Biography & Memoir
Memoir is the illumination of pen and ink upon one's life experience. It is memory, colored by time and distilled through the creative nonfiction process, and its fruits are some of the best that contemporary literature has to offer.
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami
When Haruki Murakami traded the physically demanding job of running his jazz club for the sedentary routine of a professional novelist, he learned he was going to have to make some life changes.
When Haruki Murakami traded the physically demanding job of running his jazz club for the sedentary routine of a professional novelist, he learned he was going to have to make some life changes.
American Nerd: The Story of My People
Benjamin Nugent delves into the subculture and history of the nerd in an engaging exploration into the archetype, for those who care to make the trip.
Benjamin Nugent delves into the subculture and history of the nerd in an engaging exploration into the archetype, for those who care to make the trip.
The Great Railway Bazaar by Paul Theroux
Paul Theroux's classic 1975 account of a four month railroad journey through Europe and Asia begins, "I sought trains, I found passengers."
Paul Theroux's classic 1975 account of a four month railroad journey through Europe and Asia begins, "I sought trains, I found passengers."
House of Wits: An Intimate Portrait of the James Family
An American literary giant (Henry James), an early theorist in the field of psychology (William James), and a feminist icon (Alice James) - where other biographers have approached these influential individuals separately, Paul Fisher has penned a biography of the family as a whole.
An American literary giant (Henry James), an early theorist in the field of psychology (William James), and a feminist icon (Alice James) - where other biographers have approached these influential individuals separately, Paul Fisher has penned a biography of the family as a whole.
A Wolf at the Table by Augusten Burroughs
Augusten Burroughs returns to the story of his dysfunctional family, a subject that he mastered in his bestseller, 'Running with Scissors' (2003).
Augusten Burroughs returns to the story of his dysfunctional family, a subject that he mastered in his bestseller, 'Running with Scissors' (2003).
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
Randy Pausch's inspirational last lecture, viewed millions of times online, is now a best-selling book elaborating on the theme "achieving your childhood dreams."
Randy Pausch's inspirational last lecture, viewed millions of times online, is now a best-selling book elaborating on the theme "achieving your childhood dreams."
The Open Road: The Global Journey of the Fourteenth Dalai Lama
Pico Iyer speaks to the many facets of the Dalai Lama in a delightful portrait based upon three decades of the author's acquaintance with the Tibetan leader.
Pico Iyer speaks to the many facets of the Dalai Lama in a delightful portrait based upon three decades of the author's acquaintance with the Tibetan leader.
Trail of Crumbs by Kim Sunee
In A Trail of Crumbs, Kim Sunee takes readers on a journey from Korea to New Orleans to Paris and Provence, along the way serving forth her favorite recipes.
In A Trail of Crumbs, Kim Sunee takes readers on a journey from Korea to New Orleans to Paris and Provence, along the way serving forth her favorite recipes.
The Whale Warriors by Peter Heller
A perilous journey with Sea Shepherd Conservation Society to the icy waters of Antarctica to stop a Japanese fishing fleet from illegally killing hundreds of whales.
A perilous journey with Sea Shepherd Conservation Society to the icy waters of Antarctica to stop a Japanese fishing fleet from illegally killing hundreds of whales.
Schulz and Peanuts: A Biography
David Michaelis gives us the first full-length biography of the brilliant, unseen man behind "Peanuts."
David Michaelis gives us the first full-length biography of the brilliant, unseen man behind "Peanuts."
Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life by Steve Martin
In this autobiography, Steve Martin chronicles his evolution as a comedian from the age of ten through his meteoric success in the late 1970's.
In this autobiography, Steve Martin chronicles his evolution as a comedian from the age of ten through his meteoric success in the late 1970's.
Marco Polo: From Venice to Xanadu by Laurence Bergreen
The first fully authoritative biography of one of the most enchanting figures in world history.
The first fully authoritative biography of one of the most enchanting figures in world history.
What is the What by Dave Eggers
Eggers illuminates the history of the civil war in Sudan through the eyes of Valentino Achak Deng, a Sudanese Lost Boy now living in the United States.
Eggers illuminates the history of the civil war in Sudan through the eyes of Valentino Achak Deng, a Sudanese Lost Boy now living in the United States.
Opening Day: The Story of Jackie Robinson's First Season
Jack Roosevelt Robinson changed the face of baseball. Some said he changed the face of America.
Jack Roosevelt Robinson changed the face of baseball. Some said he changed the face of America.
Love Is A Mix Tape: Life And Loss, One Song At A Time
In "Love Is a Mix Tape," Rob Sheffield, a music writer for Rolling Stone, uses the songs on fifteen mix tapes to tell the story of his brief time with his wife Renée.
In "Love Is a Mix Tape," Rob Sheffield, a music writer for Rolling Stone, uses the songs on fifteen mix tapes to tell the story of his brief time with his wife Renée.
Cross-X by Joe Miller
In Cross-X, Joe Miller follows an inner city high school debate squad that in spite of overwhelming educational, economic, and racial odds, excels in a game dominated by privileged students with prep school backgrounds.
In Cross-X, Joe Miller follows an inner city high school debate squad that in spite of overwhelming educational, economic, and racial odds, excels in a game dominated by privileged students with prep school backgrounds.
Cross Country by Robert Sullivan
Framed in the context of a family road trip, Sullivan traces not only the history of the traversing of this land, but he remarks on just about everyone who helped inform what we now know as the road trip.
Framed in the context of a family road trip, Sullivan traces not only the history of the traversing of this land, but he remarks on just about everyone who helped inform what we now know as the road trip.
Ava Gardner: Love Is Nothing
Lee Server paints a comprehensive and fascinating picture of Ava Gardner in this exhaustively researched biography.
Lee Server paints a comprehensive and fascinating picture of Ava Gardner in this exhaustively researched biography.
Night by Elie Wiesel
Night is Elie Wiesel’s candid account of his survival as a teenager in the Nazi death camps.
Night is Elie Wiesel’s candid account of his survival as a teenager in the Nazi death camps.
The Boy Who Fell out of the Sky by Ken Dornstein
Ken Dornstein takes readers on a journey through the life and death of his elder brother, David, who died at the age of 25 in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland.
Ken Dornstein takes readers on a journey through the life and death of his elder brother, David, who died at the age of 25 in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland.
Tony and Me by Jack Klugman
The close professional relationship between Jack Klugman and Tony Randall has long been famous, but the details of their personal friendship have never been revealed until now.
The close professional relationship between Jack Klugman and Tony Randall has long been famous, but the details of their personal friendship have never been revealed until now.
With the Beatles by Louis Lapham
Lewis Lapham, now editor of Harper's Magazine, was the only journalist allowed inside the Rishikesh ashram, where the Beatles and other 60s icons gathered at the feet of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
Lewis Lapham, now editor of Harper's Magazine, was the only journalist allowed inside the Rishikesh ashram, where the Beatles and other 60s icons gathered at the feet of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
de Kooning: An American Master
In de Kooning: An American Master, Stevens and Swann present de Kooning as a profoundly influential American artist who lived a rich and contradictory life.
In de Kooning: An American Master, Stevens and Swann present de Kooning as a profoundly influential American artist who lived a rich and contradictory life.
Girl Sleuth: Nancy Drew and the Women Who Created Her
In Girl Sleuth, Melanie Rehak weaves a history of Nancy Drew and her creators, all of whom inspired generations of girls to be as strong-willed as they were.
In Girl Sleuth, Melanie Rehak weaves a history of Nancy Drew and her creators, all of whom inspired generations of girls to be as strong-willed as they were.
First Man: The Life of Neil Armstrong
James Hansen re-creates Neil Armstrong's career in flying, from his seventy-eight combat missions as a naval aviator flying over North Korea to his transatmospheric flights in the rocket-powered X-15 to his piloting Gemini VIII to the first-ever docking in space.
James Hansen re-creates Neil Armstrong's career in flying, from his seventy-eight combat missions as a naval aviator flying over North Korea to his transatmospheric flights in the rocket-powered X-15 to his piloting Gemini VIII to the first-ever docking in space.
The Game by Neil Strauss
New York Times bestselling author Neil Strauss ventured into a bizarre subculture, traveling around the world and meeting the world's greatest seducers.
New York Times bestselling author Neil Strauss ventured into a bizarre subculture, traveling around the world and meeting the world's greatest seducers.
Jesus Land by Julia Scheeres
Jesus Land is a heart-breaking memoir of a childhood frought with racism and domestic abuse. It is the story of two siblings helping each other survive.
Jesus Land is a heart-breaking memoir of a childhood frought with racism and domestic abuse. It is the story of two siblings helping each other survive.
Radical Simplicity: Creating an Authentic Life
Radical Simplicity is less a how-to book on self-sustaining living and more a loosely narrated and superbly illustrated account of a modern-day Thoreau's foray into the simple life.
Radical Simplicity is less a how-to book on self-sustaining living and more a loosely narrated and superbly illustrated account of a modern-day Thoreau's foray into the simple life.
Voltaire Almighty by Roger Pearson
Voltaire (1694 — 1778) was the toast of society for his plays and verse, but his barbed wit and commitment to human reason got him into trouble. A look at the life and thought of one of the major forces behind the European Enlightenment.
Voltaire (1694 — 1778) was the toast of society for his plays and verse, but his barbed wit and commitment to human reason got him into trouble. A look at the life and thought of one of the major forces behind the European Enlightenment.
The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
A powerful memoir about the year in Joan Didion's life that began with her daughter in a medically induced coma and her husband unexpectedly dead due to a heart attack.
A powerful memoir about the year in Joan Didion's life that began with her daughter in a medically induced coma and her husband unexpectedly dead due to a heart attack.
My Friend Leonard by James Frey
As Frey tells us repeatedly in "A Million Little Pieces," he is "an alcoholic, a drug addict, and a criminal." My Friend Leonard" revolves around the struggles faced by Frey upon his release from rehab.
As Frey tells us repeatedly in "A Million Little Pieces," he is "an alcoholic, a drug addict, and a criminal." My Friend Leonard" revolves around the struggles faced by Frey upon his release from rehab.
Strom: The Complicated Personal and Political Life of Strom Thurmond
Authors Jack Bass and Marilyn Thompson carefully articulate the historical, personal, and political elements that defined the life of Strom Thurmond.
Authors Jack Bass and Marilyn Thompson carefully articulate the historical, personal, and political elements that defined the life of Strom Thurmond.
History Play: The Lives and After Life of Christopher Marlowe
Rodney Bolt's life of Christopher Marlowe plays out a surprising solution to a literary mystery, bringing the spirit of William Shakespeare alive as we've never seen it before.
Rodney Bolt's life of Christopher Marlowe plays out a surprising solution to a literary mystery, bringing the spirit of William Shakespeare alive as we've never seen it before.
The Story of Chicago May by Nuala O'Faolin
This Irish woman writer who achieved international fame with a candid appraisal of her own unorthodox life has taken as her subject another daughter of Ireland, notorious criminal and unrepentant, independent woman, Chicago May.
This Irish woman writer who achieved international fame with a candid appraisal of her own unorthodox life has taken as her subject another daughter of Ireland, notorious criminal and unrepentant, independent woman, Chicago May.
Don't Panic: Douglas Adams and the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by
A detailed history of the various incarnations of "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," full of quotes and anecdotes from Douglas Adams.
A detailed history of the various incarnations of "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," full of quotes and anecdotes from Douglas Adams.
A Year in the Merde by Stephen Clarke
"A Year In The Merde" is the almost-true account of Stephen Clarke's adventures as an expat in Paris, based loosely on his own experiences and with names changed to avoid embarrassment and possible legal action.
"A Year In The Merde" is the almost-true account of Stephen Clarke's adventures as an expat in Paris, based loosely on his own experiences and with names changed to avoid embarrassment and possible legal action.
Another Bullshit Night in Suck City by Nick Flynn
Nick Flynn met his father when he was twenty-seven years old, working as a caseworker in a homeless shelter in Boston...
Nick Flynn met his father when he was twenty-seven years old, working as a caseworker in a homeless shelter in Boston...
Luckiest Man by Jonathan Eig
This may be one of the best baseball books written. Lou Gehrig is presented, warts and all, and modern baseball players would do well to read this book and learn something about integrity and sportsmanship.
This may be one of the best baseball books written. Lou Gehrig is presented, warts and all, and modern baseball players would do well to read this book and learn something about integrity and sportsmanship.
In His Own Words by Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela's speeches: from the eve of his imprisonment to his release 27 years later, from his acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize to his election as South Africa's first black president.
Nelson Mandela's speeches: from the eve of his imprisonment to his release 27 years later, from his acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize to his election as South Africa's first black president.
Chronicles, Volume One by Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan delivers a poignant reflection on life, and the people and places that helped shape the man and the art.
Bob Dylan delivers a poignant reflection on life, and the people and places that helped shape the man and the art.
Eyeing the Flash: The Education of a Carnival Con Artist
The story of a shy middle-class kid turned first-class huckster in the carnival underworld, Peter Fenton's highly unorthodox coming-of-age memoir.
The story of a shy middle-class kid turned first-class huckster in the carnival underworld, Peter Fenton's highly unorthodox coming-of-age memoir.
Windblown World: The Journals of Jack Kerouac 1947- 1954
Douglas Brinkley has gathered together a selection of journal entries from the most pivotal period of Jack Kerouac's life.
Douglas Brinkley has gathered together a selection of journal entries from the most pivotal period of Jack Kerouac's life.
Positively Fifth Street by James McManus
In the spring of 2000. Harper's Magazine sent James McManus to Las Vegas to cover the World Series of Poker and the murder of Ted Binion, the tournament's prodigal host.
In the spring of 2000. Harper's Magazine sent James McManus to Las Vegas to cover the World Series of Poker and the murder of Ted Binion, the tournament's prodigal host.
Roman Candle: The Life of Bobby Darin by David Evanier
By age 8 Bobby Darin knew he was doomed to die young. So he set out to become a showbiz legend by age 25.
By age 8 Bobby Darin knew he was doomed to die young. So he set out to become a showbiz legend by age 25.
It's Not Easy Bein' Me by Rodney Dangerfield
Anybody can repeat a Rodney Dangerfield joke, but nobody can tell one like the man himself. That's because his humor, built on the premise that he "don't get no respect," is drawn from a life so hard that the only way to survive was to laugh at it.
Anybody can repeat a Rodney Dangerfield joke, but nobody can tell one like the man himself. That's because his humor, built on the premise that he "don't get no respect," is drawn from a life so hard that the only way to survive was to laugh at it.
Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain
In Kitchen Confidential, Chef Anthony Bourdain serves up a deliciously funny banquet that lays out his 25 years of sex, drugs, and haute cuisine.
In Kitchen Confidential, Chef Anthony Bourdain serves up a deliciously funny banquet that lays out his 25 years of sex, drugs, and haute cuisine.
The Carolina Way
The Carolina Way is an excellent, easily read examination of leadership based on the lessons Smith learned and taught in 36 years of coaching basketball.
The Carolina Way is an excellent, easily read examination of leadership based on the lessons Smith learned and taught in 36 years of coaching basketball.
Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller
During her African childhood, Alexandra Fuller became accustomed to armed guerrillas and landmine-littered roads; hunger, drought, and malaria were never far off.
During her African childhood, Alexandra Fuller became accustomed to armed guerrillas and landmine-littered roads; hunger, drought, and malaria were never far off.
Khrushchev: The Man and His Era by William Taubman
Nikita Khrushchev was one of the most important political figures of the twentieth century. Ruler of the Soviet Union during the first decade after Stalin's death, Khrushchev left a contradictory stamp on his country and on the world.
Nikita Khrushchev was one of the most important political figures of the twentieth century. Ruler of the Soviet Union during the first decade after Stalin's death, Khrushchev left a contradictory stamp on his country and on the world.
Working Fire by Zac Unger
Zac Unger didn't feel like much of a firefighter at first. He was an Ivy League grad responding to a help-wanted ad. He couldn't keep his boots shined, and he looked horrible in his uniform.
Zac Unger didn't feel like much of a firefighter at first. He was an Ivy League grad responding to a help-wanted ad. He couldn't keep his boots shined, and he looked horrible in his uniform.
Bringing Down the House by Ben Mezrich
Backed by anonymous investors and armed only with their audacity and their intellect, a team of MIT math students cleaned Vegas out of more than $3 million in a couple of years.
Backed by anonymous investors and armed only with their audacity and their intellect, a team of MIT math students cleaned Vegas out of more than $3 million in a couple of years.
Inside George Orwell by Gordon Bowker
The privelaged son of well-to-do parents had auspicious beginnings, studying at Eton College, but opted out of his social caste for work as a British policeman in Burma.
The privelaged son of well-to-do parents had auspicious beginnings, studying at Eton College, but opted out of his social caste for work as a British policeman in Burma.
True Notebooks by Mark Salzman
When Mark Salzman is invited to visit a writing class at Central Juvenile Hall, a lockup for Los Angeles' most violent teenage offenders, he is so astonished by what he finds that he becomes a teacher there himself.
When Mark Salzman is invited to visit a writing class at Central Juvenile Hall, a lockup for Los Angeles' most violent teenage offenders, he is so astonished by what he finds that he becomes a teacher there himself.
Dry: A Memoir by Augusten Burroughs
In "Dry," a follow-up to his shocking and hilarious childhood memoir, "Running with Scissors," Augusten Burroughs recounts his introduction into recovery from alcoholism.
In "Dry," a follow-up to his shocking and hilarious childhood memoir, "Running with Scissors," Augusten Burroughs recounts his introduction into recovery from alcoholism.
A Million Little Pieces by James Frey
In a memoir of his time at Hazelden and his struggle with addiction, Frey walks his readers through the daily reality of his withdrawal from alcohol and crack-cocaine, among other substances.
In a memoir of his time at Hazelden and his struggle with addiction, Frey walks his readers through the daily reality of his withdrawal from alcohol and crack-cocaine, among other substances.
Yoga for People Who Can't Be Bothered to Do It Geoff Dyer
Geoff Dyer is a man who "lives in London where he spends much of his time wishing he lived in San Francisco," exactly the feeling of restlessness one gets from this hilarious collection of travel essays.
Geoff Dyer is a man who "lives in London where he spends much of his time wishing he lived in San Francisco," exactly the feeling of restlessness one gets from this hilarious collection of travel essays.
Out of Sheer Rage by Geoff Dyer
Argumentatively one of the whiniest people on the planet, Dyer endlessly vacillates about whether to write a sober, academic study of D.H. Lawrence.
Argumentatively one of the whiniest people on the planet, Dyer endlessly vacillates about whether to write a sober, academic study of D.H. Lawrence.
Monkey Dancing by Daniel Glick
Dan Glick takes his children (and the reader) on a world tour of global loss, thus sparking conversation about our role in the global community.
Dan Glick takes his children (and the reader) on a world tour of global loss, thus sparking conversation about our role in the global community.
Sounds of the River by Da Chen
"Sounds of the River," the second of Da Chen's memoir trilogy picks up where his best-selling "Colours of the Mountain" left off, at the beginning of his Beijing University days.
"Sounds of the River," the second of Da Chen's memoir trilogy picks up where his best-selling "Colours of the Mountain" left off, at the beginning of his Beijing University days.
I Sleep at Red Lights by Bruce Stockler
I Sleep at Red Lights is Bruce Stockler's account of the maelstrom that ensues when a couple become the parents of triplets plus one.
I Sleep at Red Lights is Bruce Stockler's account of the maelstrom that ensues when a couple become the parents of triplets plus one.
London Orbital by Iain Sinclair
London's M25 highway was voted number one in the BBC's "seven horrors of Britain." It is a 122-mile, 10-lane ring of smog heat, and angry motorists that encircles the city. It is the very essence of all that is wrong with urban sprawl. Hardly the stuff of ordinary literary exploration.
London's M25 highway was voted number one in the BBC's "seven horrors of Britain." It is a 122-mile, 10-lane ring of smog heat, and angry motorists that encircles the city. It is the very essence of all that is wrong with urban sprawl. Hardly the stuff of ordinary literary exploration.