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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Jay Griffiths

Tristimania - A Diary Of Manic Depression

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Tristimania could be a good read for those interested in exploring the depths of the human mind. Jay Griffiths gives us an incredibly personal and intimate glimpse into her year-long battle with manic depression, describing with vivid detail the highs and lows of the condition. She also highlights the profound link between art and madness, making Tristimania a must-read for anyone interested in the creative process.

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Mochtar Riady

Mochtar Riady : My Life Story

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Track the exponential rise of one of the world's most successful businessmen Mochtar My Life Story provides an unprecedented look at the life of one of Southeast Asia's most respected business titans. Internationally recognised for his professional achievements and passion for philanthropy, Dr. Riady serves as a stunning example of how personal philosophy merges with business acumen to create extraordinary success. From revitalising Bank Central Asia and founding the globally-successful Lippo Group, to founding the Mochtar Riady Institute for Nanotechnology and the Pelita Harapan University, Dr. Riady has done it all. He has his hands in finance, property, infrastructure, telecommunications, retail, e-commerce, biomedical research and all aspects of business; he has written about his experiences building a diversified business conglomerate, but never before has he told the whole story. This book details the making of the man. His successes are well-known around the globe, but the essential common factors between them all are Dr. Riady's personal philosophy and intrinsic motivations. To learn from him, you must know him ― and this book puts you front and centre for the most critical parts of his life. As other banks crumbled, Lippo Bank flourished with Dr. Riady at the helm. He started the Lippo Group as a financial services organisation, and ended up founding a township consisting of commercial and residential districts, a university and a hospital. Dr. Riady thinks big – that much is clear – but how is he able to turn such far-reaching goals into reality with what looks like relative ease? Mochtar My Life Story invites you inside the mind of a titan to learn how success is made.

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Elizabeth Gilbert

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear

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Elizabeth Gilbert, the bestselling author of Eat Pray Love, delves into the mysterious nature of inspiration and creativity in this insightful book. She encourages readers to embrace curiosity, let go of needless suffering, and pursue their passions fearlessly. Whether you are an aspiring writer, artist, or simply seeking more mindfulness in your life, Big Magic offers a world of wonder and joy. Sorry! Book description for this title is not available.

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Heng Siok Tian

Is My Body a Myth

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Recommended for poetry lovers, exploring self-image.

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Annika Cleeve

EVE MEMOIRS OF AN INTERNATIONAL SEX WORK

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From a wide-eyed innocent working in an Australian brothel at the age of fifteen, Annika quickly takes control of her destiny and works her way up through high-end parlours and agencies to become a successful professional sex worker commanding high fees and a lifestyle to match. Working under the name Eve, her beauty, presence and sex are in high demand, and men are ready to pay exorbitant amounts for her company. Based in Australia and Singapore, Annika services royalty and rock stars, politicians and businessmen, and is flown for jobs around Southeast Asia by her Orchard Road agency. Annika reveals the truth of a sex worker s life: the clients, the girls, the parlour bosses, the rip-off merchants, the drug deaths, the white slavery, the discrimination, the corrupt police, the exotic travel and the money. And through this eye-opening and moving memoir, Annika also reveals how she becomes empowered and makes her own decisions, and how as a single mother she not only puts her child through private school but returns to school herself, obtaining a postgraduate degree and a string of letters after her name.This is the South East Asian publication of the memoir known as Mattress Actress in Australia.

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Helen Forrester

Twopence to Cross the Mersey

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When Helen Forrster's father went bankrupt in 1930 she and her six siblings were forced from comfortable middle-class life in southern England to utmost poverty in the Depression-ridden North. Her parents more or less collapsed under the strain, father spending hours in search of non-existent work, or in the dole queue, mother on the verge of a breakdown and striving to find and keep part-time jobs. The running of the household, in slum surroundings and with little food, the care of the younger children, all fell on twelve-year-old Helen. Unable to attend school, Helen's fear that she was to be trapped forever as drudge and housekeeper caused her to despair at times. But she was determined to have a chance and struggled, despite her parents, to gain an education.

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Suketu Mehta

Maximum City

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Recommended for those who want a deep dive into the complex cultural tapestry of Bombay. Mehta's storytelling offers readers a glimpse into the city's underbelly of crime, glamour, and politics. Readers will appreciate the rich cast of characters and Mehta's personal perspective on his hometown.

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Alan Rusbridger

Play It Again : An Amateur Against The Impossible

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Despite the daunting challenge of learning a complex piano piece in a year, Alan Rusbridger, the editor of The Guardian, takes readers on a remarkable journey of personal growth and perseverance. Along the way, he provides fascinating insights from pianists, theorists, and neuroscientists. The book's unique feature is its ability to tie a seemingly personal challenge to world events like the Arab Spring and Wikileaks, making this a great read for anyone interested in music, politics, or both.

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Torey L. Hayden

Silent Boy : He Was a Frightened Boy Who Refused to Speak - Until a Teacher's Love Broke Through the Silence

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This heartfelt book is a must-read for those who believe in the transformative power of love and compassion. The story follows the journey of a special education teacher who refuses to give up on a fifteen-year-old boy trapped in silence. With unwavering devotion, she unravels a shocking past and discovers a terrible secret that had been forgotten. Through her persistence and unconditional love, she sets out to free him from the darkness and shows that even the most hopeless cases can find their voice again. Get ready for a powerful and uplifting story that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you inspired.

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Tam Wai Jia

Savour

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In the pressure to fulfil the expectations of those around you, have you forgotten dreams that have been lost and buried? Having graduated as a medical doctor, Wai Jia was encouraged to pursue a life of wealth and success. A painful journey of self-discovery, however, revealed to her that there was more to life.Marrying Cliff changed her worldview. Having survived liver cancer, his resilience brought him to complete a 14-hour IronMan endurance race after a liver transplant. A second chance at life inspired him to live purposefully to help those in need.Having had a glimpse of the brevity of their lives, the couple answered God's call to serve the poor in Africa for a season, shortly after marriage. Savour was birthed in 2015 from her desire to inspire and challenge our generation and the next to reconsider their definitions of success.Through Wai Jia's trademark paintings and powerful words, Savour makes a thought-provoking read for anyone who has had to grapple between following the footsteps of the world, and the song in one's heart. It is a powerful medium that has been used in leadership workshops in schools, youth platforms and organizations to challenge our definitions of success.There is a purpose for our lives bigger than we imagine. Is it time, to stop to savour your dreams again?Today, Wai Jia is a humanitarian doctor and the author of four books, each of which have been used to advocate for vulnerable women and children in need. She is in the process of starting Kitesong Global, a non-profit social venture that uses the power of narrative through her books and life story to catalyze projects that empower vulnerable women and children in need around the world. She has a Masters in Theology and will complete a Master in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University in 2018. All royalties from her books go towards supporting the needy.

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Ruben Gonzalez

The Courage to Succeed

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The Courage to Succeed could be a good read for anyone looking to be motivated and inspired by a true story of determination and perseverance. Ruben Gonzalez shares his personal experience and the principles that helped him succeed. Readers can learn how to overcome fear, build confidence, and achieve their life ambitions. This book is a reminder that anything is possible with the right mindset and perseverance.

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Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry In America

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`I could have been American; after all I was nearly born there. So I wanted to find out what is it that makes the United States of America so unique, so diverse, so very American...'The beauty. The grandeur. The extraordinary contradictions.But enough about Stephen.What of America, the thrillingly varied colossus of a country that Stephen went to explore? What is the reality beneath the stereotypes of gun-toting and Bible-bashing?In his chariot of Englishness - a black London cab - Stephen starts his epic journey on the east coast and zig-zags across America, stopping in every state from Maine to Hawaii. En route he discovers the south Side of Chicago with blues legend Buddy Guy, marches with Zulus in New Orleans' Mardi Gras, and drums with the Sious Nation in South Dakota; joins a Georgia family for Thanksgiving, `picks' with Bluegrass hillbillies, and finds himself in a Tennessee garden full of dead bodies.Whether in a club for failed gangsters (yes, those are real bullet holes) or celebrating Halloween in Salem (is there anywhere better?), Stephen is welcomed by the people of America - mayors, sheriffs, newspaper editors, park rangers, teachers and hobos. This is the best of the big country, the best of the big brain and the best book about America by Stephen Fry you'll ever read. What more need be said?

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Pankaj Mishra

Butter Chicken In Ludhiana : Travels In Small Town India

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Butter Chicken in Ludhiana is a must-read for those interested in understanding how India's middle class is moving forward with globalization. Pankaj Mishra's colorful writing style is witty and insightful, making this book a delightful read. The book provides an in-depth look at the aspirations, dreams, and challenges of a society that is evolving rapidly.

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David McMillan

Escape : The True Story of the Only Westerner Ever to Break out of Thailand'Sbangkok Hilton

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This book is a thrilling account of a prisoner's daring escape from one of Thailand's most notorious jails. It offers a unique and vivid depiction of life inside a prison, and the protagonist's determination to escape captivity. Readers who enjoy true crime stories will appreciate this book.

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Chandler Burr

The Emperor of Scent : A True Story of Perfume and Obsession

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The Emperor of Scent is a must-read for those who are interested in unconventional scientific theories. The book tells the story of Luca Turin, a scientific maverick, and his obsession with perfume and human sense of smell. The author, Chandler Burr, uses cutting-edge biology, physics, and chemistry to explain how Turin used his obsession and gift for smell to solve the last great mystery of the senses. The book will leave you fascinated with the intricacies of the human body and its sense of smell.

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Gladys Aylward, Christine Hunter

Gladys Aylward : The Little Woman

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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.

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Orhan Pamuk, Maureen Freely

Istanbul

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A shimmering evocation, by turns intimate and panoramic, of one of the world’s great cities, by its foremost writer. Orhan Pamuk was born in Istanbul and still lives in the family apartment building where his mother first held him in her arms. His portrait of his city is thus also a self-portrait, refracted by memory and the melancholy–or hüzün– that all Istanbullus share: the sadness that comes of living amid the ruins of a lost Ottoman Empire.As he companionably guides us across the Bosphorus, through Istanbul's historical monuments and lost paradises, its dilapidated Ottoman villas, back streets and waterways, he also introduces us to the city's writers, artists and murderers.Like the Dublin of Joyce and Jan Morris' Venice, Pamuk's Istanbul is a triumphant encounter of place and sensibility, beautifully written and immensely moving.

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John Jeremiah Sullivan, Robert Atwan

Best American Essays 2014

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Best American Essays 2014, selected and introduced by John Jeremiah Sullivan is a must-read for those who appreciate good literature. The essays are carefully curated, representing essays that stand out for their unique perspectives, vivid imagery and memorable storytelling. Reading this collection is like taking a journey through some of the most poignant, thought-provoking and inspiring works of art in the form of essays.

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Dave Pelzer

My Story : A Child Called It, The Lost Boy, A Man Named Dave

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This book may appeal to those who enjoy reading about overcoming adversity. Dave Pelzer's autobiographical account of his abusive childhood and his journey through the foster care system is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to survive and eventually thrive. Readers who enjoy true stories of resilience and perseverance will find a lot to appreciate in this book. The unique aspect of this book is how Pelzer shares his journey through all three stages of life: childhood, adolescence and adulthood, making it a complete and insightful read.

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Peter Mayle

A Year in Provence

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This book is for you if you've ever dreamt of escaping the bustling city life and immersing yourself in the charm of the French countryside. Follow Peter Mayle's journey as he takes you on a delightful adventure, filled with picturesque landscapes, mouthwatering regional cuisine, and quirky local customs. With his witty and warm-hearted writing style, Mayle brings Provence to life, allowing you to experience the simple joys and slower pace of life through the changing seasons. Get ready to be transported to a world where time is measured not by days, but by the enchanting rhythm of nature.

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Anthony Bourdain

No Reservations : Around the World on an Empty Stomach

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No Reservations is a must-read for Anthony Bourdain's fans, as it takes you on a journey around the world with him, offering a unique perspective on local dishes and cultures. The book's most distinctive feature is Bourdain's humorous commentary, which makes the reader feel like they're traveling alongside him. The stunning photos and mementos mixed in bring the experience to life, making it hard to put down.

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Kim Wong Keltner

Tiger Babies Strike Back : How I Was Raised by a Tiger Mom but Could Not Be Turned to the Dark Side

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"Tiger Babies Strike Back" is a witty, candid memoir that debunks the idea that all Chinese women are strict Tiger Moms. Through personal anecdotes and sharp humor, Kim Wong Keltner provides a fresh perspective on the complexities of being a Chinese-American woman in today's society. The book is a must-read for anyone looking for a candid memoir that discusses cultural identity, family dynamics, and societal pressure.

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Ellen DeGeneres

My Point...And I Do Have One

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In this #1 New York Times bestseller, Ellen DeGeneres shares her hilarious take on everything from our most baffling human foibles–including how we behave in elevators, airplanes, and restrooms, and why we’re so scared of the boogeyman–to fashion trends, celebrity, and her secret recipe for Ellen’s Real Frenchy French Toast. Most of all, this witty, engaging book offers insights into the mind of one of America’s most beloved comics.…Dear Reader,I was awfully excited when I was asked to write a book. I was however, nervous. I was afraid I didn’t have anything important to say. But when I began writing, I realized that although I don’t know a lot about any one thing, I know a little about a whole bunch of baking a pie; dancing; curing the common cold; running the Iditarod–it’s all in the book. And I realized I notice things that maybe some people don’t notice (or they don’t notice that they don’t notice). That’s all in the book, too.

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Loung Ung

Lulu in the Sky

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Concluding the trilogy that started with the bestselling memoir First They Killed My Father , Loung Ung describes her college experience and her first steps into adulthood, revealing her struggle to reconcile with her past while moving forward towards happiness. After the violence of the Khmer Rouge and the difficult assimilation experience of a refugee, Loung’s daily struggle to keep darkness, anger, and depression at bay will finally find two unexpected allies: the empowering call of activism, and the redemptive power of love. Lulu in the Sky is the story of Loung’s journey to a Cambodian village to reconnect with her mother’s spirit; to a vocation that will literally allow her to heal the landscape of her birth; and to the transformative influence of a supportive marriage to a loving man.

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Alexander Frater

Chasing The Monsoon : A Modern Pilgrimage Through India

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Chasing The Monsoon is a must-read for travel enthusiasts who enjoy exploring new cultures and regions. The book takes the reader on a journey through India in search of the monsoon, offering a glimpse into the country's rich cultural heritage and diverse landscape. Alexander Frater's vivid descriptions of the people and places he encounters, along with his personal anecdotes, make this a unique and engaging read. The book is also great for those interested in meteorology and weather patterns, as it provides in-depth knowledge of the monsoon.

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Janet Lim

Sold for Silver : An Autobiography of a Girl Sold into Slavery in Southeast Asia

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The true story of China-born Janet Lim, who was sold into slavery as a young girl in 1930s Singapore. When Singapore falls to the Japanese in 1942, she escapes by ship, but when it’s bombed and sinks, Janet floats at sea for days close to death. Rescued by fishermen then captured by the Japanese, she narrowly escapes sexual-imprisonment as a comfort woman and is tortured. An inspirational autobiography of a true heroine.

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Carl Herzig, Steven Kim

The Fearless Passage of Steven Kim : The True Story of an American Businessman Imprisoned in China for Rescuing North Korean Refugees

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Until the age of fifty, Seung-Whan (Steven) Kim, a Korean-American businessman dedicated his life to financial prosperity at the expense of both family and faith. He had earned and lost millions several times over until, in China, his business in shambles, Kim returned to Christian fellowship, rediscovered the value of family, and received a calling to help North Korean refugees escape from human trafficking, torture, and execution. In 2003, Kim was arrested and convicted of harboring refugees and leading them along an underground railroad, and he spent the next four years in Chinese labor camps. In his suffering and hardship, he immersed himself in Scripture and led a secret prison ministry, serving fellow inmates, a guard, and even a mob boss. Since his release, Kim has been a powerful advocate for North Korean refugees, especially women and children, raising awareness about their plight and fighting for their human rights. Kim's story is a thrilling, heart-breaking, and inspirational account of the spiritual victory of a real-life freedom fighter.

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Franca Rame, Dario Fo

Woman Alone' & Other Plays

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"Woman Alone & Other Plays" could be a great read for those who are interested in exploring female experiences through theatre. The collection features monologues that are both comic and serious, making them accessible to a wide range of audiences. The pieces are written by Dario Fo, who is known for his ability to merge entertainment with social commentary. The author has managed to capture the essence of the female condition in a raw, precise, and entertaining way.

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Daniel Boulud

Letters to a Young Chef

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From the reinvention of French food through the fine dining revolution in America, Daniel Boulud has been a witness to and a creator of today's food culture. A modern improviser with a classical foundation (a little rock 'n' roll and a lot of Mozart, he'd say), he speaks with the authority that comes from a lifetime of preparing, presenting, and thinking about food-an ancient calling with universal resonance. In Letters to a Young Chef, Boulud speaks not only of how to make a career as a chef in today's world, but also of why one should want to do so in the first place. As he himself puts it, it is "a tasty life." The love of food and the obsession with flavors, ingredients, and techniques are the chef's source of strength, helping the young chef to survive and flourish during the long years of apprenticeship and their necessary sacrifices. Part memoir, part advice book, part cookbook, part reverie, this delicious new book will delight and enlighten chefs of all kinds, from passionate amateurs to serious professionals.

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Kay Redfield Jamison

An Unquiet Mind : A Memoir of Moods and Madness

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"An Unquiet Mind is a fascinating memoir that explores the author's experience with bipolar disorder. It offers readers a unique perspective from both the doctor and patient standpoint, making it a valuable read for anyone looking to understand the condition better. The book is written with candidness and courage, showcasing the author's aptitude for delivering complex information with clarity. If you're interested in learning more about this condition or looking for inspiration and hope, this book is definitely worth your time."

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Philip Steele

World History Biographies: Galileo : The Genius Who Charted the Universe

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Galileo made the first effective use of the refracting telescope to discover important new facts about astronomy. His observations led him to support Copernicus's claim that Earth and the other planets circled the sun. This conflicted with the teachings of the Catholic Church, and brought Galileo before the judges of the Inquisition. He spent his final years under house arrest.Galileo's genius lay in the way he approached scientific problems. He reduced problems to simple terms on the basis of experience and common-sense logic. Then he analyzed and resolved the problems according to simple mathematical descriptions, thus opening the way for the development of modern mathematical physics.National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources.Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.

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Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen

Chicken Soup for the Grieving Soul

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"Chicken Soup for the Grieving Soul" could be a good read for someone who is struggling with the loss of a loved one. The collection of stories offers comfort, peace, and understanding to readers going on with the grieving process. This book highlights the importance of togetherness and sharing during times of loss. The stories in the book are encouraging and inspiring, giving readers the courage to carry on, and cherish special memories of their loved ones.

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Dava Sobel

Galileo's Daughter: a Historical Memoir of Science, Faith and Love

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The Barnes & Noble ReviewDeemed by Albert Einstein to be "the father of modern physics...of modern science altogether," the man who dropped cannonballs from the Tower or Pisa, improved the telescope to discover the moons of Jupiter, and defended Nicolaus Copernicus's theory of the Earth's orbit was, in his day, considered a heretic. Dava Sobel, the author of Longitude, the story of John Harrison's invention of the chronometer, returns with Galileo's Daughter, a fascinating biography that gives an intimate look at the life of Galileo through the 124 letters written by his eldest daughter, Virginia, published in translation for the first time from the Italian. Virginia was one of Galileo's three children born out of wedlock. Together with her depressive younger sister, she was placed in the Convent of San Matteo near Galileo's Florence home at the age of 13, where she took the name Suor Maria Celeste, in tribute to her father's work. Galileo recognized in Virginia an "exquisite mind," and she, in turn recognized the depth of her father's faith in Catholicism and proved to be an unwavering source of loyalty, support, comfort, and strength for him when he was brought to trial before the Holy Office of the Inquisition in 1633. Born in Pisa on February 15, 1564, to a mathematician and the daughter of cloth merchants, Galileo betrayed his father's wishes to become a doctor and instead studied mathematics and philosophy, for he believed that "philosophy is written in this grand book the universe...but the book cannot be understood unless one first learns to comprehend the language and to read the alphabet in which it is composed...mathematics." He began his career teaching at the University of Pisa and the University of Padua until he eventually procured the patronage of the Medici Grand Dukes. Galileo's first commercial invention was the geometric and military compass in 1597, which functioned as an early pocket calculator. But the invention that would announce him to the world came ten years later, when he improved the Dutch spyglass, augmenting the power of the lens manifold times to focus the instrument on the moon and the stars. This reinvented telescope eventually enabled Galileo to discover four of Jupiter's moons, which he documented in his book, The Starry Messenger. His next book, Discourse on Bodies that Stay Atop Water or Move Within It, both challenged Aristotelian physics and announced the presence of sunspots, angering his colleagues and beginning his troubled future. Of course, the real problems for Galileo began when he sought to publish Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems, in which he began to establish proof of Copernicus's theory that the Earth revolves around the sun. While the bubonic plague was claiming lives throughout Europe and the Thirty Years' War was raging, Pope Urban VIII found Galileo's work most threatening. The pope believed that the motions of the heavenly bodies were the domain of the Holy Fathers of the Church and not of science or philosophy, and he found Galileo to be the greatest enemy of the Catholic Church since Martin Luther. The pope betrayed his former friend further when he forced a sickly Galileo to endure the grueling trials before the Inquisition, threatening him with torture and forcing him to live under house arrest for the remainder of his life. Throughout his life, and especially during the trials, Suor Maria Celeste served her infamous father, whom she addressed as Lord Father, as she would a patron saint. She cared for her him from the convent, whose grounds she never left, through her constant letters, which were sent along with baskets carrying shirts she cleaned and mended for him, confectioneries and health tonics she prepared, and legible, ornate transcriptions of his notes as she prepared his final manuscripts. As these letters reveal, though she was profoundly dedicated to her calling, her devotion to her father, and his love and appreciation for her, was steadfast. She never once doubted his faith or his controversial scientific discoveries. They worried for one another during their frequent illnesses, offered heartfelt condolences when colleagues or relatives passed away. His daughter remained Galileo's constant reader and companion until her death of dysentery at age 27. Though she kept all of his correspondence, his letters have disappeared, likely to have been destroyed by the Mother Abbess of the convent. By turns a moving portrait of the loving relationship between a father and daughter, a riveting chronicle of one of the most intensive battles between scientific truth and religious belief, and a fresh, revelatory biography of one of the most magnificent minds the world has ever known, Galileo's Daughter is a masterful weaving of the lives of the mind, the body, and the soul. —Kera Bolonik

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Eugene O'Kelly, Corinne O'Kelly

Chasing Daylight: How My Forthcoming Death Transformed My Life

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THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER Chasing Daylight is the honest, touching, and ultimately inspirational memoir of former KPMG CEO Eugene O'Kelley, completed in the three-and-a-half months between his diagnosis with brain cancer and his death in September 2005. Its haunting yet extraordinarily hopeful voice reminds us to embrace the fragile, fleeting moments of our lives-the brief time we have with our family, our friends, and even ourselves. This paperback edition features a new foreword by his wife, Corinne O'Kelley and a readers' group guide and questions. “Voicing universal truths . . . shared . . . simply and clearly.”-Janet Malin, New York Times “Words to live by.”-Kerry Hannon, USA Today “One of the most unexpected and touching books you're likely to read this year.”-Edward Nawotka, Bloomberg News “An honest, thought-provoking memoir . . . O'Kelly has many lessons to teach us on how to live.”-Steve Powers, Houston Chronicle “[A] well-written and moving book.”-TheEconomist.com

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Chanrithy Him

When Broken Glass Floats : Growing Up Under the Khmer Rouge

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In a mesmerizing story, Chanrithy Him vividly recounts her trek through the hell of the "killing fields." She gives us a child's-eye view of a Cambodia where rudimentary labor camps for both adults and children are the norm and modern technology no longer exists. Death becomes a companion in the camps, along with illness. Yet through the terror, the members of Chanrithy's family remain loyal to one another, and she and her siblings who survive will find redeemed lives in America.A Finalist for the Kiriyama Pacific Rim Book Prize.

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Speer

Inside The Third Reich - Memoirs

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Slight shelf wear crease to cover. Pages are clean and binding is tight. Solid Book.

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Sally Magnusson

Where Memories Go : Why dementia changes everything - as heard on BBC R4 Book of the Week

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This book began as an attempt to hold on to my witty, storytelling mother with the one thing I had to hand. Words. Then, as the enormity of the social crisis my family was part of began to dawn, I wrote with the thought that other forgotten lives might be nudged into the light along with hers. Dementia is one of the greatest social, medical, economic, scientific, philosophical and moral challenges of our times. I am a reporter. It became the biggest story of my life. - Sally MagnussonRegarded as one of the finest journalists of her generation, Mamie Baird Magnusson's whole life was a celebration of words - words that she fought to retain in the grip of a disease which is fast becoming the scourge of the 21st century. Married to writer and broadcaster Magnus Magnusson, they had five children of whom Sally is the eldest. As well as chronicling the anguish, the frustrations and the unexpected laughs and joys that she and her sisters experienced while accompanying their beloved mother on the long dementia road for eight years until her death in 2012, Sally Magnusson seeks understanding from a range of experts and asks penetrating questions about how we treat older people, how we can face one of the greatest social, medical, economic and moral challenges of our times, and what it means to be human.An extraordinary and deeply personal memoir, a manifesto and a call to arms, in one searingly beautiful narrative.Find out more about the book and dementia at Facebook.com/WhereMemoriesGo

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Leah Chishugi

A Long Way From Paradise - Surviving The Rwandan Genocide

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"A Long Way From Paradise" offers a unique and inspiring perspective on resilience and recovery in the aftermath of traumatic events. Through her experiences as a survivor of the Rwandan genocide, Leah Chishugi provides a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion and service to others. Readers interested in true stories of survival and humanitarian efforts would appreciate this book's poignant and captivating narrative.

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Raymond Blanc

A Taste of My Life

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This book is a must-read for food enthusiasts who want to embark on a culinary journey with Raymond Blanc. With his extraordinary creativity and passion, Blanc shares his life experiences and philosophy of food, inspiring readers to appreciate the art of sustainable cuisine. From his culinary genius to his dedication to perfection, A Taste of My Life will leave you hungry for more.

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Jenny Hartley, Vere Hodgson

Few Eggs and No Oranges : Vere Hodgson's Diary, 1940-45

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Vere Hodgson worked for a Notting Hill Gate charity during the Second World War ; being sparky and unflappable, she was not going to let Hitler make a difference to her life, but the beginning of the Blitz did, which is why she began her published diaries on 25 June 1940: 'Last night at about 1 a.m. we had the first air raid of the war on London. My room is just opposite the police station, so I got the full benefit of the sirens. It made me leap out of bed...' The war continued for five more years, but Vere's comments on her work, friends, what was happening to London and the news ('We hold our breath over Crete', 'There is to be a new system of Warning') combine to make Few Eggs and No Oranges unusually readable. It is a long - 600 page - book but a deeply engrossing one. The TLS remarked: 'The diaries capture the sense of living through great events and not being overwhelmed by them... they display an extraordinary - though widespread - capacity for not giving way in the face of horrors and difficulties.' 'A classic book that still rings vibrant and helpful today... a heartwarming record of one articulate woman's coping with the war,' wrote the Tallahassee Democratic Review.

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Pico Iyer

The Lady and the Monk : Four Seasons in Kyoto

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The Lady and the Monk( Four Seasons in Kyoto) <> Paperback <> PicoIyer <> VintageBooks

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Dalai Lama XIV, Mary A. Craig

His Holiness the Dalai Lama: in Own Words

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This book is recommended for those seeking to understand the core philosophy of Buddhism and the Dalai Lama's teachings on how to live a fulfilling life, by cultivating compassion and inner peace. The book is unique in that it is a collection of the Dalai Lama's personal reflections and teachings, as opposed to a traditional biography or history. Readers will appreciate the Dalai Lama's emphasis on the importance of transforming the human mind, and his plea for compassion and non-violence as the foundation for living well and dying well.

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Baba Rampuri

Autobiography of a Sadhu : A Journey into Mystic India

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Recommended for readers intrigued by Indian mysticism, shamanism, and spirituality. The book offers a unique perspective as the author, a foreigner, becomes a member of an ancient and wild order of naked yogis. It is filled with true accounts of magic, miracles, ghosts, and austerities, providing a deep insight into Indian culture and lessons on Hindu Gods, ayurveda, and mantra.

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Wong Ming-Dao

Stone Made Smooth

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Stone Made Smooth could be a good read for those seeking inspiration through faith during times of hardship, as it tells the story of a Christian Chinese leader who persevered through 23 years of imprisonment with the help of his faith. The book is unique in its perspective, offering insight into the experiences of a religious leader from a different culture and time period, while also offering hope and inspiration for readers facing their own struggles.

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Ann Jones

Looking for Lovedu : Days and Nights in Africa

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Looking for Lovedu is a great read for someone who enjoys adventure and travel writing. Ann Jones details her dangerous journey through Africa in search of the Lovedu tribe, a legendary group ruled by a rainmaking queen. Through her writing, readers will experience the excitement of traveling through the deserts of North Africa to South Africa, and learn about the traditional culture and customs of the African people.

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STEVENSON BRYAN

Just Mercy - A Story Of Justice And Redemption

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Just Mercy is an eye-opening and thought-provoking book that explores the systemic racism and injustice in the US justice system. Bryan Stevenson's personal experiences as a defense lawyer for the wrongly convicted give insight into the flaws of the system and the human toll it takes on marginalized communities. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in social justice and reform.

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Barbara Leaming

Marilyn Monroe

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Marilyn Monroe by Barbara Leaming is a must-read for anyone who wants to know more about the life and career of this iconic Hollywood star. Leaming's account is both insightful and revealing, exploring not just Monroe's relationships and career but also the darker aspects of her life, such as her struggles with mental illness and addiction. Readers will come away from this book with a deeper understanding of who Marilyn Monroe really was, and why she remains such an important figure in popular culture today.

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Jim Rogers

Investment Biker : Around the World with Jim Rogers

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This book is about the authora s amazing trip across six continents and the world economy and society. It discusses whoa s sinking and whoa s swimming, which countries are on the rise and which are collapsing, where you can make a million and where you could lose one. Every place he stopped on the trip, Rogers talked to businessmen, bankers, investors and regular people. He learned reams of information that youa d never learn from reading the financial pages of any periodical. Delivers a thrilling account of the journey of a lifetime and provides tips that would enable you to pay for a trip just like it.

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Joshua Foo Yin Tung

Right Mistakes

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Today I am 22 years of age. I used to be a person who was working in the complex streets of Geylang and the black market. I was a gangster in three different criminal organizations. Robbery, assault, peddling drugs, extortion...At the end of everything I have done in the underworld, I have never brought goodness to anyone around me. People who know me and those who don t, I have never given them something pleasant to smile about. As a child, Joshua Foo seemed to have a particular affinity for trouble. Despite his best intentions, his actions and decisions always seemed to land him on the wrong side of the law. Without the support of a loving family, Joshua was drifting and furthermore, angry and he didn t know why. With his father in jail and his mother working tirelessly to provide for her only child, Joshua was left to his own to make sense of his world and fend for himself. The death of his beloved grandmother and constant teasing by peers over the absence of his father drove him to fill the void in his world with friends who gave him the support he never had, the security he never knew and worth he never felt. But this came with a price, and with eyes wide open, Joshua fell headlong into a secret, illegal world, where bravery and loyalty were valued above all. But eventually Joshua had to come face to face with the reality of his world and into confrontation with all that he had been running from. With piercing honesty and brazen boldness of youth, Joshua recounts his experiences of being in a gang, his brushes with law and examines the events that brought him there. What made him who he is today? Was it his own choices, or the choices of others? And does he have the agency to decide what he will become? More than just a shocking story of a boy losing his way, The Right Mistakes is about a boy trying to make sense of his life and change it for the better.

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Kent Zimmerman, Keith Zimmerman, John Lydon

Rotten: No Irish, No Blacks, No Dogs

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"I have no time for lies and fantasy, and neither should you. Enjoy or die..." -- John Lydon Punk has been romanticized and embalmed in various media. An English class revolt that became a worldwide fashion statement, punk's idols were the Sex Pistols, and its sneering hero was Johnny Rotten. Seventeen years later, John Lydon looks back at himself, the Sex Pistols, and the "no future" disaffection of the time. Much more than just a music book, Rotten is an oral history of angry, witty, honest, poignant, crackling with energy. Malcolm McLaren, Sid Vicious, Chrissie Hynde, Billy Idol, London and England in the late 1970s, the Pistols' creation and collapse...all are here, in perhaps the best book ever written about music and youth culture, by one of its most notorious figures.

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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.