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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.
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.
This is a fine work that sheds light on the nearly forgotten story of a consequential figure in French history.
An exceptionally narrated study of Adams’s life and his ideas of fairness and democracy; highly recommended.
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.
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.
McCormick conveys a wild enthusiasm for his research and the music of Robert Johnson that readers will find contagious.
A notable book about remarkable women that could have subsequent volumes. Recommended for readers interested in these authors or in 20th-century literature.
PREMIUM
Barkley: A Biography
As it’s been two decades since the last biography of Barkley, this new narrative is a useful update.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Diemer rightly situates Still amid the center of the efforts against slavery and supplies an inviting narrative of the 19th-century fight between Black Americans and white supremacist oppression.
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.
An excellent, well-researched biography with insights, firsthand accounts, and an extensive bibliography section. Highly recommended for all interested in sports.
PREMIUM
Claude Rains: An Invisible Man
With extensive photographs, notes, and bibliography, this is a notable and detailed tribute to an actor who deserves to be remembered.
A scholarly book on the life, triumphs, and heartbreaks of Abraham Lincoln’s life, but general readers may enjoy it too. This is a title that will likely be a fruitful one for all levels of book discussion groups.
An informative, inspirational work by a leading political journalist; an essential purchase for public and academic libraries.
. This engaging and well-researched biography reads like a novel and should appeal to readers interested in journalism, women’s studies, and adventure tales alike.
A rewarding read for scholars of Southern and 20th-century historical references in the United States.
A Suzuki biography will surely interest music educators and historians, but Hotta’s book (which encapsulates a century of Japanese history) will also appeal to general audiences seeking a musical lens on history.
Useful and perhaps even fascinating for readers interested in Hinduism or in scholarly literature on Vivekananda.
Shakur delivers an evocative, intimate, and also analytical exploration of self and various political landscapes. This beautifully written memoir is an absolute must-read.
Will appeal to scholars and general readers interested in popular conceptions of Washington and American masculinity.
Zachry’s memoir (a heavy read that warrants content warnings) is valuable for its articulation and contextualization of mental health issues. Recommended for all general collections.
A sensitive biography that fleshes out the personal life of a private artist who was a product of his time. Fisher’s work complements and expands on previous Sargent biographies, including Stanley Olson’s comprehensive 1986 book John Singer Sargent: His Portrait.
PREMIUM
Quilt of Souls
A testament to her grandmother and the women who made an impact on her childhood, Elmore’s text is an ideal choice for readers interested in memoir and history, plus stories about Black women, feminism, and quilting.
PREMIUM
Anna: The Biography
This masterful audiobook, both dishy and elegant, will appeal to listeners interested in fashion, magazine journalism, and the lives and career paths of successful businesswomen. Highly recommended.
Utilizing a wide variety of resources and some author interviews, Jones’s book is an exemplary examination of Fagen’s music and life and will appeal to Steely Dan fans.
Focused more on Bay’s journey than on her mother’s, this memoir may appeal to other adopted children searching for their roots, plus to those seeking self-realization.
Nicks fans will appreciate Morrison’s care in the details of her songwriting and the song production, but the text may be a little dry and formal for readers looking to get more personal insight into Nicks, who was not interviewed for this book.
Leerhsen’s page-turner provides a well-rounded portrait of Bourdain, acknowledging his many faults as well as his empathy, work ethic, and creativity.
A lyrical exploration of a beloved place and lifestyle steeped in the natural world, by a writer for whom quality of life supersedes the need for financial security. Will appeal to readers who relish memoirs that skillfully intertwine nature, the American West, and fishing.
This short read packs a great deal of heart and promise for readers. Aguon has written both an informational and philosophical book that will please readers interested in environmental and political issues.
This is a sincere attempt at self-discovery that will resonate with young people who suffer from similar forms of depression and anxiety.
A stunning memoir and contemporary exploration of the diversity of family dynamics and coming-out narratives.
A meticulously detailed account of the rise and fall of a mercantile dynasty that will appeal to casual history buffs and academics alike.
Readers will appreciate Bleszinski’s nostalgic journey through millennial-era gaming and pop culture.
Thomas’s extraordinary life, lived in service to community, equality, and basic human rights, will inspire readers to accept the mantle of bettering society.
A compulsively readable memoir about one of the most inflammatory recent scandals in higher education.
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