So far, my binging guide has been throwing a lot of fiction at you all. So today I thought I’d recommend some non-fiction for those of you who prefer the real world to made-up ones. Here are ten interesting biographies to read while you are stuck sitting at home.
- I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings- Maya Angelou’s 1969 autobiography is a breathtaking work of literature. And I know of no other work that comes close to replicating its amalgamation of truth and fiction. And I don’t mean that anything that is shared in this raw look at Ms. Angelou’s younger years is fictional. But her genius as a storyteller and artist allow here to weave in larger themes that are usually overlooked by non-fiction writers. Her expertise means that she can simultaneously subvert the tropes of the form while also transcending them. A must-read.
- The Confessions of St. Augustine– Considered to be the first autobiography ever written, this detailed account of Augustine of Hippo chronicles his life from a child to middle age. This work has deep theological significance, especially for Catholics. But even for the atheists amongst you, Augustine’s meditations on divinity and the nature of creation are worthy philosophical fodder. If you are a fan of history, philosophy, or theology this should be considered an essential manuscript.
- The Autobiography of Malcolm X– Malcolm X was a complicated man who left behind a complicated legacy and too often in the U.S. we simply dismiss him at the violent counterpart to Dr. King. This is an error that society should strive to correct. The first step towards that process is reading about Malcolm’s life and goals in his own words.
- The Motorcycle Diaries: Note on a Latin American Journey– The story of how Ernesto Guevara became “Che”. A coming-of-age story and an account of one of the more important road trips in world history, The Motorcycle Diaries are Guevara’s account of his travels around South America as a young man and the injustices he witnessed along those travels that shaped him into the revolutionary he became.
- Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln: This biographical portrait of President Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin has one of the narrowest bands for a biography you will ever come across; focusing entirely on the period between 1861 and 1865. Goodwin’s telescopic examination of Lincoln and his cabinet during that period offers profound insight into Lincoln’s leadership style and how this group of men who had different agendas and clashing personalities came together to lead America through the most trying four years of its existence.
- As you wish: Inconceivable Tale from the making of the Princess Bride: Maybe in these trying times you could do with something a little lighter. Cary Ewells can deliver that to you with some hysterical anecdotes about making one of the greatest films ever to grace our screens. Especially poignant are his stories about Andre the Giant who left us far too soon.
- The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks- In life Henrietta Lacks was viewed to be a person of no consequence, in fact, it could be argued that the scientists who took her cells didn’t view her as a person at all. And yet for over sixty years, her cells have been the foundation of countless scientific studies. Too often we reap the benefits of scientific advancement without asking ourselves about the human cost of those advancements and the ethical repercussions of allowing the end to justify the means. With her intimate portrait of Henrietta Lacks, Rebecca Skloot holds us all to account.
- The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt– I’ll admit a touch of bias here as Teddy is one of my favorite presidents, but just because I’m biased doesn’t mean that Edmund Morris’ in-depth look at the 26th President of the United States isn’t a masterpiece of non-fiction storytelling. And with as wild and eccentric a life as Teddy lived you are sure to be both entertained and educated. Plus there are two more in the trilogy if you get hooked.
- I am Malala: The Story of a girl who stood up for education and was shot by the Taliban- This is a time of disillusionment for many. A creeping feeling of despair and hopelessness blankets the world as democracies die and authoritarians rise. If you feel lost right now, this is what you need to read. It will make you cry, and it will renew your faith that the spirit of freedom can never truly die.
- Wishful Drinking- Carrie Fisher is best known as Princess Leia, and even those that know of her amazing work as a writer site her amazing Postcards from the Edge as the work you absolutely must read, and I agree. But if you want that no-nonsense irreverent Carrie vibe without some of the heavier aspects Wishful Drinking might be the one for you.