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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Shelley Frisch, Rüdiger Safranski |
W.
W.
Norton
&
Company
Nietzsche : A Philosophical Biography
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Goodreads rating: 4.1
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A seminal biography, essential reading for anyone studying the philosophy of history's most enigmatic and fascinating thinker. No other modern philosopher has proved as influential as Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900) and none is as poorly understood. In the first new biography in decades, Rüdiger Safranski, one of the foremost living Nietzsche scholars, re-creates the anguished life of Nietzsche while simultaneously assessing the philosophical implications of his morality, religion, and art. Struggling to break away from the oppressive burdens of the past, Nietzsche invented a unique philosophy based on compulsive self-consciousness and constant self-revision. As groundbreaking as it will be long-lasting, this biography offers a brilliant, multifaceted portrait of a towering figure.
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David Walsh
|
Simon
&
Schuster
Ltd
Seven Deadly Sins : My Pursuit of Lance Armstrong
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Goodreads rating: 4.03
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Recommended for avid sports fans seeking truth. The book provides a gripping account of a journalist's 13-year battle to reveal the truth about Lance Armstrong's doping and conspiracy of silence within the sport. It delves deep into the murky world of professional cycling and the devastating impact on those who dare to speak up. The book is an eye-opener and a must-read for all sports enthusiasts seeking the truth about their idols.
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Geordan Murphy
|
Penguin
Ireland
The Outsider
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Goodreads rating: 3.85
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The Outsider is a captivating read for rugby enthusiasts as it's written by an inspiring, acclaimed rugby star who shares experiences about the sport, his personal life and career. The book is filled with Geordan Murphy's candid reflections and is an honest, inspiring, and entertaining memoir that rugby fans would love.
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If you admire leaders who transform the status quo, then Jack Welch's "Winning" could offer you more than inspiration—it's like having a mentor in paperback form. The book is celebrated for translating Welch’s storied career into actionable strategies that can guide anyone looking to soar in their professional life, regardless of the industry or scale of their ambitions. With Welch's pragmatic voice, you're not just reading; you're strategizing alongside a corporate giant.
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Stephen Hawking
|
Bantam
Books
Black Holes and Baby Universes : And Other Essays
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Goodreads rating: 4.17
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NY Times bestseller. 13 extraordinary essays shed new light on the mysteries of the universe & on one of the most brilliant thinkers of our time.In his phenomenal bestseller A Brief History of Time, Stephen Hawking literally transformed the way we think about physics, the universe, reality itself. In these thirteen essays and one remarkable extended interview, the man widely regarded as the most brilliant theoretical physicist since Einstein returns to reveal an amazing array of possibilities for understanding our universe. Building on his earlier work, Hawking discusses imaginary time, how black holes can give birth to baby universes, and scientists’ efforts to find a complete unified theory that would predict everything in the universe. With his characteristic mastery of language, his sense of humor and commitment to plain speaking, Stephen Hawking invites us to know him better—and to share his passion for the voyage of intellect and imagination that has opened new ways to understanding the very nature of the cosmos.
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Loung Ung
|
Harper
Perennial
First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers
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Goodreads rating: 4.33
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This book is a gripping and harrowing memoir that takes you on a journey through the terrifying experiences of a young girl during the Cambodian genocide. Loung Ung's story is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of love and courage in the face of unimaginable brutality. If you are looking for a deeply moving and inspiring read that will stay with you long after you turn the last page, this book is for you.
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Nick Vujicic
|
Random
House
Limitless: Devotions for a Ridiculously Good Life
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Goodreads rating: 4.21
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Nick Vujicic's book, "Limitless," might resonate deeply with you if you're searching for a surge of inspiration. It's not just a book of devotions; it's a testament to the human spirit, penned by someone who has turned what many would see as insurmountable obstacles into stepping stones for a fulfilling life. Reading his reflections, infused with unwavering faith, could offer you a fresh perspective on your own challenges.
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Amy Chua
|
Penguin
Press
Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother
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Goodreads rating: 3.66
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If you're intrigued by parenting styles or cultural differences, "Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother" will fascinate you. Amy Chua's candid storytelling takes you through her strict approach to parenting, which may either leave you nodding in agreement or shaking your head in disbelief. It's a remarkable narrative that doesn't just reveal the hardships and successes of a family but also ignites conversations about what we value in raising children.
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The Phenomenal #1 Worldwide Bestseller—With a New AfterwordHillary Rodham Clinton is known to hundreds of millions of people around the world. Yet few beyond her close friends and family have ever heard her account of her extraordinary journey. She writes with candor, humor and passion about her upbringing in suburban, middle-class America in the 1950s and her transformation from Goldwater Girl to student activist to controversial First Lady.Living History is her revealing memoir of life through the White House years. It is also her chronicle of living history with Bill Clinton, a thirty-year adventure in love and politics that survives personal betrayal, relentless partisan investigations and constant public scrutiny.Hillary Rodham Clinton came of age during a time of tumultuous social and political change in America. Like many women of her generation, she grew up with choices and opportunities unknown to her mother or grandmother. She charted her own course through unexplored terrain -- responding to the changing times and her own internal compass -- and became an emblem for some and a lightning rod for others. Wife, mother, lawyer, advocate and international icon, she has lived through America's great political wars, from Watergate to Whitewater.The only First Lady to play a major role in shaping domestic legislation, Hillary Rodham Clinton traveled tirelessly around the country to champion health care, expand economic and educational opportunity and promote the needs of children and families, and she crisscrossed the globe on behalf of women's rights, human rights and democracy. She redefined the position of First Lady and helped save the presidency from an unconstitutional, politically motivated impeachment. Intimate, powerful and inspiring, Living History captures the essence of one of the most remarkable women of our time and the challenging process by which she came to define herself and find her own voice -- as a woman and as a formidable figure in American politics.
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Max DePree
|
Dell
Leadership is an Art
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Goodreads rating: 4.0
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If you're keen on cultivating a leadership style that's as effective as it is humane, "Leadership is an Art" is a wise choice. This book dives into the soulful side of business, proving that profits and principles can coexist. It's a fresh take on leadership, away from cut-throat tactics, guiding you towards fostering a nurturing work environment that yields success.
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Elizabeth Haas Edersheim
|
Wiley
McKinsey's Marvin Bower : Vision, Leadership, and the Creation of Management Consulting
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Goodreads rating: 3.97
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"I had the privilege of working closely with Marvin and McKinsey for many years. This book makes Marvin come to life and perpetuates him as a role model."-Peter F. Drucker"A wonderful book about a wonderful man. In many ways, Marvin's McKinsey framed the hypotheses in our own search for excellence-for example, passion for values, belief in people as the prime resource, and willingness to let people experiment. As well as I thought I knew Marvin, however, this remarkable book, drawing on the collective memories of those who worked most closely with him, taught me a ton about how extraordinary the man really was and what made him that way. Many have called Drucker the man who invented management; I think history will conclude that both he and Marvin Bower share that pedestal."-Bob Waterman, coauthor of In Search of Excellence"Marvin Bower became a legend, not just within McKinsey & Company, but within professional services and the business world more broadly. In everything he did and said, he embodied the professional approach and the importance of values. This book sheds remarkable insight on a remarkable man and on the power of constancy of purpose."-Ian Davis, Worldwide Managing Director, McKinsey & Co."It is as Marvin would have wanted it-simple, honest, fact-based, wonderful stories with a long-term perspective. An insightful read about the father of management consulting."-Lois Juliber, retired COO, Colgate-Palmolive"This book provides fascinating insight into the early days of modern management consulting. It is an extremely enlightening look at the origin of one of America's most important professions and one of America's most innovative leaders."-Thomas H. Lee, founder, Chairman, and President, Thomas H. Lee Partners L.P.
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Adeline Yen Mah
|
Broadway
Books
Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter
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Goodreads rating: 3.9
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Born in 1937 in a port city a thousand miles north of Shanghai, Adeline Yen Mah was the youngest child of an affluent Chinese family who enjoyed rare privileges during a time of political and cultural upheaval. But wealth and position could not shield Adeline from a childhood of appalling emotional abuse at the hands of a cruel and manipulative Eurasian stepmother. Determined to survive through her enduring faith in family unity, Adeline struggled for independence as she moved from Hong Kong to England and eventually to the United States to become a physician and writer.A compelling, painful, and ultimately triumphant story of a girl's journey into adulthood, Adeline's story is a testament to the most basic of human needs: acceptance, love, and understanding. With a powerful voice that speaks of the harsh realities of growing up female in a family and society that kept girls in emotional chains, Falling Leaves is a work of heartfelt intimacy and a rare authentic portrait of twentieth-century China.
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Matt Zoller Seitz, Wes Anderson |
Abrams
Books
The Wes Anderson Collection
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Goodreads rating: 4.37
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If Wes Anderson's quirky cinematic style has ever captivated you, this book is like stepping into his creative world. It's an intimate exploration that Wes Anderson fans will cherish, offering a backstage pass to his ingenious filmmaking process accompanied by never-before-seen visuals that are as charming and whimsical as his movies. It's like a director's cut you can hold in your hands.
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Aziz Ansari
|
Allen
Lane,
Imprint
Of
Penguin,
Random
House,
Uk
Modern Romance
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Goodreads rating: 3.8
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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.
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Caspar Lee, Emily Riordan Lee |
Grand
Central
Publishing
Caspar Lee
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Goodreads rating: 4.08
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"If you're a fan of Caspar Lee, this book is a must-read. Written by his mom, it's full of hilarious stories, although he claims 98% of it is lies. With anecdotes about his first day of school, his head size, and his success with the ladies, you'll be entertained from start to finish. Don't take it too seriously, but enjoy it for what it is - an amusing insight into the life of a YouTube sensation."
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Tom Reynolds
|
The
Friday
Project
Blood, Sweat and Tea
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Goodreads rating: 3.84
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Is there anyone who hasnt wondered about the state of the occupant of an ambulance, screaming along with its sirens on and blue lights flashing? And have you wondered about the other people inside the ambulance? Meet Tom Reynolds, an Emergency Medical Technician who works for the London Ambulance Service in East London. He has kept a blog of his daily working life since 2003 and his award-winning writing is, by turn, moving, cynical, funny, heart-rending, and compassionate. From the tragic to the hilarious, the stories Tom tells give a fascinatingand at times alarming picture of life in inner-city Britain, and the people who are paid to mop up after it.
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Cathy Glass
|
Harperelement
Damaged
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Goodreads rating: 4.27
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"Damaged" could stir your deepest sympathies if you're moved by true stories of courage and survival against the odds. Cathy Glass not only shares the dark realities of foster care but also offers a powerful narrative of unwavering commitment to a child in desperate need. This book taps into the human capacity for kindness in the face of unimaginable challenges, which may inspire you to look at adversity with a more compassionate lens.
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Angela's Ashes is a poignant memoir that highlights the resilience of human spirit amidst poverty, despair and hardships. Frank McCourt chronicles his family's struggles in Limerick, painting vivid descriptions of the trials and tribulations they face. His witty, humorous writing style is heartwarming and adds a unique flair to his storytelling. The book is highly recommended for those who enjoy autobiographical accounts, especially ones that showcase the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.
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Lawrence Anthony, Graham Spence |
Pan
Macmillan
The Last Rhinos : The Powerful Story of One Man's Battle to Save a Species
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Goodreads rating: 4.44
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When Lawrence Anthony learned that the northern white rhino, living in the war-ravaged Congo, was on the very brink of extinction, he knew he had to act. If the world lost the sub-species, it would be the largest land mammal since the woolly mammoth to go extinct. In The Last Rhinos , Anthony recounts his attempts to save these remarkable animals. The demand for rhino horns in the Far East has turned poaching into a dangerous black market that threatens the lives of not just these rare beasts, but also the rangers who protect them. The northern white rhino's last refuge was in an area controlled by the infamous Lord's Resistance Army, one of the most vicious rebel groups in the world. In the face of unmoving government bureaucracy, Anthony made a perilous journey deep into the jungle to try to find and convince them to help save the rhino. An inspiring story of conservation in the face of brutal war and bureaucratic quagmires, The Last Rhinos will move animal lovers everywhere.
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Chris Kyle, Jim DeFelice, Scott McEwen |
Harper
American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History
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Goodreads rating: 4.02
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If you're drawn to real-life military heroics and the raw truths behind them, "American Sniper" offers an unflinching look into the life and mind of Chris Kyle—a Navy SEAL legend. You'll find yourself entrenched in the harrowing experiences of war and the personal sacrifice involved, providing a perspective that only someone who has been on the front lines could offer. It's more than just a tale of combat; it's a window into the impact on a soldier's family and his own internal battles.
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Torey L. Hayden
|
Harper
Element
Somebody Else's Kids
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Goodreads rating: 4.28
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"Somebody Else's Kids" is more than just a read; it's an emotional journey through the lives of children who've faced unimaginable challenges. Torey Hayden's compassionate storytelling does more than tell a story; it offers a glimpse into the strength and resilience of young souls. She shows us the potential of what unwavering care and dedication can achieve in the lives of those who seem the most broken. This book could deeply move you, especially if you're drawn to real-world stories of overcoming adversity.
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You might find "Tuesdays With Morrie" to resonate deeply if you've ever longed for the wisdom of someone who's seen it all. Mitch Albom's recount of his visits with Morrie Schwartz not only offer profound insights into life and death, but also remind us of the value of mentorship and the beauty of human connection. It's a book that could provide comfort, perspective, and a heartfelt reminder to prioritize what truly matters.
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Daniel Gottlieb
|
Union
Square
&
Co.
Learning From the Heart: Lessons on Living, Loving and Listening
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Goodreads rating: 3.84
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If you've ever felt the need to slow down and reflect on life's deeper meanings, Daniel Gottlieb's 'Learning from the Heart' might just be the companion you're looking for. Its pages offer a mix of personal anecdotes and insights that will resonate with you long after you've turned the last page. Whether it's navigating family dynamics or understanding societal issues, you'll find a warm, wise voice in Gottlieb guiding you towards compassion and active listening.
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If you're fascinated by the enigmatic Steve Jobs and the tech revolution he fueled, Walter Isaacson's biography is a must-read. Every page is ripe with the raw intensity of Jobs' personality and the groundbreaking innovations he led. This book doesn't just recount the life of a tech mogul; it delves deep into the psyche of a man who forever changed how we interact with technology. It's a compelling narrative that might ignite your own creativity and ambition.
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Brandon Stanton
|
St.
Martin's
Press
Humans of New York
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Goodreads rating: 4.49
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Recommendation:
- This book is a captivating collection of photos and stories that beautifully encapsulate the diverse human spirit found in New York City.
- Each page offers a glimpse into the lives and experiences of individuals, bringing to light the beauty of ordinary moments and the power of human connection.
- Whether you are a native New Yorker, a lover of photography, or simply someone who appreciates the depth of human stories, Humans of New York will leave you feeling inspired and connected to the world around you. So grab a cup of coffee, curl up with this book, and prepare to be moved.
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S.R. Nathan, Timothy Auger |
Didier
Millet
An Unexpected Journey: Path to the Presidency
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Goodreads rating: 4.45
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If you're captivated by stories of personal triumph that illustrate the sheer resilience of the human spirit, "An Unexpected Journey: Path to the Presidency" could be a compelling read for you. S.R. Nathan's memoir offers a deeply personal view into the life of a man who overcame adversity to lead a nation, interwoven with the growth of Singapore itself. It's more than just history; it's an inspiration for anyone who believes in the power of determination and the possibility of change.
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Connor Franta
|
Atria/keywords
Press
A Work in Progress: A Memoir
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Goodreads rating: 4.16
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If you've ever felt like you're still finding your place in this vast digital landscape, Connor's story in "A Work in Progress" will speak to you. His sincere reflections on family, self-discovery, and chasing his passions are like finding a friend who understands the quieter struggles of growing up. It's not just a memoir, it's a companion for anyone navigating their own path to self-acceptance and creative fulfillment.
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.
Our collection includes a wide range of biographies, from influential leaders to pop culture icons. Find engrossing memoirs that give insight into personal journeys and historical events.
Consider what aspects of life you’re curious about. Whether it’s artistic journeys, political memoirs, or overcoming adversity, our collection will have something that resonates with you.
Yes, we include stories about notable religious figures. You might also explore our Religion collection for more faith-based narratives.
Yes, we celebrate local voices and histories. Discover the lives of Singaporean figures that have shaped our city-state's unique culture and heritage.