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PREMIUM
The Secret Painter
Reporting about outsider art is usually told from a third-person perspective, often ending up clinical, cold, and distant. This book’s first-person narrative skillfully avoids this, as the author’s discoveries about himself go hand-in-hand with discoveries about his uncle.
This fascinating book will be a hit among music fans and students of popular culture at public and academic libraries.
Santopietro has amassed a large amount of research and interviews into a compelling and flowing narrative, while photos with fashion commentary by designer Banks enlighten the text.
PREMIUM
Dorothy Parker in Hollywood
The thorny, enigmatic Parker is a great subject, and Crowther’s flawlessly narrated account is recommended for any audio biography collection.
No matter how familiar readers are with the gospels, the stories Pagels has woven together offer new takes on who Jesus was and what it means to bring facts to faith with clarity and curiosity.
Little has been available heretofore about Crouch other than his 1974 autobiography Through It All, so Darden and Newby are to be commended for this title, likely to become the definitive exploration of this influential artist.
Slater’s thorough research and astute analyses of cinematic themes make this an exemplary biography of a filmmaking pioneer.
Purnell’s relatable biography of a little-understood stateswoman and political influencer is illuminating and remains highly relevant, though nearly three decades have passed since her death. This vigorous account is recommended for fans of Purnell’s Clementine.
Sensitively drawn and without hindsight judgment, Sen’s biography of Oberon depicts a determined woman who triumphed at a high personal cost.
Readers who enjoy richly detailed biographies that read like fiction will appreciate Hoffman’s latest. Many will note comparisons to modern televangelists and women religious leaders.
Practitioners in women’s and cinema history and general readers will appreciate information about this trailblazing pioneer.
PREMIUM
Love You Madly, Holly Woodlawn: A Walk on the Wild Side with Andy Warhol’s Most Fabulous Superstar
Should interest pop culture enthusiasts and fans of Woodlawn and Warhol.
Despite Restall’s Bowie asides, this is a magnificent overview of John’s music and legacy; an excellent addition to the plethora of music criticism.
Fascinating insight into the lives of two remarkable women who may be unfamiliar to readers in the United States. Especially recommended for readers interested in biographies about royals.
This is definitely a book for readers familiar with Drysdale and fans of baseball. It’s a good story about a time gone by.
This essential title expertly educates readers about the early development of the AME church, Quinn, and his efforts to preach literacy and to ensure that people were safe from enslavement.
This essential biography holds valuable lessons for teams and leaders working for change in their communities.
PREMIUM
Doc Watson: A Life in Music
The combination of meticulous research and fluent writing makes this title important for anyone interested in Doc Watson or the evolution of old-time, traditional, and folk music over the past 90 years.
Alford’s smart prose will captivate readers and leave music fans with thoughtful questions about Mitchell and her musical influence.
Gaynor’s recent passing and the lack of other biographies on her should generate some interest in this volume, but it is primarily a surface-level recounting of her life and work.
This superb audiobook concisely outlines the steps taken by ambitious individuals who were instrumental to the Nazi cause. The riveting biographies invite listeners to consider the human toll that is exacted when an allegedly civilized nation self-destructs.
Easily the most comprehensive and scholarly work ever written on Francis of Assisi, this highly recommended work belongs in all religious collections.
A highly detailed book about Hooke and his significant contributions to science and research; includes numerous historical illustrations, a bibliography, and references. Best for scholars.
A central figure in the Harlem Renaissance, the members of ABBA, and the outlaw Belle Starr are among the subjects of this month's key life stories.
A rigorously researched and exceptionally narrated biography revealing the complexity of a storied U.S. icon.
Cordery’s well-researched biography, illustrating how Arden’s strategies continue to shape the beauty industry, is highly recommended for aspiring business leaders or anyone interested in cosmetics and fashion.
For larger public libraries where patrons have an interest in books about race in the United States or product biographies.
Hendrickson’s account will appeal to listeners interested in World War II and the psychological aftereffects of war.
With a wealth of unpublished juicy material that celebrity mavens will devour, this is a moving and tragic story of how mental illness derailed a stellar career.
A welcome and long-overdue biography of an important blues figure, for fans, musicians, and researchers.
Drawing on both primary sources and academic theory, Maxwell makes a compelling argument that is both relevant and moving. This book will appeal most to advanced readers and researchers interested either in Carson’s life and work or the interplay between queer and environmental theory.
A distinctive, memorable story that powerfully shows what it takes to survive as a political prisoner in the U.S. Pair with Better, Not Bitter by Yusef Salaam, one of the Central Park Exonerated Five.
Ron Chernow writes an epic biography about Mark Twain, Tourmaline offers a biography of activist Marsha P. Johnson, and Michelle Young reveals French Resistance hero Rose Valland's life as a spy.
Highly recommended to readers of British history and particularly those interested in the political life of Britain during Victoria’s reign.
This introduction to Chisolm’s writings and speeches is enlightening, highly relevant, and well-crafted.
Recommended for general readers who enjoy swift-paced historical biographies. Those seeking the heroic and the romantic will find much to enjoy.
Strongly recommended for readers who love history. Bradley is scrupulously fair in his judgment of Van Buren.
An informative, if somewhat overlong consideration of the Cold War and a spy who was caught in the middle.
Pop confectionery with surprising depth, much like its subject. For Swift fans and those who love them.
Other than Perkins’s own 1996 autobiography, little has been published about him, and Apter admirably fills the gap with this detailed and emotionally charged biography.
Filled with tidbits such as the origin of the famous golf swing and humanizing stories of regret over losing his first wife to divorce and his son to a car accident, Zehme expertly fully captures a full portrait of Carson.
A wonderful read for NBA fans or people interested in the story of a teenager who left his home to pursue his dreams.
Melinda French Gates offers personal anecdotes and guidance on how to navigate transitions, Top Chef’s Kristen Kish writes a memoir, and the creator of @PoetsSquareCats pens a memoir about community and cats.
Parr never overreaches or preaches. He doesn’t slight Malcolm’s rigidities but he enriches readers’ appreciation of one of the most influential spokespersons of a tumultuous age.
Hughes-Hallett vividly describes the politics and culture of the era in this fascinating biography for readers of British history.
A laudatory biography that is a must-read for any fan of Randy Newman, popular culture, and the creative process.
Filled with vignettes and details revealing Higgins’s insider view of life at the Vatican, this highly recommended book often has the friendly and joyous feel of someone talking about a dear friend. Pair with Elisabetta Piqué’s Pope Francis: Life and Revolution or Francis: A Pope for Our Time by Luis Rosales and Daniel Olivera.
PREMIUM
American Flygirl
Though the audio suffers from some narratorial flaws, Ankeny’s book is a fascinating study of a courageous Chinese American aviator.
A highly recommended, refreshing, and hilarious counterpoint to the often-negative stereotypes associated with aging. Pair with Nora Ephron’s I Feel Bad About My Neck or Steven Petrow’s Stupid Things I Won’t Do When I Get Old.
Award–winning author Bernice L. McFadden and actor Ione Skye offer memoirs while biographies feature F1 race car driver Sir Lewis Hamilton and three free-spirited Victorians on a quest to decipher cuneiform.
This gripping title will appeal to readers interested in how the lives of people with disabilities are impacted by architecture, access, clothing, employment, transportation, and mobility. It will also interest people working with or providing services as caregivers, social workers, think tanks, and more.
Well-written and thoroughly researched using numerous primary and family sources. Readers who enjoy comedy and entertainment history will find this particularly absorbing.
This updated biography adds to the currency of Bush’s work and will interest her fans and fans of music biographies.
A memoir from legendary dancer and singer Josephine Baker receives its first U.S. publication, while notable authors Jennifer Finney Boylan and Geraldine Brooks share reflections on their experiences.
While several bios about Kennedy are on the market, this collection of eyewitness tales feels fresh and heartfelt.
A remarkable tale that’s enriched with few words and plenty of neutral-toned illustrations. It beautifully spotlights movement and the music of Pärt.
Recommended for both jazz enthusiasts and readers exploring any of the music genres that have evolved from jazz over the past six decades.
This volume includes fascinating stories about Wynette and Jones, but fans might wish for more of those and fewer digressions in the first part of the book. For comprehensive country music collections.
This illuminating book sheds light on brothers at least as influential as the Warners, but lesser known in cinematic popular culture.
Smyth deftly spotlights a sardonically witty woman and film pioneer whose contributions are little known. Film students and biography readers will be delighted.
This well-researched biography is recommended for business history collections. A fun related read, Louise Claire Johnson’s Behind the Red Door, offers insight from an Arden intern who worked there in the early 2000s.
Scholars and devotees of Hollywood’s Golden Age will enjoy these considerations of important women in film history.
Foodie memoirs, an indie rocker's life story, and multiple books that wrestle with racial justice are on offer this month, along with a memoir from The Book Thief author Markus Zusak.
A most moving, memorable memoir that expertly incorporates sensory details. Readers will be able to easily envision de Bastion’s grandfather, his love of music and great talent for it, his strength and resilience during the war, and the power of his music to keep him alive.
A motivational, recommended autobiography of a remarkable civil rights activist. Pair with Gal Beckerman’s The Quiet Before.
A frank critique of the disability rights movement. Recommended for readers interested in activism and social justice.
A most moving, memorable memoir that expertly incorporates sensory details. Readers will be able to easily envision de Bastion’s grandfather, his love of music and great talent for it, his strength and resilience during the war, and the power of his music to keep him alive.
Explore the varied landscape of social sciences publishing via LJ’s top picks in anthropology, parapsychology, parenting, economics, memoir, and more.
This lavishly illustrated book with stunning, oversized photos gives a straightforward, accurate, but often-told synopsis of the life and music of the man known as the King of Rock and Roll. Will appeal to Elvis fans, music lovers, and readers who enjoy perusing titles with strong and plentiful images.
PREMIUM
Starring Joan Crawford: The Films, the Fantasy, and the Modern Relevance of a Silver Screen Icon
An enjoyable read that stands out among the numerous books written about Crawford over the years.
On offer this month are a debut memoir from global activist Jaha Marie Dukureh, a biography about Edna Ferber, and two memoirs that reflect on learning the crafts of carpentry and woodworking.
This biography’s candid photos and collections of images present an intimate glimpse into Vega’s life, work, and influence as an artist and performer.
A remarkable biography of a gifted surgeon whose professional journey took off at a time when many his age were already looking back on their careers. Yacoub’s story embodies what one determined individual can do by pushing boundaries and advocating for those in need.
An unflinching, focused story of the Holocaust, seen through the lens of Mandl’s brutal actions and subsequent trial and execution. Devastating but worth every minute.
The Little Tramp’s triumphs and shortcomings will captivate listeners who want to know what led to his professional exile from the U.S. during the Red Scare years.
PREMIUM
Ian Fleming: The Complete Man
A captivating account of Fleming’s covert operations during World War II and his Bond-like personal life. Recommended for history buffs, particularly those with an interest in WWII espionage.
Reed’s elegant delivery and diction enhance Dykstra’s delightful portrait of a visionary Gilded Age art collector. Recommended for art history buffs and those who enjoyed Douglass Shand-Tucci’s The Art of Scandal.
Although the audio is somewhat flawed, music aficionados will find much food for thought in this impressive biography of a remarkable artist and performer.
PREMIUM
August Wilson: A Life
A definitive debut, recommended for larger audio collections where biographies by acclaimed writers, such as Ron Chernow and Doris Kearns Goodwin, are popular.
This excellent exploration of an important actor’s life may appeal to those fascinated by Jennifer Keishin Armstrong’s When Women Invented Television or Nghi Vo’s Wong-inspired fantasy novel The Siren Queen.
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