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The fervent public interest during the Depp vs. Heard trial will likely carry through to this book, though readers might pick it up more for a chance to relive the events than to engage with the authors’ deeper points.
Nothing is missing from this recounting of Verne’s life, but there’s also very little new information.
Well-researched and beautifully paced, this biography does not completely rewrite Brontë’s story. Still, it will layer onto it grief and anger in ways that further humanize the woman, the writer, and her works.
A Greek tragedy of a story detailing the rise and fall of White and Saint-Gaudens in Gilded Age NYC. Some readers may wish for more depth and exploration, but Wiencek delivers entertainment and a fast pace.
Mazor successfully strives for an expansive, nostalgia-evoking tone while not avoiding controversial subjects.
This glimpse into the world of taxidermy will delight museum geeks, while the history of ornithological forensic investigation will appeal to birders and fans of Forensic Files, Bones, and the various CSI series.
Among the many biographies of Earhart, Shapiro’s stands out with its melding of the aviator’s story with that of her less famous husband. Fans of aviation history will find this an engaging read.
Bestselling biographer Taraborrelli provides a unique perspective on JFK’s character and evolution, making this a riveting exploration for the millions of readers still fascinated by the Kennedy family’s dynamics and legacy.
A compelling, richly contextualized portrait of a woman whose life reframes and challenges familiar Revolutionary War narratives. A valuable addition to biography and history collections.
PREMIUM
The Acid Queen: The Psychedelic Life and Counterculture Rebellion of Rosemary Woodruff Leary
This biography also serves as a history of the psychedelic movement of the 1960s. Calahan shows that the less-known Rosemary Woodruff Leary played an integral role in the psychedelic movement as well as in the broader counterculture of the era.
This compelling adventure story of two people sailing around the world without radios or electronics has emotional depth.
A critical work on resilience and the human cost of war, offering both intimacy and rigor. Amelina’s book will stand as a testament to the power of storytelling in times of crisis as a vital contribution to the literature of war.
While lacking Eastwood’s participation or interviews with those closest to him, Levy still presents a fascinating, well-researched portrait of a complicated visionary talent.
This biography rewards Dylanists and those interested in the developing folk scene and cultural milieu of the 1960s.
A thoroughly researched chronicle of Leonard and his literary career. Likely to be popular where Brian Jay Jones’s and Walter Isaacson’s biographies circulate well.
An exemplary volume, well-researched and well-written and suited for anyone interested in U.S. history, the Civil War, and American jurisprudence.
This belongs in both public and academic libraries and will open a new discussion of Twain’s cultural standing, as Chernow’s previous biographies have also accomplished.
A terrific, well-written biography of an American original who died too young. Recommended for midcentury enthusiasts, followers of fashion, and readers who enjoyed Inventing the Modern: Untold Stories of the Women Who Shaped the Museum of Modern Art or Julie Satow’s When Women Ran Fifth Avenue.
An interesting look at one of the lesser-studied Founders, in which Randall contextualizes an important figure in U.S. history.
Purdum’s access to the Arnaz family and unpublished records allows him to essentially fact-check the memoirs written by Arnaz and Ball, and his honest reflection of a complicated man is poignant and heartfelt.
PREMIUM
Judy Garland: The Voice of MGM
Brogan excels at detailing the breadth of Garland’s career alongside the highs and lows of her personal life. This sizeable (11 x 8.5 in.) and fully illustrated book is best for libraries with larger performing arts sections.
This thoughtful audio biography sheds light on Davis’s multifaceted career, offering valuable insights into Black history and the broader American political landscape during a period of social upheaval and transformation. Recommended for fans of Darryl Littleton’s Black Comedians on Black Comedy or those interested in the intersection of entertainment, race, and culture.
A substantial and engaging biography that contributes significantly to the history of jazz in the United States.
Neal provides a well-researched look at a key figure in American literary history, bringing her back into the public eye. Recommended for researchers and readers with an interest in mid-1800s literary history.
This academic analysis will interest film students and general audiences intrigued by the prolific film auteur’s works.
A fascinating, detailed biography of an enigmatic musician with a new author’s note and some updates since the 2022 edition. Recommended for libraries without an earlier copy.
A very personal interpretive biography about an actor who deserves to be remembered, but readers may wish for more Robert and less Joanna.
Writing a balanced but heartfelt account that general readers will find riveting, Sheff characterizes Ono as a strong, brilliant, hard-working experimental artist and musician who battled racism and sexism in a largely solitary life.
Though these actors are mostly unknown today, movie mavens will lap up Wagner’s book. This is Hollywood Babylon for “B” movie stars.
With its richly detailed historical context, this biography will entertain readers seeking a deeper understanding of the Cold War era.
This book should have broad appeal, thanks to its previously unsung World War II Resistance spy heroine and the rich details of her exploits, making it ideal for fans of espionage and strong narrative nonfiction that reads like a compelling novel.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Hendrickson’s account will appeal to listeners interested in World War II and the psychological aftereffects of war.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pop confectionery with surprising depth, much like its subject. For Swift fans and those who love them.
An informative, if somewhat overlong consideration of the Cold War and a spy who was caught in the middle.
Strongly recommended for readers who love history. Bradley is scrupulously fair in his judgment of Van Buren.
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.
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.
PREMIUM
American Flygirl
Though the audio suffers from some narratorial flaws, Ankeny’s book is a fascinating study of a courageous Chinese American aviator.
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