Biographies & Memoirs

If you've ever felt caught between worlds, Gary Shteyngart's "Little Failure" might resonate deeply with you. It's a captivating ride through the complexities of immigration, self-discovery, and the perpetual quest for love and acceptance. Shteyngart's blend of wit and vulnerability turns his personal narrative into a universal tale that's as laugh-out-loud funny as it is touching.

If you've ever lost hours to the enthralling depths of Civilization or any of Sid Meier's creations, this memoir offers a backstage pass to the mind that spawned an era of gaming history. It's not just a trip down memory lane; it's a dive into the creative flux of Meier's genius—an intimate look at the triumphs and trials of building worlds within pixels that have captivated millions. Whether you're a gamer, aspiring designer, or just love a good success story, Sid's narrative will resonate with you.

You might feel like your story's hit a plateau, but "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years" is your invitation to revise that script. Imagine infusing your daily routine with the kind of meaning and excitement that you'd find in a film — that's what Miller achieved and shares with a blend of wit and wisdom. His journey from listlessness to a life of intention could be the wake-up call you didn't know you needed.

If you're captivated by the intricate tapestries of human relationships and the weight of secrets, this biography of Somerset Maugham could be a treasure trove for you. Selina Hastings dives deep, offering unique insights derived from exclusive material. The enigmatic Maugham comes to life, as do the influences behind his timeless works like "The Razor's Edge." It's as enlightening as it is engaging, promising a nuanced look at the man behind the pen.

"Shades" brings a refreshingly candid perspective on living with a disability that's often misunderstood. Stephanie's voice dances through poetry and prose, embracing her experiences with Cerebral Palsy while showcasing her talents beyond the physical. Her stories will challenge any preconceived notions about disability, revealing the multifaceted individuality that defines her. This book is an invitation to view life through a prism of resilience and artistic expression.

If you're drawn to the intertwining of personal growth with the pulsating life of Los Angeles, "Hollywood Notebook" might just resonate with you. Ortiz's poetic fragments meld the city's landscape with her journey from youth to adulthood. It's a unique reflection that's as much about the place as it is about personal transformation.

If you're moved by real transformation and social change, "The Freedom Writers Diary" is a journey you'll want to join. It's a tale of struggle, hope, and unity, carrying the raw voices of students who break barriers. Reading this is like witnessing a revolution of the human spirit, one page at a time.

"It's All About Me" is a great read for individuals looking for a guided journal to reflect on and learn more about themselves. With unique and interactive design on each page, the book prompts readers with thought-provoking questions, lists, charts, graphs and ratings to explore their life, personality, and emotions. This book can help readers discover new things about themselves and gain insights into their true values and identity.

If you're a fan of John Barrowman, particularly his work on shows like Torchwood, "Anything Goes" is a treasure trove of insights into both his professional and personal life. Not just a typical celebrity story, this autobiography weaves raw honesty with Barrowman's infectious charisma. It's a backstage pass to the ups and downs that shaped him, told with the warmth you'd expect from a conversation with the man himself. Whether it's tales from the theatre or the road to coming out, you'll finish this book feeling like you've really gotten to know John Barrowman.

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Recommendation: - This book is a must-read for aspiring writers who are feeling overwhelmed by the daunting task of putting words on the page. Anne Lamott's hilarious and heartfelt advice will guide you through the ups and downs of the writing journey, reminding you to take it step by step, bird by bird. Her personal anecdotes and practical tips will inspire you to keep going, even when the task seems insurmountable. Get ready to be motivated, encouraged, and thoroughly entertained as you embark on your own writing adventure with Bird by Bird.

"Dear My Blank" is a great read for anyone who has ever bottled up their feelings and wished they could express them. This book is a beautiful collection of anonymous letters that are relatable and provide a sense of comfort. The unique feature of this book is that it provides a safe space for people to express their deepest feelings without fear of judgment. It's a powerful reminder that we all experience heartbreak, loss, and moments of self-realization. Overall, "Dear My Blank" is a touching and emotional read that will make you feel less alone.

Based on her lauded commencement address at Sarah Lawrence College, this stirring essay by bestselling author Ann Patchett offers hope and inspiration for anyone at a crossroads, whether graduating, changing careers, or transitioning from one life stage to another. With wit and candor, Patchett tells her own story of attending college, graduating, and struggling with the inevitable question, What now?From student to line cook to teacher to waitress and eventually to award-winning author, Patchett's own life has taken many twists and turns that make her exploration genuine and resonant. As Patchett writes, "'What now?' represents our excitement and our future, the very vitality of life." She highlights the possibilities the unknown offers and reminds us that there is as much joy in the journey as there is in reaching the destination.

More than 150 inspired—and inspiring—novelists, poets, playwrights, painters, philosophers, scientists, and mathematicians on how they subtly maneuver the many (self-inflicted) obstacles and (self-imposed) daily rituals to get done the work they love to do.Franz Kafka, frustrated with his living quarters and day job, wrote in a letter to Felice Bauer in 1912, “time is short, my strength is limited, the office is a horror, the apartment is noisy, and if a pleasant, straightforward life is not possible then one must try to wriggle through by subtle maneuvers.” Kafka is one of 161 minds who describe their daily rituals to get their work done, whether by waking early or staying up late; whether by self-medicating with doughnuts or bathing, drinking vast quantities of coffee, or taking long daily walks. Thomas Wolfe wrote standing up in the kitchen, the top of the refrigerator as his desk, dreamily fondling his “male configurations”.... Jean-Paul Sartre chewed on Corydrane tablets (a mix of amphetamine and aspirin), ingesting ten times the recommended dose each day ... Descartes liked to linger in bed, his mind wandering in sleep through woods, gardens, and enchanted palaces where he experienced “every pleasure imaginable.”Here are: Anthony Trollope, who demanded of himself that each morning he write three thousand words (250 words every fifteen minutes for three hours) before going off to his job at the postal service, which he kept for thirty-three years during the writing of more than two dozen books ... Karl Marx ... Woody Allen ... Agatha Christie ... George Balanchine, who did most of his work while ironing ... Leo Tolstoy ... Charles Dickens ... Pablo Picasso ... George Gershwin, who, said his brother Ira, worked for twelve hours a day from late morning to midnight, composing at the piano in pajamas, bathrobe, and slippers....Here also are the daily rituals of Charles Darwin, Andy Warhol, John Updike, Twyla Tharp, Benjamin Franklin, William Faulkner, Jane Austen, Anne Rice, and Igor Stravinsky (he was never able to compose unless he was sure no one could hear him and, when blocked, stood on his head to “clear the brain”).

Readers of all ages and walks of life have drawn inspiration and empowerment from Elizabeth Gilbert’s books for years. Now this beloved author digs deep into her own generative process to share her wisdom and unique perspective about creativity. With profound empathy and radiant generosity, she offers potent insights into the mysterious nature of inspiration. She asks us to embrace our curiosity and let go of needless suffering. She shows us how to tackle what we most love, and how to face down what we most fear. She discusses the attitudes, approaches, and habits we need in order to live our most creative lives. Balancing between soulful spirituality and cheerful pragmatism, Gilbert encourages us to uncover the “strange jewels” that are hidden within each of us. Whether we are looking to write a book, make art, find new ways to address challenges in our work,  embark on a dream long deferred, or simply infuse our everyday lives with more mindfulness and passion, Big Magic cracks open a world of wonder and joy.

This book is a unique blend of biography and philosophical exploration. Through Montaigne's essays, readers are taken on a journey of self-discovery as they ponder life's big questions alongside the Renaissance nobleman. Bakewell's engaging writing style effortlessly brings Montaigne to life, making this book a captivating and thought-provoking read. Whether you're seeking companionship, wisdom, or simply entertainment, How to Live is sure to provide all that and more.

Highly recommended for aspiring writers who want to develop their craft and creativity. The book's unique feature is its emphasis on mindfulness and writing practice, which enables readers to write without fear and self-doubt.

In 2008, J.K. Rowling delivered a deeply affecting commencement speech at Harvard University. Now published for the first time in book form, VERY GOOD LIVES presents J.K. Rowling's words of wisdom for anyone at a turning point in life. How can we embrace failure? And how can we use our imagination to better both ourselves and others?Drawing from stories of her own post-graduate years, the world famous author addresses some of life's most important questions with acuity and emotional force.

The Creative Life is a great read for those seeking inspiration about how to incorporate creativity into their daily lives. Cameron shares stories and insights from her own artistic journey that encourage readers to find their own unique ways to live creatively. Through her words, she demonstrates that anyone can tap into their own creativity, regardless of age or experience, and that doing so can lead to a more fulfilling and soulful life.

Taste Berries for Teens Journal is an excellent read for teenagers who want to make a difference in their lives and the world around them. The journal provides ample space for self-reflection and exploration of personal experiences, while the co-authors' commentary serves as a guide to help readers gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their emotions. Its unique feature is the integration of teen contributions and adult advice which help readers to find ways to cope with stress, develop self-worth, and build positive relationships with others. Reading this journal could help teenagers to cultivate a positive attitude, determine their purpose in life and work towards achieving their dreams.

Uncle Anthony's Unabridged Analogies offers an extensive and unique collection of thousands of topically-organized proverbs, quotations, and sayings drawn from a wide range of well-known and time-honored sources as the Bible, Shakespeare, Lincoln, Churchill, and hundreds more, as well as some lesser-known, but insightful, observers of life and the individual and collective challenges, frailties, and strengths that we all encounter. The author's fascination with collecting quotations began in high school and continued through college and law school; and over the past 30 years his high school index box has become a foot locker filled with quotes that he has found useful for writing or speaking on legal and other topics. Since ancient Egypt every civilization has collected proverbs. In the English language, The Proverbs of Alfred, (1150-80), is one of the earliest known collections of proverbs. In North America, Poor Richard's, (1732-57) by Benjamin Franklin is probably the most celebrated collection of proverbs. Proverbs often contradict one another. You can easily find one maxim that cancels another. The wisdom that advises us to look before we leap also warns us that if we hesitate all is lost; that absence makes the heart grow fonder, but out of sight, out of mind. So what can we learn from that? Simply that life is full of contradictions, and that proverbs and maxims, etc., reflect and express these disagreements, and that many apothegms are more witty than true. All of us, not just trial lawyers, recite famous quotes and proverbs to better express ourselves. Adages are the wit of the inarticulate. Proverbs are the gospel of the poor. Folk sayings are the college of the masses. More Proverbs are what a people any people believe, cherish, and teach their young. They are those harvested crops of knowledge and experience with which the dead dower each generation of the living. Shakespeare has a phrase that We patch grief with proverbs. The author has tried to do more than that. He has patched his ignorance and verbal impotence with them. The Proverb is often reason laid bare, arguments stripped of fat, complexity clarified beyond this interpretation. The author views proverbs as the precious distillation of what many great men have learned from centuries of experience. Aristotle considered apothegms the product of intellectual maturity and, recognizing their enormous power, declared it unbecoming for the young to utter maxims! As the author's Uncle Anthony used to say, echoing the sentiments of Peter Anderson, Winston Churchill, and Joseph Quotations found in books of that stuff are like bullpens for lawyers when you find yourself in a jam you can go to your best quote like a good closer or middle relief pitcher. The author has included his personal favorites for each category; that is, for almost every topic in this book he has found an extract from the Bible, Ambrose Bierce, Winston Churchill, Will Rogers, William Shakespeare and Mark Twain; and on purely legal topics he has added two of his all-time heroic former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., and former Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Michael A. Musmanno. The great thing about a reference book of quotations (whether they are proverbs or sayings) is that if you don t have an Uncle Anthony from Philly or an Aunt Mary from Brooklyn, you can borrow any of the sayings in this book and loan them to one of your own aunts and uncles.

This book is an excellent guide for those who want to enhance their skills in nonfiction writing. With practical advice from leading journalists, this book will teach you everything from structuring captivating narratives to finding good topics and selling your work. It's an essential book for both new and experienced writers, who want to master the art of storytelling with accuracy, emotion, and insight.

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.

Wild Mind could be a good read for aspiring writers who want to connect with their creativity and take their craft to a deeper level. It offers practical advice and exercises to overcome writer's block and develop personal style, while also exploring the larger vision of balancing writing with daily life responsibilities. Readers may appreciate the compassionate approach and the emphasis on self-acceptance.

For five decades, girls have idolized Nancy Drew, purchasing millions of books showcasing her adventures. And now, timed to coincide with the release of a major new Nancy Drew film, comes a Magnetic Wisdom devoted to the inspirational titian-haired super-sleuth. After all, who better to serve as a role model? Aside from being brilliant, beautiful, and talented, she had an adoring boyfriend and zipped around in a really cute sports car. Inside this wonderful, full-color gift edition are her life lessons, covering everything from etiquette and wilderness tips to advice on mystery-solving. It’s got the answer to every predicament in which a young lady could find herself, with tips taken from classic editions of her stories and fabulous reproductions of her most famous covers through the years.