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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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Behind the Bar-Room Door: Tales of a Publican's Wife
Lyn McGettigan | Moshpit Publishing

Behind the Bar-Room Door: Tales of a Publican's Wife

$14.90 $4.90 67% off

Goodreads rating: 4.0

$14.90 $4.90 67% off

86% off est. retail
If you've ever been curious about the colorful, sometimes raucous world of pubs, this book is a front-row seat to that life with all its charm and challenges. Lyn McGettigan's experiences across decades in the hotel business, confronting a tapestry of characters from various walks of life, are both enlightening and endearing. Her tales convey a distinct sense of community, resilience, and humor that can only come from someone who has served as the cornerstone of such a vibrant social milieu.
Passages: Stories of Unspoken Journeys
Yong Shu Hoong | Ethos Books

Passages: Stories of Unspoken Journeys

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 2.82

$11.90

If you appreciate profound narratives that illuminate the often overlooked aspects of society, "Passages: Stories of Unspoken Journeys" could resonate with you deeply. The book offers a rare vista into the lives of those on the margins in Singapore, conveyed through a prism of empathy and understanding by local writers. It's not just a collection of stories; it's a bridge to the resilience and beauty found in the human spirit, even amidst struggle.
Prodigal Sons: The New York Intellectuals and Their World - Thryft
Alexander Bloom | Oxford University Press

Prodigal Sons: The New York Intellectuals and Their World

$19.90 $5.90 70% off

Goodreads rating: 4.13

$19.90 $5.90 70% off

89% off est. retail
If you're drawn to the inner workings of intellectual circles and the evolution of thought through pivotal historical moments, "Prodigal Sons" will feel like a personal backstage pass. Alexander Bloom's meticulous research translates into a narrative brimming with the life stories of the influential figures you might have only previously encountered in bylines and bibliographies. As you trace their journeys from the fringes to the core of American intellectual life, the book itself becomes an exploration of cultural change, identity, and the power of ideas.
I Am a Filipino Maid
Loo Bee Geok | Yong Huat Press

I Am a Filipino Maid

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

Goodreads rating: 4.0

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

If you're curious about the real, often unseen lives of people who sustain our households, this book will give you a raw and personal perspective. Loo Bee Geok articulates the experience with a level of intimacy that might change how you view domestic help. It's an eye-opener and a heart-toucher, perfect for those who appreciate stories of resilience and strength.
The Birthday Book: Narratives, Undiscovered and Underway - Thryft
Naidu, Vieshaalan, Maniam, Aaron, Cheryl Chung  | Pagesetters Services

The Birthday Book 2019: Narratives Undiscovered and Underway

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 4.2

$11.90

If you're intrigued by the blend of personal storytelling and broader social reflection, 'The Birthday Book 2019' is for you. It's like a mosaic of Singapore itself, with each essay offering a unique piece that when put together, reveals a complex and fascinating picture. Whether you're from Singapore or curious about its tapestry of stories, this book is a thought-provoking journey through individual lives and shared dreams.
The Delhi Walla - Portrait
Mayank Austen Soofi | Harper Collins

The Delhi Walla - Portrait

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 4.0

$11.90

If you're fascinated by the rich tapestry of urban life, this book is like a walk through Delhi, unveiling its soul piece by piece. It’s for those yearning to understand the city beyond tourist spots, through stories of its people, food, culture, and streets. A delightful mosaic awaits your curiosity.
The Glory Garage - Growing Up Lebanese Muslim in Australia
Nadia Jamal, Taghred Chandab  | Allen & Unwin

The Glory Garage - Growing Up Lebanese Muslim in Australia

$8.90 $6.90 22% off

Goodreads rating: 3.41

$8.90 $6.90 22% off

Imagine delving into the heart of a vibrant cultural enclave that defies common stereotypes. "The Glory Garage" offers you a window into a world where family, community, and heritage shape an exotic, yet intimately relatable experience. These stories will tickle your humor and tug at your emotions, bridging the gap between the mystery of Lebanese Muslim customs and universal humanity.
Pioneers, Provocateurs, Possibilists: Humans of Singapore
Lim, Dave | Ideas Worth Doing

Pioneers, Provocateurs, Possibilists: Humans of Singapore

$10.90 $7.90 28% off

Goodreads rating: 4.0

$10.90 $7.90 28% off

If you've ever been curious about the melting pot that is Singapore or just want to dive into some truly inspiring personal stories, "Pioneers, Provocateurs, Possibilists: Humans of Singapore" could be just the ticket. It offers a tapestry of narratives that not only celebrate individuality but also showcase the collective spirit of a nation. This book isn't just about Singapore; it's about the human condition and the potential within every one of us to forge our paths.
EVE MEMOIRS OF AN INTERNATIONAL SEX WORK - Thryft
Annika Cleeve | Monsoon Books

Eve: Memoirs of an International Sex Worker

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

Goodreads rating: 3.2

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

If you're fascinated by raw, unfiltered experiences, Annika's memoir, "EVE," could be a compelling read. It offers a rare and candid peek into the complexities of sex work, challenging common stereotypes. Beyond merely recounting salacious details, it's an inspiring story of resilience and empowerment, which might resonate deeply if you appreciate narratives of personal transformation against the odds.
Suspended: Growing up Asian in America - Thryft
Clifford I. Uyeda | National Japanese American Historical Society

Suspended: Growing up Asian in America

$7.90 $3.90 51% off

Goodreads rating: 0.0

$7.90 $3.90 51% off

Sb4d Santana - Thryft

Sb4d Santana

$7.90 $3.90 51% off

$7.90 $3.90 51% off

"Sb4d Santana could be a great read for anyone interested in learning about the challenges faced by deaf individuals, as well as how they can overcome them and form strong friendships. The book provides a factual recount of Santana and his friend's daily lives and experiences, offering a unique perspective on the deaf community. It's a heartwarming and informative book that is sure to inspire and educate its readers."
Man and Wife: My Parents' Early Years
Ann Oakley | (flamingo 1997)

Man and Wife: My Parents' Early Years

$5.90 $4.90 17% off

Goodreads rating: 3.0

$5.90 $4.90 17% off

If you're intrigued by the intersection of personal lives and public legacies, Ann Oakley's "Man and Wife" provides a rare glimpse. It's not just a tale of her parents' marriage but also an exploration of how her father's influential sociological ideas on the welfare state played out within their home. You'll be drawn into a narrative that weaves biography, history, and sociology, exposing the intimate side of public figures and the impact of their work on family dynamics.
Zeitoun
Just Arrived

Zeitoun

$10.71

$10.71

62% off est. retail
This is the kind of true story that stays with you because it begins with everyday decency and turns into something shocking and deeply unsettling. Zeitoun feels vivid and human, especially in the portrait of a family trying to do right while systems around them collapse. If you’re drawn to narrative nonfiction that reads with urgency but carries real emotional weight, this is a powerful and memorable read.
Peluda
Sold out
Melissa Lozada-Oliva | Button Poetry

Peluda

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.11

$8.90

55% off est. retail
"Peluda" could resonate deeply with you if you're interested in exploring the intricate relationships between personal identity and societal beauty standards. Melissa Lozada-Oliva's voice in poetry is fresh and bold, tackling issues like body image and cultural taboos with a mix of humor and poignant clarity. It's a compact read that packs a punch, unraveling layers of Latina identity and the immigrant experience in America.
The Cambridge Companion to Nietzsche
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Kathleen Higgins, Bernd Magnus  | Cambridge University Press

The Cambridge Companion to Nietzsche

$14.90

Goodreads rating: 3.88

$14.90

72% off est. retail
If you're intrigued by Nietzsche's far-reaching impact on modern thought, "The Cambridge Companion to Nietzsche" is for you. It's a thorough yet accessible dive into his works and influence, perfect for both newcomers and seasoned philosophy enthusiasts. The book provides a structured look at his contributions and how they've shaped our cultural and intellectual landscape. Let this be your roadmap to understanding one of the most provocative thinkers in history.
The 101 Most Influential People Who Never Lived - How Characters of Fiction, Myth, Legends, Television, and Movies Have Shaped Our Society, Changed Our Behavior, and Set the Course of History
Sold out
Dan Karlan, Jeremy Salter, Allan Lazar  | William Morrow Paperbacks

The 101 Most Influential People Who Never Lived - How Characters of Fiction, Myth, Legends, Television, and Movies Have Shaped Our Society, Changed Our Behavior, and Set the Course of History

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

Goodreads rating: 3.23

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

73% off est. retail
Think characters don’t shape history? Think again. This book dives into how fictional legends, from the omnipresent Santa Claus to Buffy, have influenced societal norms and personal ideals. If you’re curious about the intersection of mythology, pop culture, and real-world impact, this unique read is up your alley. It's storytelling and sociology, wrapped up in one compelling narrative – perfect for trivia lovers and culture enthusiasts.
Goodbye My Kampong!
Sold out
Josephine Chia | Ethos Books

Goodbye My Kampong!

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.0

$8.90

59% off est. retail
If you're intrigued by the transformation of societies and cherish personal narratives that evoke a sense of place, you'll find "Goodbye My Kampong!" deeply engaging. Josephine Chia offers a poignant window into the transitional period of Singapore from 1966 to 1975, blending the nation's growth pains with the evocative end of kampong living. Her stories will transport you to a time of collective spirit, cultural richness, and change, making it a captivating read for those interested in the resilience of communities amidst progress.
Factory Girls: Voices from the Heart of Modern China
Sold out
Leslie T. Chang | Picador Usa

Factory Girls: Voices from the Heart of Modern China

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.93

$8.90

54% off est. retail
If you're intrigued by the personal stories behind the headlines of China's economic surge, "Factory Girls" is for you. Leslie T. Chang dives deep into the lives of two women navigating the chaotic world of migrant labor, shedding light on the human cost of the products we often take for granted. It offers a profound, eye-opening experience that's both socially relevant and emotionally resonant.
Rescued by a Feminist : An Indian tale of equality and other myths - Thryft
Sold out
Saloni Chopra | Notion Press

Rescued by a Feminist : An Indian tale of equality and other myths

$18.33

Goodreads rating: 4.48

$18.33

56% off est. retail
Rescued by a Feminist is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of modern India. Saloni Chopra fearlessly tackles hard-hitting themes such as feminism, gender roles, and abuse, offering her own personal anecdotes and opinions. With wit and humor sprinkled throughout, this book is raw, relatable, and powerful. As Chopra challenges readers to question their prejudices and preconceived notions, she offers comfort and solace, reminding us to embrace independence and speak out for what we believe in.
Teacher Education and the Cultural Imagination : Autobiography, Conversation, and Narrative - Thryft
Sold out
Susan Florio-Ruane, Julie deTar  | Routledge

Teacher Education and the Cultural Imagination : Autobiography, Conversation, and Narrative

$16.45

Goodreads rating: 5.0

$16.45

67% off est. retail
This book would be a good read for educators who are interested in incorporating a more diverse and inclusive perspective into their teaching. Susan Florio-Ruane's personal narrative and analysis provides a unique and insightful look into how conversations about ethnic literature can shape teachers' understanding of culture, literacy, and education. Through this exploration of autobiographies and conversation, Florio-Ruane encourages teachers to participate in the transformation of the teaching profession by becoming more culturally aware.
Radhika's Story: Surviving Human Trafficking - Thryft
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Radhika's Story: Surviving Human Trafficking

$3.88

Goodreads rating: 4.33

$3.88

Recommended for readers interested in understanding the reality of modern slavery and its impact on its victims. Radhika's Story provides a raw, honest account of a survivor's journey, including the complexity of trauma and the difficulty in trusting others. This book sheds light on the urgent need for systemic change to prevent human trafficking and protect the vulnerable.
Childhood : An Anthology - Thryft
Sold out
Kate Figes | J.m. Dent

Childhood : An Anthology

$1.90

Goodreads rating: 5.0

$1.90

79% off est. retail
This book is perfect for readers who want to revisit the stories and memories of their own childhood. Through a selection of unique literary works, Kate Figes explores and highlights various aspects of childhood, making the reader nostalgic. The book's most distinctive feature is its ability to transport you back to your own childhood and make you reminisce about it.
Modern Romance
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Aziz Ansari | Allen Lane, Imprint Of Penguin, Random House, Uk

Modern Romance

$9.90

Goodreads rating: 3.8

$9.90

If navigating love in the digital age feels like a mix of excitement and exasperation, "Modern Romance" might just be your compass. Aziz Ansari's sharp wit meets sociological research, offering both laughs and insights. Imagine commiserating with a friend who’s done their homework on global dating trends—it's relatable, enlightening, and might just make your own romantic mishaps feel a bit more universal.

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.