So this year’s challenge is a bit different and as promised each month we’ll give you a list of suggested books for each category. For January we asked the Cwts Discussion Group to recommend their favourite Biographies and Memoirs, these are just a few of the many:
When Breath Becomes Air – Paul Kalanithi
At the age of thirty-six, on the verge of completing a decade’s training as a neurosurgeon, Paul Kalanithi was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer. One day he was a doctor treating the dying, the next he was a patient struggling to live.
Born with Teeth – Kate Mulgrew
We know Kate Mulgrew for the strong women she’s played–Captain Janeway on Star Trek; the tough-as-nails “Red” on Orange is the New Black. Now, we meet the most inspiring and memorable character of all: herself.
Let’s Pretend This Never Happened – Jenny Lawson
Have you ever been followed to school by your father’s herd of turkeys, mistaken a marriage proposal for an attempted murder or got your arm stuck inside a cow? OK, maybe that’s just Jenny Lawson!
Let’s Pretend This Never Happened US
Let’s Pretend This Never Happened UK
George: A Memory of George Michael – Sean Smith
George is the story of two extraordinary lives – the private man and the public legend. Georgios Panayiotou was just eighteen when he decided to adopt the stage name of George Michael. Sometimes his two worlds would collide with shattering consequences.
Born A Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood – Trevor Noah
The compelling, inspiring, (often comic) coming-of-age story of Trevor Noah, set during the twilight of apartheid and the tumultuous days of freedom that followed.
Reckless – Chrissie Hynde
That Chrissie Hynde is alive to tell the tale is, by her own admission, something of a miracle. Throughout she is brutally honest, wryly humorous and always highly entertaining. She has written one of the most evocative and colourful music memoirs to be published in recent years.
Alexander Hamilton – Ron Chernow
Alexander Hamilton was an illegitimate, largely self-taught orphan from the Caribbean who overcame all the odds to become George Washington’s aide-de-camp and the first Treasury Secretary of the United States.
Dylan Thomas: The Biography – Paul Ferris
First published in 1977, this biography is regarded by many as the definitive account of Dylan Thomas’ life. As the editor of Thomas’ letters, Paul Ferris had access to many of the intimate sources and, since Caitlin Thomas’ death, has discovered 90 unpublished letters, many to Caitlin herself.
My Wicked, Wicked Ways – Errol Flynn
A hero to millions who adored his portrayals of Robin Hood and Fletcher Christian, Errol Flynn lived a life that far surpassed any adventure he ever acted out on screen: exotic travels, criminal exploits, passionate love affairs, violent confrontations, scandals, and international fame.
A Life in Parts – Bryan Cranston
Bryan Cranston’s profile has skyrocketed, due to his portrayal of chemistry teacher turned drug manufacturer Walter White. Told with honesty and intrigue this will be Bryan’s first – and – definitive autobiography. It is the ultimate book for the fans of BREAKING BAD.
Obviously these are just a few suggestions, we also have a list of For Reading Addicts 15 Favourite Memoirs written by Men or 20 Favourite Memoirs written by Women
Pick a Biography or Memoir using our lists or pick one off your TBR pile but don’t forget to let us know what you’re reading over on Cwts Club Discussion Group on Facebook
For Reading Addicts Reading Challenge 2024
For Reading Addicts Reading Challenge 2023 – Read a Rainbow – October