

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Melissa Fleming

A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea : One Refugee's Incredible Story of Love, Loss, and Survival

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A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea would be an inspiring read for anyone who wants to understand the human impact of the refugee crisis and the incredible resilience of the human spirit. This true story of Doaa Al Zamel's journey from Syria to Egypt and ultimately to Europe, as well as her harrowing experience of being lost at sea for days with two toddlers, is deeply affecting and will stay with readers long after they finish the last page. Melissa Fleming's gripping and heart-wrenching account of Doaa's story sheds light on the immense challenges faced by refugees and the courage and determination required to overcome them. Readers may appreciate the vividly described human emotions and the vivid portrayal of the refugee crisis that prompts solutions.

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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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Henry M. Paulson Jr., Barney Frank

On the Brink : Inside the Race to Stop the Collapse of the Global Financial System

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"On the Brink" offers an unprecedented and personal account of the catastrophic economic events in 2008 through Hank Paulson's experience as the former Secretary of the Treasury. The book humanizes the world of finance, providing readers with insights into the people and politics behind the decisions that shaped the world's impending financial Armageddon. This gripping inside story is a must-read for anyone looking for a better understanding of the global financial crisis.

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Christopher McDougall

Born to Run : The hidden tribe, the ultra-runners, and the greatest race the world has never seen

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Born to Run is an epic adventure that begins with one simple question: Why does my foot hurt? In search of an answer, Christopher McDougall sets out to find Mexico's Tarahumara Indians, the world's greatest distance runners, who can go for hundreds of miles without rest while enjoying every minute of it.Running without trainers is now big news, but the Tarahumara have been doing it for centuries and reaping the benefits. McDougall tests the idea by taking us from cutting-edge Harvard science labs to the peaks and valleys where growing numbers of ultra-runners are pushing themselves to the limit. And he finds his own inner ultra-athlete when he pits himself against the tribe, who run virtually barefoot, iin a breath-taking fifty-mile race through Mexico's Copper Canyons.A thinking exploration of mankind's most ancient pursuit, Born to Run will make you realize that the secret to happiness could be right at your feet.

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Elizabeth-Jane Burnett

The Grassling

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What fills my lungs is wider than breath could be. It is a place and a language torn, matted and melded; flowered and chiming with bones. That breath is that place and until I get there I will not really be breathing.Spurred on by her father's declining health and inspired by the history he once wrote of his small Devon village, Elizabeth-Jane Burnett delves through layers of memory, language and natural history to tell a powerful story of how the land shapes us and speaks to us. The Grassling is a book about roots: what it means to belong when the soil beneath our feet is constantly shifting, when the people and places that nurtured us are slipping away.

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James Acaster

James Acaster's Classic Scrapes - The Hilarious Sunday Times Bestseller

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**THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER**'I don't think I've ever read a book that has made me cry with laughter as much as this one. It was very difficult reading it in public as I looked like a madman' - Richard Herring 'James Acaster has a brilliant comic mind, crackling with energy every bit as much as his corduroy slacks' - Milton JonesJames Acaster has been nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Award five times and has appeared on prime-time TV shows like MOCK THE WEEK, LIVE AT THE APOLLO and RUSSELL HOWARD'S STAND UP CENTRAL.But behind the fame and critical acclaim is a man perpetually getting into trouble. Whether it's disappointing a skydiving instructor mid-flight, hiding from thugs in a bush wearing a bright red dress, or annoying the Kettering Board Games club, a didgeridoo-playing conspiracy theorist and some bemused Christians, James is always finding new ways to embarrass himself.Appearing on Josh Widdicombe's radio show to recount these stories, the feature was christened 'James Acaster's classic scrapes'. Here, in his first book, James recounts these tales (including never-before-heard stories) along with self-penned drawings, in all their glorious stupidity.

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Mark Rowlands

The Philosopher and the Wolf

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When Mark Rowlands was 27 and a young professor of philosophy, he bought a wolf cub. It was the beginning of a relationship that would come to define Rowland's life, and shape his thinking. Beginning with Brenin's exuberant, destructive puppyhood, and ending with his death, 11 years later, The Philosopher and the Wolf is the remarkable account of a friendship that transcended the species barrier, and a fascinating examination of joy, strength, and the essential nature of the human animal.

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William Hoffer

Midnight Express

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Midnight Express tells the gut-wrenching true story of a young man’s incarceration and escape from a Turkish prison. A classic story of survival and human endurance, told with humor, honesty, and heart, it became the Academy Award-winning blockbuster film of the same name.In 1970 Billy Hayes was an English major who left college in search of adventures to write about, like his hero Jack London. He had a rude awakening when he was arrested at the airport in Istanbul trying to board a plane while carrying four pounds of hashish, and given a life sentence. After five brutal years, relentless efforts by his family to gain his release, and endless escape plotting, Hayes finally took matters into his own hands. On a dark night, in a wailing storm he began a desperate and daring escape to freedom… This is the astounding journey, told in Billy Hayes's own words, of those five years of living hell and of the harrowing ordeal of his time on the run.

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Anthony Bourdain

A Cook's Tour

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"A Cook's Tour" is a must-read for any food lover with a sense of adventure. Anthony Bourdain takes readers on a journey across the world, where he experiences unconventional culinary practices, meets diverse characters, and provides a unique perspective on global food culture. His distinctive voice and audacious persona shine through in his storytelling, making for an entertaining and informative read.

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James Comey

A Higher Loyalty : Truth, Lies, and Leadership

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This book provides an insider's view of the highest levels of government and leadership and explores the qualities of a good leader. It's recommended for those interested in politics, as well as readers who enjoy biographies and memoirs. The most unique aspect of the book is the author's firsthand account of several high-profile cases and policies, including the Hillary Clinton email investigation and the Trump-Russia ties.

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Satya Nadella

Hit Refresh : A Memoir by Microsoft's CEO

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This book is a must-read for technology enthusiasts and anyone interested in the transformation of a global company. Satya Nadella, Microsoft's CEO, takes readers on a journey, sharing his personal story from his childhood in India to leading the digital era. Through his insights, Nadella explores the exciting advancements of artificial intelligence, mixed reality, and quantum computing. What sets this book apart is Nadella's emphasis on the importance of empathy in a technologically advancing world. His candid reflections and vision for the future make this memoir an inspiring and thought-provoking read.

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Twinkle Khanna

Mrs Funnybones : She's just like You and a lot like Me

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Good morning, it’s 6 a.m. and I am wide awake because the man of the house has decided that he needs to perform a series of complex manoeuvres that involve him balancing on his left elbow. When I fell asleep last night, there was a baby lying next to me. Her smelly diaper is still wedged on my head but aside from this rather damp clue, I can't seem to find her anywhere. I could ask my mother-in-law if she has seen the baby, but she may just tell me that I need to fast on alternate Mondays, and God will deliver the baby back to me . . . Full of wit and delicious observations, Mrs Funnybones captures the life of the modern Indian woman—a woman who organizes dinner each evening, even as she goes to work all day, who runs her own life but has to listen to her Mummyji, who worries about her weight and the state of the country. Based on Twinkle Khanna’s super-hit column, Mrs Funnybones marks the debut of one of our funniest, most original voices.

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Dave Eggers

The Monk of Mokha

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The Monk of Mokha is the true story of a young Yemeni American man, raised in San Francisco, who dreams of resurrecting the ancient art of Yemeni coffee but finds himself trapped in Sana'a by civil war.Mokhtar Alkhanshali is twenty-four and working as a doorman when he becomes fascinated with the rich history of coffee and Yemen's central place in it. He leaves San Francisco and travels deep into his ancestral home to tour terraced farms high in the country's rugged mountains. He collects samples and organizes farmers and is on the verge of success when civil war engulfs the country. Saudi bombs rain down, the US embassy closes, and Mokhtar has to find a way out of Yemen with only his hopes on his back. The Monk of Mokha is the story of this courageous and visionary young man following the most American of dreams.

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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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Richard C. Schwartz, Gabrielle Bernstein

Happy Days: The Guided Path from Trauma to Profound Freedom and Inner Peace

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If you were free from fear, who would you have the freedom to be? #1 New York Times best-selling author Gabrielle Bernstein charts a path to heal trauma, unlearn fear, and remember love.What if you could wake up every day without anxiety? View your past with purpose, not regret? Live happy, peaceful, and free from fear? You can—and Gabrielle Bernstein will show you the way. Gabby has long been loved by her readers as a spiritual teacher, motivational speaker, and catalyst for profound inner change. Her new book presents her most powerful teaching yet: a plan for transforming the pain of your past, whatever that may be, into newfound strength and freedom. You’ll learn:• Why most people feel stuck in patterns that make them unhappy—and what to do about it• 9 transformational, yet untapped, techniques for serenity and genuine happiness—from techniques for “reparenting” yourself to bodywork practices for freeing the stuck energy of past trauma• The mindset shift that can do more for you than decades of personal work• How to go into the places that scare you—and come away freer than ever before “This book is my gift to you,” Gabby writes. “It will answer your questions about why you feel blocked, scared, anxious, depressed, or alone, and it will liberate you from the belief system that has kept you small for so long. . . . By taking this path you will become the best version of yourself. You will become new.”

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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.