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Biographies & Memoirs

Explore the stories of remarkable lives in our Biographies & Memoirs section at Thryft. Discover firsthand accounts of influential figures and captivating memoirs that'll inspire and educate. Our collection is carefully curated to ensure you find the perfect narrative to delve into.

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The Jungle is Neutral : A Soldier's Two-Year Escape from the Japanese Army - Thryft
F. Spencer Chapman

The Jungle is Neutral : A Soldier's Two-Year Escape from the Japanese Army

from $6.05

The Jungle is Neutral is a must-read for those interested in true stories of resilience and survival. F. Spencer Chapman's first-hand account of his guerrilla warfare against the Japanese army is an incredible tale of bravery, determination, and adaptability. From building explosives out of bamboo to navigating through treacherous jungle terrain, Chapman's experiences will leave readers on the edge of their seats. This book is perfect for those who love war stories, historical non-fiction, or simply need a dose of inspiration.

from $6.05

Out of stock

My Invented Country : A Memoir - Thryft
Isabel Allende

My Invented Country : A Memoir

from $4.16

Although she claims to have been an outsider in her native land -- "I never fit in anywhere, not into my family, my social class, or the religion fate bestowed on me" -- Isabel Allende carries with her even today the mark of the politics, myth, and magic of her homeland, Chile. In My Invented Country she explores the role of memory and nostalgia in shaping her life, her books, and that most intimate connection to her place of origin. The military coup and violent death of her uncle, Salvador Allende Gossens, on September 11, 1973, sent her into exile and transformed her into a writer. The terrorist attack of September 11, 2001 on her newly adopted homeland, the U.S., brought fourth from Allende an overdue acknowledgment that she had indeed left home. My Invented Country speaks compellingly to all of us who try to retain a coherent inner life and a sense of humor in a world full of contradictions.

from $4.16

Out of stock

My Dark Places - Thryft
James Ellroy

My Dark Places

$7.98 from $5.59 Save up to 30%

My Dark Places is a haunting, true crime story that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. James Ellroy's vivid prose is as captivating as it is painful, as he delves deep into the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles in search of a killer--and closure for his mother's murder. The most remarkable part of the book is Ellroy's honest and raw exploration of his own emotions and how his mother's death influenced his life. This book is for fans of true crime and memoirs who are not afraid to confront the darkest parts of humanity and themselves.

$7.98 from $5.59 Save up to 30%

Out of stock

My Word is My Bond : The Autobiography - Thryft
Sir Roger Moore KBE.

My Word is My Bond : The Autobiography

from $7.44

Recommended for James Bond fans, and those interested in Hollywood's golden age. Unique and memorable for Moore's charm and anecdotes about his iconic roles.

from $7.44

Out of stock

Building People : Sunday Emails from a CEO, Volume 2 - Thryft
Mun Leong Liew

Building People : Sunday Emails from a CEO, Volume 2

from $12.13

Quotes from Liew Mun Leong "The job on top is a lonely one. But if you want to lead, you have to be one of the troops too." "If you have the ability to lead, it will be a waste for the company, society and yourself, if you deny that responsibility." "If you can't or don't communicate, you can't lead. An uncommunicative leader will not last long." "The job makes you. You grow on the job. You can outgrow the job or the job can outgrow you." "A fast decision is better than a right decision. But if a fast decision is wrong, it is better to make a U-turn fast. " "Human resource is not human capital, unless we invest in it." "I was trained as an engineer and wanted to be a good professional engineer. I spent many years doing that. I had never thought of becoming a CEO." "Many of the solutions we arrive at are because there are no better alternatives. We know we just have to make them work for us somehow." "In solving our many difficult problems, 'application precedes theory'. After we accomplish something, we then begin to think of a theory to explain how and why it works."

from $12.13

Out of stock

Socialism Is Great - A Worker'S Memoir O - Thryft
Lijia Zhang

Socialism Is Great - A Worker'S Memoir O

from $4.45

A spirited memoir by a former Chinese factory worker who grew up in Nanjing, participated in the Tianamen Square protest and ended up as an international journalist. Lijia Zhang worked as a teenager in a factory producing missiles designed to reach North America, queuing every month tog ive evidence to the 'period police' that she wasn't pregnant. In the oppressive routine of guarded compounds and political meetings, Zhang grew disillusioned with 'The Glorious Cause' and set out to learn English. She flaunted her intellectual independence from wearing bright, Western style clothes to organizing the largest demonstration by Nanjing workers in support of Tiananmen Square protest in 1989. By narrating the changes in her own life, Zhang chronicles the momentous shift in China's economic policy: her factory, still an ICBM manufacturer, won the bid to cast a giant Bronze Buddha as the whole country went crazy for profit.

from $4.45

Out of stock

High : Confessions of an International Drug Smuggler - Thryft
Brian O'Dea

High : Confessions of an International Drug Smuggler

from $10.46

"High is an enthralling memoir of Brian O'Dea's journey from being a powerful drug smuggler to turning his life around. Readers will be fascinated by O'Dea's accounts of his dangerous and exciting experiences in the drug trade, and moved by his eventual decision to quit and help others. O'Dea's redemption story is a testament to the human spirit and is a must-read for anyone interested in the criminal justice system and addiction."

from $10.46

Out of stock

Learning to Fly - Thryft
Victoria Beckham

Learning to Fly

$2.93 $2.00 Save up to 56%

Since she was eight years old Victoria wanted to be a star. This autobiography covers her childhood, marriage and motherhood, the Spice Girls and her current career.

$2.93 $2.00 Save up to 56%

Out of stock

Hello, He Lied - And Other Truths From The Hollywood Trenches - Thryft
Lynda Obst

Hello, He Lied - And Other Truths From The Hollywood Trenches

$3.88 from $2.72 Save up to 30%

If you're interested in the behind-the-scenes of movie-making and the politics of Hollywood, then Hello, He Lied is a must-read. Lynda Rosen Obst shares her experiences as a producer, shedding light on the complex relationships and power struggles among the industry's elite. Her candid and humorous writing style makes for an entertaining and informative read.

$3.88 from $2.72 Save up to 30%

Out of stock

Bring on the Empty Horses - Thryft
David Niven

Bring on the Empty Horses

from $2.84

Here is Niven at his best. He and Errol Flynn were filming The Charge of the Light Brigade for a director, Michael Curtiz, 'whose Hungarian-orientated English was a joy to us all'. High on the rostrum he decided the moment had come to order the arrival on the scene of a hundred riderless chargers. "Okay," he yelled into a megaphone, "Bring on the empty horses!" 'BRING ON THE EMPTY HORSES is the second part of David Niven's internationally bestselling autobiography, following the superbly entertaining THE MOON'S A BALLOON. Both books were highly acclaimed by the critics and remain as wonderful reminders of a much-loved actor who epitomised, for many, the essential British gent, even when surrounded by the stars of Hollywood.

from $2.84

Out of stock

The Invitation - Thryft
Oriah Mountain Dreamer

The Invitation

from $6.34

This book could be a good read for someone who craves a deeper, more authentic existence. Oriah Mountain Dreamer's heartfelt reflections and practical suggestions offer a refreshing perspective on living life to the fullest. Through her words, you'll be inspired to embrace your desires, navigate through betrayal, and find true beauty within yourself and the world around you. The Invitation encourages you to follow your heart's calling and seize the adventure of being alive. It's a powerful reminder to live life more deeply, honestly, and well.

from $6.34

Out of stock

Chou Loke Ming - Thryft
Chow Yee Wearn, Rebecca Tan

Chou Loke Ming

from $7.30

Coral reefs are home to so many different kinds of sea creatures that they are known as the rainforests of the seas. Sadly, coral reefs all around the world are dying, but Chou Loke Ming is on a mission to help them recover. Loke Ming went from being a village boy to a coral doctor, and is saving the world one coral at a time.

from $7.30

Out of stock

Stand Your Ground - Life And Football - Thryft
Kevin Sheedy

Stand Your Ground - Life And Football

from $5.07

Stand Your Ground by Kevin Sheedy is a must-read for any Australian Rules Football fan or anyone interested in this iconic coach's life. Sheedy's storytelling skills bring to life his experiences and insights from growing up in Melbourne to coaching Essendon for 27 years. This book is an entertaining and educational look into the history and evolution of AFL, as well as a personal memoir of a football legend who took Australia's own game to the world.

from $5.07

Out of stock

Behind the Wall : Journey Through China - Thryft
Colin Thubron

Behind the Wall : Journey Through China

$2.42 from $2.00 Save up to 40%

1989

$2.42 from $2.00 Save up to 40%

Out of stock

The Damage Done - Thryft
Warren Fellows

The Damage Done

from $1.67 Save up to 23%

Recommendation: If you are interested in reading a true story of survival in one of the most infamous prisons in the world, The Damage Done is the perfect book for you. Written by Warren Fellows, who spent 12 years in the notorious Bang Kwan prison in Bangkok, this book is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The author's vivid descriptions of the brutal conditions and inhumane treatment of prisoners will leave you shocked and horrified. But at the same time, his story of survival and eventual redemption offers hope and inspiration to us all.

from $1.67 Save up to 23%

Out of stock

Wisdom to Grow on - Thryft
Chuck Acquisto

Wisdom to Grow on

from $5.81

"Wisdom to Grow on" is a unique and inspiring collection of letters from famous and successful people from all walks of life. These letters offer wisdom and guidance on topics such as achieving success, finding happiness, and living a meaningful life. This book is perfect for anyone looking for inspiration and guidance, particularly recent graduates or those embarking on new journeys in life. The personal and heartfelt letters from celebrities and leaders make this book a truly special read that will leave a lasting impact on its readers.

from $5.81

Out of stock

Stuart : A Life Backwards - Thryft
Alexander Masters

Stuart : A Life Backwards

from $4.79

This is the story of Stuart Shorter: thief, hostage-taker, psycho and street raconteur. It is a story told backwards, as he wanted, from the man he was when Alexander Masters met him to a "happy-go-lucky little boy" of twelve. Brilliant, humane and funny, it is as extraordinary and unexpected as the life it describes.

from $4.79

Out of stock

Paul Bocuse : Simply Delicious - Thryft
Jean-Charles Vaillant, Paul Bocuse

Paul Bocuse : Simply Delicious

from $8.15

"If you're looking to enhance your French cooking skills, Paul Bocuse's Simply Delicious is a must-read. With step-by-step instructions and beautiful photography, Bocuse offers over 100 of his favorite recipes, allowing home chefs to recreate classics like beef bourguignon or a perfect strawberry tart. This cookbook is a great addition to any kitchen, and will help elevate your culinary skills to new heights."

from $8.15

Out of stock

My Dateless Diary - An American Journey - Thryft
R.K. Narayan

My Dateless Diary - An American Journey

from $3.88

A great book for those who enjoy reading travelogues or want to experience America from an unusual perspective. The book touches on themes such as the cultural differences between India and America, the author's observations on the people he met, and the challenges he faced while navigating a new country. Readers have praised Narayan's simple yet vivid writing style and his ability to capture the essence of his experiences.

from $3.88

Out of stock

Someone Else - Thryft
John Hughes

Someone Else

from $8.72

John Hughes enters deep into the world of his imagination, giving voice to the twenty-one writers and artists who have left their traces there. In story-like essays written in the style of his heroes, the effect is like ventriloquy.

from $8.72

Out of stock

River of Time - Thryft
Jon Swain

River of Time

from $5.73

"River of Time" is a captivating personal account of the five years Jon Swain spent living in the lands of the Mekong river. Readers who enjoy personal narratives about adventure and self-discovery in exotic locales will appreciate this book. Swain does an excellent job of portraying the region’s incredible natural beauty while also delving deeply into the violence and corruption that plagued the area. He writes with a poignant honesty that resonates long after the final page is turned.

from $5.73

Out of stock

The Billionaire Who Wasn't : How Chuck Feeney Secretly Made and Gave Away a Fortune - Thryft
Conor O'Clery

The Billionaire Who Wasn't : How Chuck Feeney Secretly Made and Gave Away a Fortune

$5.59 from $3.35 Save up to 40%

This book is recommended for readers who are interested in learning about the life of an extraordinary man who chose to give away his fortune to charitable causes. It provides insight into Chuck Feeney's journey of amassing and then giving away his wealth, as well as the challenges and moral dilemmas he faced along the way. The unique and distinctive feature of this book is that it offers a rare glimpse into the world of high-stakes philanthropy and the complexities involved in managing and disbursing billions of dollars to worthy causes.

$5.59 from $3.35 Save up to 40%

Out of stock

The Panasonic Way : Memoirs of the Former President - Thryft
Toshihiko Yamashita

The Panasonic Way : Memoirs of the Former President

from $6.88

This book provides a glimpse into the management philosophy and strategies of Panasonic. It is a recommended read for professionals seeking to learn about leadership and strategic decision-making in a successful company.

from $6.88

Out of stock

8 Steps to Lasting Excellence - Thryft
Cameron C. Taylor

8 Steps to Lasting Excellence

from $1.11

8 Steps to Lasting Excellence is a full-color book filled with inspirational photos, quotes, and stories from many great achievers including Mahatma Gandhi, Helen Keller, Thomas Edison, Walt Disney, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and many others. This book will lead you to greater achievement, superior performance, and lasting excellence.

from $1.11

Out of stock

Delicious Memories: Conception and Realisation - Thryft
Black Albatros,

Delicious Memories: Conception and Realisation

$3.88 from $2.72 Save up to 30%

Contains signature family-treasured recipes from entrepreneurs, politicians, captains of industries and leading personalities...all of them residing in Singapore.

$3.88 from $2.72 Save up to 30%

Out of stock

Arrivals, Departures and the Adventures in-Between - Thryft
Christopher O'Shaughnessy

Arrivals, Departures and the Adventures in-Between

from $7.75

"Everyone's got a story to tell. If your story involves growing up among different cultures - either moving between them or having them move around you - then read this book. Growing up and transitioning cross-culturally can present unexpected challenges and bestow surprising skills. This is a book of adventures that helped me identify some of those challenges and realize some of those skills. Hopefully it can help you too - which is important because you've got more to contribute to the world than you realize." "Once, down a dark alleyway, a struggling TCK bumped into a mysterious Zen master, a grinning comedian, and an author of thrillers. That alleyway and those personas reside at O'Shaughnessy's center. Get ready to grab your seat to steady your heart and to avoid falling over with laughter." Douglas W. Ota Author, Safe Passage: What Mobility Does to People & What International Schools Should Do About It "I wish this book had been written when I was younger." Ruth E Van Reken Co-author, Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds "O'Shaughnessy's does a marvelous job of covering the characteristics of the Third Culture Kid with riveting examples taken from his own life. Thanks for this valuable addition to the TCK literature and most importantly, the teen TCK." Lois J Bushong Author, Belonging Everywhere & Nowhere: Insights into Counseling the Globally Mobile "O'Shaughnessy skillfully approaches cross-cultural upbringings and transitions with insight, compassion and humorous tales of identity, connection, community, belonging and resilience." Linda A Janssen, Author, The Emotionally Resilient Expat: Engage, Adapt and Thrive Across Cultures "Every TCK who is a junior or senior in high school should read this book before going off to college or living on their own." Delana H Stewart, Education Consultant

from $7.75

Out of stock

Monkey Business : Swinging through the Wall Street Jungle - Thryft
John Rolfe, Peter Troob

Monkey Business : Swinging through the Wall Street Jungle

from $9.30

Monkey Business: Swinging through the Wall Street Jungle is a must-read for anyone interested in the high-paced, high-pressure world of investment banking. John Rolfe's candid account of his time at a major investment house pulls back the curtain on the grueling work schedules and shocking abuses that are unfortunately all too common in this industry. With its outrageous anecdotes and sharp insights, this book is sure to keep you entertained and informed.

from $9.30

Out of stock

99 Months: The Case of the Sydney Double Murders - Thryft
Ram Tiwary

99 Months: The Case of the Sydney Double Murders

from $7.73

This book is a gripping and heart wrenching account of Ram Tiwary's 99 month ordeal after being wrongfully accused and convicted of a double murder. With the twists and turns in the courtroom, readers will be unable to put this book down. The book highlights the flaws in the criminal justice system and how it can ruin an innocent person's life. It is a must-read for true crime enthusiasts and anyone interested in fighting for justice.

from $7.73

Out of stock

While the Gods Were Sleeping Indian Edition - Thryft
Elizabeth Enslin

While the Gods Were Sleeping Indian Edition

from $8.62

Love and marriage brought American anthropologist Elizabeth Enslin to a world she never planned to make her own: a life among Brahman in-laws in a remote village in the plains of Nepal. As she faced the challenges of married life, birth, and childrearing in a foreign culture, she discovered as much about human resilience, and the capacity for courage, as she did about herself.While the Gods Were Sleeping: A Journey Through Love and Rebellion in Nepal tells a compelling story of a woman transformed in intimate and unexpected ways. Set against the backdrop of increasing political turmoil in Nepal, Enslin s story takes us deep into the lives of local women as they claim their rightful place in societyand make their voices heard."

from $8.62

Out of stock

Life and Death in Shanghai - Thryft
Nien Cheng

Life and Death in Shanghai

from $4.66

The book conveys with power and impact the horrors faced by one brave Chinese woman during the cultural revolution.

from $4.66

Out of stock

What Would Audrey Do? : Timeless Lessons for Living with Grace & Style - Thryft
Pamela Clarke Keogh

What Would Audrey Do? : Timeless Lessons for Living with Grace & Style

from $7.63

This book is a perfect read for those who want to learn how to be sophisticated and elegant just like Audrey Hepburn. It provides valuable lessons on how to remain poised and charming while navigating the complexities of modern life. The book is also an excellent guide on how to apply Audrey's style in fashion and beauty. Readers can gain insights into relationships, marriage, raising children, finding balance in life and giving back to society. Overall, this book is a must-read for those who aspire to live like Audrey Hepburn and need inspiration to lead a life full of grace and style.

from $7.63

Out of stock

A Burst of Light : and Other Essays - Thryft
Audre Lorde, Sonia Sanchez, Jen Keenan

A Burst of Light : and Other Essays

from $8.58

A great American theorist of race, sexuality, gender, living, and dying, poet and activist Audre Lorde (1934–1992) created a body of work that was ahead of its time in its embrace of intersectionality. Her powerful collection of essays is a call to action for the social justice movement. Discover her inspiring words on intersectionality, lesbian sexuality, African-American identity, self-care and more."Lorde's words — on race, cancer, intersectionality, parenthood, injustice — burn with relevance 25 years after her death." — O, The Oprah MagazineWinner of the 1988 Before Columbus Foundation National Book Award, this path-breaking collection of essays is a clarion call to build communities that nurture our spirit . Lorde announces the need for a radical politics of intersectionality while struggling to maintain her own faith as she wages a battle against liver cancer . From reflections on her struggle with the disease to thoughts on lesbian sexuality and African-American identity in a straight white man's world, Lorde's voice remains enduringly relevant in today's political landscape .Those who practice and encourage social justice activism frequently quote her exhortation , "Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare." In addition to the journal entries of "A Burst of Living with Cancer," this edition includes an interview , " Not About Condemnation," and three essays , "I Am Your Black Women Organizing Across Sexualities," "Apartheid U.S.A.," and "Turning the Beat Lesbian Parenting 1986," as well as a new Foreword by Sonia Sanchez . "You don't read Audre Lorde, you feel her." — Essence"Lorde's timeless prose in this collection provides contemporary social justice warriors the language, strategies, and lessons around resistance, through the power of intersectionality, a Pan-African vision, and — ultimately — through the power of love and radical self-care." — NBC News"When I don't know what to do, I turn to the Lorde." — Alexis Pauline Gumbs, Bitch Media"Whenever my mind is heavy with questions and my heart thirsts for nourishment, I turn to the writing of Audre Lorde. Every time I revisit the words of Audre Lorde, I marvel over how relevant they continue to be." — AfterEllen.com"The self-described black feminist lesbian mother poet used a mixture of prose, theory, poetry, and experience to interrogate oppressions and uplift marginalized communities. She was one of the first black feminists to target heteronormativity, and to encourage black feminists to expand their understanding of erotic pleasure. She amplified anti-oppression, even as breast cancer ravaged her ailing body." — Evette Dionne, Bustle Magazine"This was my first time reading Audre Lorde (finally!) and now I can't wait to devour everything she ever wrote. This was the kind of book that you end up highlighting so many great quotes, words you want to memorize, apply, breathe. Empowering read." — Litsy

from $8.58

Out of stock

Teacher - Thryft
Sylvia Ashton-Warner

Teacher

from $7.27

Teacher could be a good read for those interested in unique approaches to teaching and inspiring individuality in students. Sylvia Ashton-Warner's diary-style book shows her innovative method of using words as prized possessions to captivate students, which is particularly relevant for socially disadvantaged and non-English-speaking students. Reviews highlight the impact her method had on students, making this book a must-read for educators who want to learn new techniques to engage their students.

from $7.27

Out of stock

Avoid Boring People - Lessons From A Life In Science - Thryft
James D. Watson

Avoid Boring People - Lessons From A Life In Science

from $10.39

From Nobel Prize-winning scientist James D. Watson, a living legend for his work unlocking the structure of DNA, comes this candid and entertaining memoir, filled with practical advice for those starting out their academic careers. In Avoid Boring People, Watson lays down a life’s wisdom for getting ahead in a competitive world. Witty and uncompromisingly honest, he shares his thoughts on how young scientists should choose the projects that will shape their careers, the supreme importance of collegiality, and dealing with competitors within the same institution. It’s an irreverent romp through Watson’s colorful career and an indispensable guide to anyone interested in nurturing the life of the mind.

from $10.39

Out of stock

Matt Moran - Thryft
Matt Moran

Matt Moran

$3.88 from $2.72 Save up to 30%

This book would be a great read for anyone who loves to cook or is interested in Australian cuisine. Matt Moran's use of fresh produce sets his dishes apart with a depth of flavor that is sure to impress. Additionally, the inclusion of impromptu dishes he cooks for himself and loved ones makes the book feel personal and relatable. Overall, a great addition to any cookbook collection.

$3.88 from $2.72 Save up to 30%

Out of stock

Iris - A Memoir Of Iris Murdoch - Thryft
John Bayley

Iris - A Memoir Of Iris Murdoch

from $5.07

This memoir is for readers looking to better understand the emotional and practical aspects of coping with a loved one who has Alzheimer's disease. Bayley provides a raw and honest account of his experience with his beloved wife, novelist Iris Murdoch. The book captures the essence of how love and illness intersect with one another.

from $5.07

Out of stock

Iris : A memoir of Iris Murdoch - Thryft
John Bayley

Iris : A memoir of Iris Murdoch

from $2.61

In 1998 John Bayley wrote a best-selling, critically acclaimed memoir of his wife, the great philosopher and novelist Iris Murdoch, who had been suffering from Alzheimer's disease since 1996. At times unbearably moving, at times poignantly comical, this memoir provides a fitting memorial to Dame Iris. It is an enchanting portrait of a remarkable marriage and an inspiration for anyone whose life is affected by Alzheimer's.

from $2.61

Out of stock

A Beautiful Child : A True Story of Hope, Horror, and an Enduring Human Spirit - Thryft
Matt Birkbeck

A Beautiful Child : A True Story of Hope, Horror, and an Enduring Human Spirit

from $7.37

This book is a compelling, true account of a young woman's journey to survive the grip of an evil, murderous fugitive who also happened to be her father. The author skillfully weaves in the events surrounding the baffling case to give the reader an in-depth understanding of the psychological trauma Sharon had to endure. It is recommended to readers who are fascinated by true crime stories and stories of resilience and survival.

from $7.37

Out of stock

Be Awesome : Modern Life for Modern Ladies - Thryft
Hadley Freeman

Be Awesome : Modern Life for Modern Ladies

from $7.59

Hadley Freeman, Guardian features writer and author of the popular 'Ask Hadley' column, presents the modern lady with twenty-three essays that remind us to 'Be Awesome'.

from $7.59

Out of stock

Our Homes, Our Stories - Voices Of Migrant Domestic Workers In Singapore - Thryft
Karien van Ditzhuijzen

Our Homes, Our Stories - Voices Of Migrant Domestic Workers In Singapore

from $5.07

Our Homes, Our Stories is a compelling anthology of migrant women's experiences in Singapore. It provides a gut-wrenching account of their struggles in a foreign country - rogue agents, unforgiving bosses and broken trust. The book delves deep into the lives of women who sacrifice everything, including their families, to earn a living. Nevertheless, it also offers moments of hope and inspiration - supportive employers, loving families - and highlights how migrant workers are not just labourers but human beings. The book offers an important corrective to the perception of migrants as faceless and interchangeable and will surely leave readers more sensitive to the workers' plight.

from $5.07

Out of stock

A Monk Swimming - Thryft
Malachy. McCourt

A Monk Swimming

from $8.54

A Monk Swimming [Paperback] McCourt, Malachy

from $8.54

Out of stock

Yakuza Moon: Memoirs Of A Gangster's Daughter - Thryft
Shōko Tendō, Louise Heal Kawai

Yakuza Moon: Memoirs Of A Gangster's Daughter

from $11.22

Born to a wealthy and powerful yakuza boss, Shoko Tendo lived the early years of her life in luxury. However, when she was six, everything changed: her father was jailed, and the family fell into debt. Bullied by her classmates because of her father's activities, and terrorized at home by her father, who became a drunken, violent monster after his release from prison, Tendo rebelled. As a teenager she became a drug addict and a member of a girl gang. At the age of 15 she spent eight months in a juvenile detention center after getting into a fight with another gang. During Japan's bubble economy of the eighties, Tendo worked as a bar hostess, attracting many rich and loyal customers, and earning money to help her family out of debt. But there were also abusive clients, one of whom beat her so badly that her face was left permanently scarred. Her mother died, plunging Tendo into a depression so deep that she tried to commit suicide. Somehow, Tendo overcame these tough times. A turning point was getting a full-body tattoo with a design centered on a geisha with a dagger in her mouth, an act that empowered her to change her life. She quit her job as a hostess. On her last day at work, she looked up at the full moon, which became a symbol of her struggle to become whole, and the title of the book she wrote as an epitaph for herself and her family. The paperback edition of Yakuza Moon features 16-pages of never-before-seen photos of Tendos youth, family, and tattoos, as well as a new foreword by the author, describing her life since the book was first published four years ago. "Emotionally complex and thoroughly heart-rending, this book is recommended for anyone searching for a more thorough and personal understanding of Japanese society. Publishers Weekly "The first female ever to break the code of silence and speak about life for women in the underworld...her best-selling memoir shocked [Japan]...with its graphic accounts of her addictions to sex, drugs and violent lovers. Marie Claire [Tendos] story...shines a light into a dark and little understood corner of modern Japan." The Guardian "The book offers a rare woman's view of Japan's criminal underbelly. The Independent "Much has been written about Japan's gangsterstheir full-body tattoos, boozing, womanizing, strict honor codes and occasional explosions of violence. Very little has been heard from their lovers, daughters or wives. Tendo has been all three." Bloomberg "A chilling and tawdry tale about family life and romance among the yakuza. The Wall Street Journal "A raw, heartbreaking account of damaged youth." Bust "A thrilling memoir...an exclusive glimpse into a life rarely experienced firsthand." Time Out Chicago

from $11.22

Out of stock

The Discomfort Zone - A Personal History - Thryft
Jonathan Franzen

The Discomfort Zone - A Personal History

from $4.62

A brilliant personal history from the award-winning author of ‘The Corrections’.Jonathan Franzen arrived late, and last, in a family of boys in Webster Groves, Missouri. ‘The Discomfort Zone’ is his intimate memoir of his growth from a ‘small and fundamentally ridiculous person’ through an adolescence both excruciating and strangely happy, into an adult with embarrassing and unexpected passions. It's also a portrait of a middle class family weathering the turbulence of the 1970s, and a vivid personal history of the decades in which America has taken an angry turn away from its mid-century ideals.The stories told here draw on elements as varied as the effects of Kafka's fiction on Franzen's protracted quest to lose his virginity, the elaborate pranks that he and his friends orchestrated from the roof of his high school, his self-inflicted travails in selling his mother's house after her death, and the web of connections between his all-consuming marriage, the problem of global warming, and the life lessons to be learned in watching birds.These chapters of a Midwestern youth and a New York adulthood are warmed by the same combination of comic scrutiny and unqualified affection that characterize Franzen's fiction, but here the main character is the author himself. Sparkling, daring, arrestingly honest, Franzen narrates the formation of a unique mind and heart in the crucible of an everyday American family.

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Red Dust - Thryft
Ma Jian

Red Dust

from $8.90

Red Dust is a must-read for those interested in China's recent history and culture. Through Ma Jian's insightful journey, readers can gain a unique perspective on China's societal challenges. The book is a compelling mix of beautiful descriptions of the country's natural beauty and commentary on the repressive nature of China's government in the 1980s.

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C G Jung & Hermann Hesse : A Record of Two Friendships - Thryft
Miguel Serrano

C G Jung & Hermann Hesse : A Record of Two Friendships

from $10.55

This book is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the profound philosophical connection between C.G. Jung and Hermann Hesse. Through the letters and conversations captured in this book, readers will gain deep insights into the thoughts and beliefs of these two great minds. The intimate details shared by Jung shortly before his death add a poignant and personal touch, making it a truly unique and captivating read.

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Singapore Story : Memoirs of Lee Kuan Yew - Thryft
Lee Kuan Yew

Singapore Story : Memoirs of Lee Kuan Yew

from $7.90

Lee Kuan Yew's personal perspective adds depth and authenticity. 3. Reveals the challenges and strategies behind Singapore's transformation. 4. Offers valuable insights for leaders and policymakers.

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Please Kill Me : The Uncensored Oral History of Punk - Thryft
Legs McNeil, Gillian McCain

Please Kill Me : The Uncensored Oral History of Punk

from $9.63

What Britain refined, America defined. Assembled by two key figures at the heart of the movement and told through the voices o musicians, artists, iconoclastic reporters and entrepreneurial groupies, PLEASE KILL ME is the full decadent story of the American punk scene, through the early years of Andy Warhol's Factory to the New York underground of Max's Kansas City and later, its heyday at CBGB's, spiritual home to the Ramones, Talking Heads, Television and Blondie. PLEASE KILL ME goes backstage and behind apartment doors to chronicle the sex, drugs and power struggles that were the very fabric of the American punk community, to the time before piercing and tattoos became commonplace and when every concert, new band and fashion statement marked an absolute first. From Iggy Pop and Lou Reed to the Clash and the Sex Pistols (the first time around), McNeil and McCain document a time of glorious self-destruction and perverse innocence - possibly the last time so many will so much fun in the pursuit of excess.

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Rhinestone Jesus - Thryft
Ann Voskamp, Kristen Welch

Rhinestone Jesus

$2.18 $2.00 Save up to 41%

Rhinestone Jesus could be a good read for Christian women seeking to deepen their faith journey. Kristen Welch shares her own journey of transformation and the risks she took along the way, challenging readers to say yes to God's call in their own lives. The book's unique feature is Welch's vulnerability in sharing her struggles and doubts, making it relatable for those who may also feel like their faith is shallow.

$2.18 $2.00 Save up to 41%

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Ariels 2001 : Departures and Returns, Essays for Edwin Thumboo - Thryft
Chee Kiong Tong

Ariels 2001 : Departures and Returns, Essays for Edwin Thumboo

from $8.09

Collection of essays written in honour of Emeritus Professor Thumboo. It reflects the wide range of his interests: poetry, sociolinguistics, post-colonialism and new literatures, especially those of Singapore, Malaysia, India and Africa.

from $8.09

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Time Present, Time Past : A Memoir - Thryft
Bill Bradley

Time Present, Time Past : A Memoir

$9.79 from $6.85 Save up to 30%

Recommended for readers interested in American politics, sports, and the journey of a successful individual who remains down-to-earth and optimistic, despite the many challenges he faced in his career. The book offers a unique perspective on the American political system, as well as insights into the life of an athlete turned politician.

$9.79 from $6.85 Save up to 30%

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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.