by Rita Onyx
The importance of reading cannot be overstated, but gaining knowledge is much more than just reading. It is about the content you actually consume, the authors, and how pragmatic you are with what you read and the many lessons learned. Reading biographies will open you up to new insights you have never had before.
Biographies are an invitation into the past and private lives of great people. You gain clarity into how they handle the most complex problems that came to define their existence. There is a saying that you cannot live long enough to learn from your mistakes; so why not learn from these folks?
Unbound: My Story of Liberation and the Birth of the Me Too Movement
“Tarana is an excellent writer and storyteller. She weaves a story that has you hooked from the moment you pick it up. You can feel the emotions with her and unfortunately if you have the lived experience of sexual violence you will relive that too. That’s not the whole of the story though. This memoir demonstrates how #metoo is more than the hashtag you know but details the internal and external struggles of the person who first birthed this phrase. I haven’t found a biography that spoke to my life in this way since I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings. Unbound was written for such a time as this. It is the truth serum that’s hard to digest but we really need to heal.” — Amazon Customer
Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty
“I wasn’t expecting such an entertaining book, though Anderson Cooper’s smile would lead you to believe he is never boring. The chronicle of the Vanderbilts is a chronicle of America in many ways. Briskly written, carefully documented, and never tedious. Well worth reading.” — Carole Lake
The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race
“Tremendous read as everyone would expect from Isaacson. I’ve read all his books so I’m qualified to say. What’s amazing and I owe a scientific friend this thought, is that Walt is a historian and history is easier to write when it is old and been told many times. In Code Breaker, Walt is writing history real time. That means dozens of theories and opinions of what is right and what is wrong. As a result of this immersive dialog it is easy to see where the future will go. In fact every company with an organic in the supply chain should be asking “what is our CRISPR strategy”. Whether it is in trees that will be enhanced for carbon sequestration or a treatment that allows our grandchildren to live a normal life, every board should be asking that strategy question. Highly recommend this book and topic.” — Amazon Customer
The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music
“So I may have a little thing for rock musician biographies. I’m kind of fascinated by their lives and inspirations, what moves them and influences their music… and there’s one memoir in particular I’ve been hoping to read for what seems like forever. Dave Grohl’s The Storyteller. I am a HUGE fan, and have been since the very first time I heard “Smells Like Teen Spirit” on MTV. And yes, I may have preordered “The Storyteller” before I finished reading the press release announcing it. So you might think that my review is a little bit prejudiced — but truthfully, he has earned every one of these stars with this well-written, completely absorbing memoir. You’ll cheer for him as he realizes his dream of becoming a touring musician, cry with him as he loses friends, family, and bandmates, and share his wonder at the incredibly blessed life he has led.” — Tracy
Greenlights
“Heard about the book on Gary Vees podcast Yesterday, place the order immediately after listening to the interview and received the book today. Got home from the office and four hours later I’m just now taking a break, I’m a little over halfway through the book and I’m forcing myself to pause and die just the first half. i’ve highlighted and tabbed and folded so many pages, wow. i’ve even pulled my 10 and 9 year old sons in to read a few things out loud. they have even asked a couple times “why are you laughing? why are you smiling.”
“Such a great read. so humble and raw and transparent.” — Jessica
A Promised Land
“If you would like to see and read an educated person speak his truth and hide nothing in the process, this is the book to purchase. It is refreshing to read something a book from a Great President of this time. With all the drama and racism his’ family had to deal with in the WH, shows how mature they truly are. He still managed to be a kind spirit to anyone and everyone he has met, so far. Compared to the people who have turned it into a Fun House, full of clowns. This book is very enlightening to his’ life and to his’ journey. So, thank you Mr. President for all of you and Ms. First Lady hard work! Keep up the good work, Mr. Obama. God bless you and your lovely family!” — Amazon Customer
Paul: A Biography
“This exceptional book is the fruit of 40+ years of exceptional scholarship and thought. I am a New Testament professor and this is one of the finest books I’ve read in recent years. It can be appreciated by everyone from the general reader to academic theologian. Do yourself and those you care about a favor: read this book and reflect on the rich insights on every page.” — Glen Shelrude
Walt Disney: A Life From Beginning to End
“The writing style of this book earns it a 5 star rating. The author was able to fit a lot of facts into a short space. I could not find any fault with this little book, it was small but perfectly formed! I would recommend it to all fans of the Disney Studio’s various works. I am sure that Walt himself would be proud of what Disney has now become. Now we have the Disney Channel and as if by magic we can relive all Walt’s past work and enjoy all the new films and documentaries that the Studio is producing. Well done Walt your dreams really did come true.” — Selace
Lady in Waiting: My Extraordinary Life in the Shadow of the Crown
“I have had this book preordered since November 2019. So, imagine my surprise and joy when I was given a digital copy in exchange for my honest review. This is the memoir of Lady Glenconner who served as lady-in-waiting to Princess Margaret. She grew up near the royal family her entire life as most of her family had served the royal family in similar capacities. The story starts with Helen Bonham Carter meeting Lady Glenconner for tea to speak about Princess Margaret and her upcoming role in The Crown. This lovely book reads as if you too are enjoying tea with Lady Glenconner as she tells you about her life. History is often dry but this is anything but that. I love the small bits of information that sticks with you and makes you feel as if you were there: silver shoes, felt skirts, and the island of Mustique.”
“I really enjoyed it and I highly recommend this book. If you love The Crown as much as I do, then you will love this book. Come for the historical content, stay for the author’s wit and humor. The author’s voice is unique, and I am not sure I could do it justice by giving you a list of similar books. It’s a memoir but unlike any that I have read.” — Emily
In the Hands of the Lord: The Life of Dallin H. Oaks
“I found the historical time line and development of Dallin H Oaks life to be inspirational. I love people who are kind, generous and unafraid to speak the truth refreshing. I have met this great man and can say he is everything being presented in this book and more.” — Warren