Biographies and Autobiographies are real-life stories of some famous or renowned individual. These biographies and autobiographies allow us to look into the lives of some of the world’s most influential figures. These books show us the real and raw picture of their struggles and personal journeys. Biographies and Autobiographies inspire us, motivate us, and sometimes show the path we should follow. In this article, we will explore 10 great biographies and autobiographies you must read.
Great Biographies and Autobiographies
Ok, let’s clear some silly confusion, biographies and autobiographies both tell the life story of a person but an autobiography is directly written by the person himself. On the other hand, a biography is written by another person. You can say that, autobiography tells the author’s life story and in biography, the author tells someone else’s life story.
Whether you are interested in historical figures, political leaders, or inspiring individuals, these 10 biographies and autobiographies will fulfill your needs-
The Diary of a Young Girl
- Author: Anne Frank
- Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir, Historical
- Publish Date: January 1, 1947
- Pages: 283
The Diary of a Young Girl is a memoir by Anne Frank, a Jewish girl whose family, along with many other people, spent three years hiding from the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands in World War II. In her diary, Anne records what she thinks, what she fears, and what she hopes, while living in hiding, from 1942 to 1944.
Anne’s words, even though they are about the horrors of war, even though there is always the threat they might be discovered are filled with wisdom about human nature. Anne’s story is a reminder of the horrific thing war can do and how human beings can overcome it. Her diary has come to symbolize strength and continues to inspire millions of readers around the globe to battle for human rights and tolerance.
Long Walk to Freedom
- Author: Nelson Mandela
- Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, History, Memoir, Autobiography
- Publish Date: January 1, 1994
- Pages: 656
Nelson Mandela’s “Long Walk to Freedom” brings to life one of the most respected leaders in the world. Mandela’s story tells his progress from his junior days as a lawyer in Johannesburg to his major role in the ANC’s struggle against apartheid. What Mandela’s story shows is inspiring bravery, and also his determination to sacrifice for the sake of equality. He spent 27 years in prison for his beliefs.
Mandela led South Africa as its first black president and helped to end apartheid to bring the country together. His memoir offers profound insights into the life lived by such values as justice, peace, dignity, and the hard choices he had to make to create a future different from the past in his country.
Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs
- Author: Walter Isaacson
- Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, History, Biography
- Publish Date: October 1, 2011
- Pages: 630
Walter Isaacson’s Steve Jobs biography provides a clear idea of the man behind the iconic Apple brand. Through extensive interviews with Jobs, his family, friends, and colleagues, the book provides a detailed portrait of Jobs’ vision, leadership, and his often controversial personality. Steve Jobs was one of the most brilliant innovators of our generation, one who single-handedly changed how we lived and worked via products like iPhone, iPad and MacBook.
This biography also shows how Jobs’s childhood and his philosophy of design and technology all conspired to create the modern world. This is not a book about a tech mogul but a book about how creativity, vision, and persistence can alter the world.
The Story of My Experiments with Truth
- Author: Mahatma Gandhi
- Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, History, Autobiography
- Publish Date: January 1, 1927
- Pages: 640
Mahatma Gandhi’s autobiography is a personal memoir but it is also a philosophical guide to the life and beliefs of the Mahatma. Gandhi’s life and work are chronicled in “The Story of My Experiments with Truth”, his journey from India as a child to his role as a leader of the Indian independence movement.
Gandhi used the term ‘experiments’ to refer to these various conceptions of nonviolent practice (Ahimsa), truthful (Satya) coupled with self-discipline. He is candid in his battle with flaws, doubts and weakness and in his attempts to overcome them. This book is a glimpse into the mind of one of the 20th century’s most influential figures. Also, a call to action for all those who believe in the power of peace and self-improvement.
When Breath Becomes Air
- Author: Paul Kalanithi
- Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography
- Publish Date: January 12, 2016
- Pages: 208
Paul Kalanithi’s “When Breath Becomes Air” is a deeply moving memoir. Kalanithi knew, as a medical professional, how fleeting life can be, but less than a year after that diagnosis, his cancer became his background check on the fleeting kind. In this heartbreakingly beautiful, and poignant memoir, Kalanithi shares his thoughts on life, death, and what it is to live a good life.
Readers get a rare look at the human condition from the unique perspective of a doctor who is both a doctor and a patient. Kalanithi’s words remind us that in fact, life confronts us with its difficulties and should be embraced, purpose should be found and every moment maximized – regardless of how difficult the circumstances may be.
I Am Malala
- Author: Malala Yousafzai
- Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir, Autobiography
- Publish Date: November 1, 2012
- Pages: 327
Malala Yousafzai’s autobiography is an extraordinary story of how she fought to give girls education in Pakistan. When she was 15, the Taliban shot Malala for standing up and speaking out about the need for girls to be in school. The attack didn’t stop Malala; she survived and continued to advocate for the world for education.
In “I Am Malala”, she shows how starting at the age of 11, her passion for learning and seeing with her own eyes the world outside her hometown. Her story is one of courage and determination. Malala’s voice has become a symbol for girls’ rights around the world. Her memoir is not her own story, it is a cry for us all to take a stand so that all children will have the right to an education and everyone will enjoy equality.
Becoming
Becoming
- Author: Michelle Obama
- Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, Autobiography
- Publish Date: November 13, 2018
- Pages: 426
Michelle Obama tells her own story as a child growing up on the South Side of Chicago, a student at Princeton and Harvard Law School, and First Lady of the United States, in her memoir Becoming. Starting with her challenges and the hard process of balancing her professional aspirations with being a mother and wife, the book swims readers through her experiences.
Michelle Obama writes freely about her doubts and insecurities, and how her Blackness as a woman impacted everything in her life. The voice she found in a world that tries to silence you. It is an important read for anyone looking to find out more about leadership and self-discovery, public issues and so much more.
The Glass Castle
- Author: Jeannette Walls
- Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, Autobiography
- Publish Date: January 1, 2005
- Pages: 288
The Glass Castle is Jeannette Walls’s memoir of her unusual, frequently crazy childhood. Walls grew up in poverty with brilliant but irresponsible parents and had to navigate a very difficult, very unstable environment.
But Walls writes about her experiences with surprising warmth and humor. Because of the constant struggle for basic survival, she became a successful journalist. It’s heartbreaking and a memoir of how much we can overcome when we have to, the power of the human spirit, and the fact that we can heal and thrive even when in the darkest possible places.
Alexander Hamilton
- Author: Ron Chernow
- Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction
- Publish Date: April 26, 2004
- Pages: 818
One of America’s most important and controversial Founding Fathers is given full treatment in a masterful biography by Ron Chernow. Hamilton played a big role in shaping US financial and political systems, and Chernow’s book details his epic life story, from his humble start on the islands in the West Indies to his role as George Washington’s right-hand man in the American Revolution.
A deeply engaging and thorough account of a man whose vision and ambition were critical to the creation of the United States, Alexander Hamilton is the best introduction to the life and work of one of the essential figures of the American Revolution. This book shows all of his works like a mirror.
Educated
- Author: Tara Westover
- Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, Autobiography
- Publish Date: February 20, 2018
- Pages: 352
Tara Westover’s “Educated” is an astonishing memoir in which she tells the story of growing up in a strict, survivalist family in rural Idaho. Formal education was one thing her parents didn’t want, so Tara was raised without much knowledge of the outside world at all.
Tara’s thirst for learning took her away from her family to study at college and to graduate with a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge. While this memoir is definitely about education, it’s a story about fighting your way out of a strict upbringing and creating your trajectory in life. From education, personal strength, and the bravery to ask everything you’ve been taught to question to find your truth, Tara’s story is an inspirational epic.
Biographies and Autobiographies: Final Talk
These 10 biographies and autobiographies are more than just stories – they are journeys through the complexities of life. Reading these biographies and autobiographies not only teaches us about the person who shaped history but also encourages us to be like him. All of these books are very well written and filled will inspiration and motivation. I would suggest you read all of them. You can also check out some inspiring success stories that will inspire you to become successful.
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