by Rita Onyx
Not trying to sound cliche but the best biographies bring their subjects to life. It isn’t just a list of events that happened to someone throughout history, rather tells a story in almost the same narrative as a novel does. Reading these stories gives you insight on some of the greatest thinkers, artists and explorers on a deeper level.
We’ve compiled a list of the best biographies of all time – some historical, some recent but all remarkable. There is a mix of subject matters for every preference. While some of our picks today are top reviewed for their subject matter, some are also added to the list because of their biographer.
Becoming by Michelle Obama
“I started reading and couldn’t put it down, finishing it literally 24 hrs after delivery. Michelle Robinson Obama’s story is one of challenges met, hard work tempered with good sense, and above all, how a few key people in a life can support a young girl and elevate her, so that she, in turn, can elevate others. It is a wonderful, heartfelt, true story of HOPE in a world gone far too cynical.” — Linda
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
“If you’re still debating whether you should read this book or not, stop scrolling through reviews and just read it. I should have read it earlier. You can’t walk away from this book without a deeper understanding of research ethics, systemic racism, and the unintended contributions of Henrietta Lacks and her family to our world. You’ll be a better person for reading it.” — Customer
Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
“I read this book when it first came out in the late 90’s I believe. From that first moment I read it, I knew Chris would forever be in my life. I have read it probably 20 times over the years. Raising 2 sons & being outdoor people ourselves it really hit my soul. His bravery, tenacity, willpower & sometimes blind abandon inspired me but also was a bit of a cautionary tale. We have always taught our sons to be prepared & to use common sense. It’s the small things you neglect that lead down the trail to complete failure, even death. A sad tale but many times of happiness too.” — Mel
The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X by Les Payne
“If you have not read nor purchased this book, do so now! This book is better than the “Autobiography of Malcolm X,” which Alex Haley co-authored with Malcolm X. This book is more detailed and gives a clearer window into Malcolm’s development and different parts of his life. If you want to understand the beliefs of the Nation of Islam (NOI), read this book. If you want a window into the petty jealousies and politics of a human organization, for example, the NOI, read this book. Individuals join organizations for different reasons. Malcolm X was sincere and truly cared for black America and humanity. No excuses! Buy this book!” — Ernest
Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo
“I thought this was a well-researched book on Frida Kahlo’s life. I always thought her paintings were beautiful and Herrera is adept at tying Kahlo’s real life sufferings to her paintings. She also unravels the symbolism in Kahlo’s paintings by looking at events, people, and ideologies in her life. Frida Kahlo’s paintings are extraordinary and I am sure she will live on.” — Chi Chi
Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer
“It’s rare that a book of nonfiction can hold my attention in the same way as fiction, but this true adventure had me enthralled. And even better it was full of hope and joy! And an audacity that got the impossible done! The world needs a hundred, or thousands of Paul Farmers. Hopefully this book will find its way into the hands of those thousands of young people who want to change the world but don’t know how. Paul Farmer will show you the way.” — Connie
Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter by Kate Clifford
“Over the years it seems that every Kennedy has told his story, all but Rosemary. Now we know that she was damaged at birth by incompetent nursing during an at home delivery. I don’t think the Kennedy’s understood that. Even so, she could have led a quiet happy life in most families. It was her misfortune to be born a Kennedy with so much expected of her. Her father’s solution was criminal. I can think the stroke that ended his power over his children was Karma.” — Gerry
Steve Jobs: A Biography by Walter Isaacson
“I couldn’t put the book down once I started. I may not have liked the main character all the time but never did I not want to learn everything about Steve Jobs. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Isaacson had a major feat of writing about a complicated personality who lived more in his one life than three or four accomplished individuals put together. Thank goodness I saw the movie and decided to read the book. The movie is crap and does not do justice to his legacy. The book must be good because I like him less now than before I read about him! ” — Lardbrick
The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family
“I love everything by Erik Larson – he writes non-fiction that reads like a fast-paced novel! This book was no exception. Everyone should read this book to get a feeling for what England went thru in the early days of WW2. If Churchill hadn’t been Prime Minister at that point in time I do believe that Hitler would have defeated England just as he defeated France. We lost a lot of young men in the war, but oh what England lost – young men, old men, women, children., their homes. It would have been easy to capitulate, but Churchill could see what the world would be like if Hitler won. And to think that the United States just wanted to turn a blind eye to the evil of Hitler. This the way history should be taught in school – accurate but interesting and thrilling!” — Customer
The Woman They Could Not Silence by Kate Moore
“This book seems more like a novel than a bibliography of a portion of Elizabeth Packard’s life and work. Fascinating reading….difficult to put down. I read it all in a few days. I had not heard of her before, though i was somewhat familiar with the insane asylums, domestic abuse, psychiatric care of the past 150 years or so. The book is both enlightening and inspiring. Speaking out, taking action certainly can make tremendous changes to make situations and institutions better.” — Jo