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Recommended for readers who enjoy memoirs that deal with personal relationships and the journey of discovering oneself.
Whether she’s avoiding a traffic ticket after speeding in her car named Zelda, or translating books for Kennedy’s report on the history of France in Indochina, this portrait of young Jackie Bouvier shines with wit and intelligence.
This debut author’s writing style, experimental and intimate, enables her to effectively put words to wounds that seem unspeakable. Memoir fans will find much to like in this one.
This book is recommended for those interested in memoirs, connective tissue and cell disorders, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and also for people living with disabilities.
Although its length is daunting, this tome is welcome. It’s an interesting foray into Converse’s glimmer of fame and sad subsequent neglect.
No one experimented more with film than Godard in his day. It’s helpful to have this insightful, if sometimes difficult to follow, account of his oeuvre.
This inspirational, exhilarating work, undoubtedly destined for a Hollywood adaptation, is an essential purchase for all libraries.
Mewshaw’s account, especially of Greene’s last years, is moving and perceptive. This lovely book can be read alongside Richard Greene’s The Unquiet Englishman: A Life of Graham Greene.
This well-written, well-researched book portrays a central figure who never quite emerges from her shroud of legend.
Often repetitive, but nevertheless an immersing and compelling read about a renowned Hollywood family.
Readers seeking an honest portrayal of one gay man’s voyage in the masculine imaginary will find a rich source of companionship.
A solid analysis of one of the world’s most notorious war criminals. A recommended purchase for collections where related titles circulate well.
Bremmer and Jennings capture the larger-than-life, often frenetic spirit of this feminist trailblazer who pushed back against social norms to try to thrive professionally and personally; her story should inspire all those who continue to fight gender bias and homophobia today.
An excellent choice for both history buffs and listeners who are interested in feminist history and the lives of women rulers.
Providing background and insight into Ukraine’s current struggles, this timely work will be a winner for patrons interested in current events.
An enlightening survey of the abolitionist movement in Philadelphia, centered around Still’s life; deftly delivered by Hite.
This book provides a new lens through which to understand Lincoln’s motivations and the issues that modified his worldview. Lincoln aficionados, Civil War buffs, and students alike should enjoy.
PREMIUM
Do Let’s Have Another Drink!: The Dry Wit and Fizzy Life of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother
Despite everything royal being hot right now, this is an optional purchase. The book includes photos, and the narration does not elevate the text.
At a time when women’s history is being lifted up, this accessible work will edify casual and academic readers and may be used as a reference for some.
Royal-watchers will likely appreciate Dunlop’s fresh details and unique perspective on this iconic couple.
Chin’s family stories are important and relevant, and her memoir gives readers a better understanding of immigrants’ pasts and presents in the U.S. and an idea of how to move forward.
A must for readers interested in moving beyond clichéd catchphrases to see a more complete and complex King, the context of his charisma, and the creation and content of his character.
This innovative memoir will attract readers who are drawn to poetry hidden in well-written prose and memoirs and will appeal to those who seek meaning in reinventing their lives.
PREMIUM
Almost Brown: A Memoir
The discombobulation detracts from both the family storyline and some of the messages conveyed about discrimination directed toward biracial and multiracial people. Regardless, this book is still worth a read.
PREMIUM
Inventing the It Girl: How Elinor Glyn Created the Modern Romance and Conquered Early Hollywood
Narrator Pamela Almand’s consistent and well-paced delivery brings Glyn’s life into focus, highlighting her evolution as a writer and an advocate for women. A perfect fit for biography listeners and those interested in the early days of Hollywood.
Interest in Bourdain continues to be high; expect this audiobook to be popular among library patrons.
The book is stellar as a filmography, but, due to its heavy reliance on IMDb and other internet sources, fans of Windsor may find few new details about the star’s personal life.
While serious history buffs may wish for more facts and less supposition, this glimpse into the human side of piracy strikes a chord. Recommend to listeners who enjoy stories about the golden age of piracy and colonial American history.
An exceptionally narrated study of Adams’s life and his ideas of fairness and democracy; highly recommended.
PREMIUM
The Bolivian Diary
Among Seven Stories Press’s vibrant English and Spanish editions of Che’s complete works, this raw account of his desperate and ultimately tragic final campaign makes a riveting and sobering bookend to the youthful idealism of his cult classic The Motorcycle Diaries.
McCormick conveys a wild enthusiasm for his research and the music of Robert Johnson that readers will find contagious.
This hydra of a book, one head assessing Picasso’s art, the other looking at how he negotiated his position in France in politically tense times, is strongly recommended to all Picasso enthusiasts.
A notable book about remarkable women that could have subsequent volumes. Recommended for readers interested in these authors or in 20th-century literature.
This is a fine work that sheds light on the nearly forgotten story of a consequential figure in French history.
Shapiro’s confident, clear voice and self-deprecating humor, familiar to his many fans, translates well to the written word. His writing will resonate with many and is a treasure for biography readers. Highly recommended.
Parsell’s readable, well-researched biography will bring Scidmore back into the limelight, appealing to readers with an interest in geography, journalism, conservation, and women’s studies.
A fascinating and thorough history of the fight for women’s rights told through the lens of sports. Will likely appeal to readers interested in sports history and gender studies.
Popkin paints a discerning portrait of a complex matriarch, while adding nuance to the Jewish American experience in the 20th century. Recommended.
An intimate portrait of FDR’s inner circle during the New Deal. Readers of U.S. history, economics, and political science should greatly enjoy this volume.
This honest and compassionate depiction of someone who was true to their passions will inspire readers, especially those interested in LGBTQIA+ history.
Readers who are curious about Cunard’s dissipation and decline or the “post-Nancy” lives of her many friends and lovers will appreciate this book’s lengthy bibliography. A good accompaniment to the multitude of other books about the Lost Generation and 1920s Paris.
PREMIUM
Barkley: A Biography
As it’s been two decades since the last biography of Barkley, this new narrative is a useful update.
Providing a window into the many accomplishments of Asian artists over the centuries, this illuminating and useful resource is an important purchase for larger public libraries and academic institutions.
PREMIUM
Esther’s Notebooks
Readers seeking to experience a strange, yet at its core, familiar slice of life in a country steeped in multiple cultures will enjoy the perspective provided in this collection.
Lyrical narration and powerfully evocative black-and-white illustration combine for an uncommonly propulsive, completely immersive biography.
Wonderful stories written by a free-spirited woman from a privileged Southern family. Her irreverent style continues to charm.
Despite the moments of slightly rocky narration, this is a captivating glimpse into the lives of nine creative, world-changing women that will appeal to both foodies and feminists.
Known for a gritty, wry voice suited to hard-boiled characters, Ferrone adopts an irresistibly ironic delivery as brisk as a Crazy Eddie ad that’s perfectly matched to the tempo and tone of this detailed exposé. True financial crime fans will likely love it.
Marvelous narration by the author and interludes of Stella Levi singing make this an excellent addition to public library collections.
A captivating, if occasionally overawed, portrait of extraordinary wealth across multiple generations. Suggest to listeners who enjoyed Anderson Cooper’s Vanderbilt.
PREMIUM
Proving Ground: The Untold Story of the Six Women Who Programmed the World’s First Modern Computer
A solid audio that will be popular with fans of WWII stories, computer history, and the overlooked contributions of women.
Despite the captivating tale of admirable bravery, this book could have benefited from a more skilled narrator and sound engineer. An optional audio purchase for most libraries.
Blaisdell’s incredibly researched work is a treasure trove of insight and information for scholars and fans of Russian literature. For generations to come, it will be a staple for Chekhov studies. Highly recommended for academic libraries and Russian literature collections.
A memorable work that will become the standard biography of the saxophone giant and should be embraced by all jazz fans and general readers. Highly recommended.
Strongly recommended for social science students and public collections where similar titles circulate well.
Sometimes there’s too much detail, but this is a well-researched biography that covers White’s life and offers a good assessment of the silent-film industry.
Meticulously researching the topic and writing in a lively, conversational style, the coauthors have delivered the definitive work about the immediate post-Beatles times of Paul McCartney. It is likely to be too detailed for general readers but represents a treasure trove of information for Beatlemaniacs.
There have been countless biographies of Elizabeth Taylor, but this one offers fascinating insight and may stand as the definitive one about the legendary actress.
Readers’ tolerance for this book will depend on how they feel about its subject, but Cohen has an enormous amount of fans.
While some of Seward’s conjectures may leave readers unsatisfied, this is, nevertheless, a riveting, and detailed account of the life and times of an enigmatic ruler.
Full of colorful language, characters, and bold statements, this book belongs in adult public library collections, alongside other amazing works on anti-racism, social justice, and activism, such as the documentary 13th and Ibram X. Kendi’s How To Be An Antiracist.
Published so soon after the queen’s death, Morton’s biography will be popular as a new generation of British royals takes the stage.
A firsthand account of life in a war zone, fleeing one’s home, and the way war forever alters the lives of children and families. Skalietska’s book is empathetic and sympathetic reading for adults and has strong crossover appeal for YA readers.
PREMIUM
The Boy Who Fell to Shore
Both sets of readers, however, will enjoy this narrative, rich with the joys and dangers of offshore seafaring, along with the tales of many who pursue that life so passionately.
The authors present Floyd empathetically, but honestly, including his weaknesses and flaws. Audio transports listeners into Floyd’s world, making his story even more immediate.
A loose latter-day chronicle of one of theater’s irreplaceable voices; will be cherished by scholars and enthusiasts as a testament to Sondheim’s creative process and to the man himself.
PREMIUM
Barkley: A Biography
This book will take its place as the definitive account of Barkley’s life so far. Essential reading for all basketball fans.
A collection of intriguing, frustrating, incisive interviews and insights into Prince’s remarkable career.
This is a beautifully written examination of a star’s image and voice for fans of Streisand who want more than just biographical information. However, this book best suits an academic collection, where it will be a wonderful source for more research to come.
While the moments of racial and gender-based violence are difficult to read, the book ultimately promotes a sense of hope and healing, designed not just to tell the story but to show readers that every act of resistance, every movement toward change can have an impact, and that no impact is too small when it saves someone.
This book will appeal to readers who enjoy detailed political history books and those looking to learn a little more about the history of little discussed aspects of the Midwest.
Fraser consults primary sources, including the Royal Archives of Windsor, to outline the true course of Macdonald’s life. Her personality shines through, which helps the reader to understand her popularity and the artistic sentiment she inspired across generations. A worthwhile contribution for any historical biography collection.
This book will appeal to readers of early 18th-century American history, Jefferson, and Constitutional history.
PREMIUM
Kennan: A Life Between Worlds
Meant as an analytical counterweight to John Lukacs’s celebrated 2009 Kennan biography, Costigliola’s book offers a respectful and critical portrayal of Kennan’s life.
PREMIUM
Bibi: My Story
This books ranks of profound importance to readers interested in the recent history of the Middle East.
PREMIUM
Jan Morris: Life from Both Sides
Recommended not just for fans of Morris but any general reader looking for an insightful biography of a pioneer who is transgender, a literary great, and who synergistically brought grace and beauty to her times.
PREMIUM
Don Rickles: Merchant of Venom
A fun biography that should appeal to Don Rickles fans and those interested in the history of stand-up comedy.
This account may become the standard biography that may appeal to general readers. Smith lauds Berry’s accomplishments in music but also characterizes him as a lonely, self-destructive, moody, and aggressively sexual man.
Engaging and well-paced. While geared toward a general audience, this work is well-grounded in scholarly research and will likely appeal to many: the armchair historian and those with an interest in the golden age of piracy, colonial New York, and social and women’s histories.
Military history buffs and those wanting to learn about leadership and management styles from three important men of the 20th century will likely eagerly consume this tremendous work.
Russell portrays the Queen Mother in a positive light and dispels rumors, but leaves out some unflattering facts; an enjoyable companion to the many other books about the British crown.
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