Top Biography Books
Based on community reviews & Amazon ratings
Born a Crime
growing up biracial in Apartheid; hilarious and insightful; incredible audiobook narration; touching tribute to his mother
I'm Glad My Mom Died
heartbreaking look at child stardom; deals with abusive parent; honest and funny; excellent audiobook
The Autobiography of Malcolm X
powerful transformation story; overcomes hate and anger; essential history; deeply moving
Educated
survivalist Mormon upbringing; overcome lack of education; raw and powerful; reads like a novel
The Glass Castle
dysfunctional family dynamic; poverty and resilience; beautiful and maddening; unconventional childhood
Just Kids
NYC art scene history; friendship with Mapplethorpe; beautifully written; inspiring for creatives
The Power Broker
Robert Moses biography; shaping of New York; study of power dynamics; dense but enthralling
Open
love-hate relationship with tennis; brutally honest; engaging for non-sports fans; intense life story
The Storyteller
Dave Grohl memoir; warm and funny; great audiobook narration; Nirvana and Foo Fighters history
Life
rock and roll history; brutally honest; Keith Richards' voice; drug use and survival
Steve Jobs
complex genius portrayal; flaws and brilliance; creation of Apple; definitive biography
Kitchen Confidential
restaurant industry exposé; narrated by Bourdain; gritty and real; love for food
Grant
redemption arc; detailed Civil War history; humanizing a general; masterful research
Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!
curious character; humorous science anecdotes; unconventional genius; inspiring mindset
When Breath Becomes Air
doctor becomes patient; confronting mortality; poignant and beautifully written; cathartic read