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Biographies & Memoirs

Explore the stories of remarkable lives in our Biographies & Memoirs section at Thryft. Discover firsthand accounts of influential figures and captivating memoirs that'll inspire and educate. Our collection is carefully curated to ensure you find the perfect narrative to delve into.
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Robert Graves : A Biography - Thryft
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Bruce Alvin King | Haus Publishing

Robert Graves : A Biography

$3.77 $2.00 47% off

Goodreads rating: 3.0

$3.77 $2.00 47% off

93% off est. retail
"Robert Graves: A Biography" is a must-read for anyone interested in the life of one of the 20th century's most distinguished poets. The book offers a unique glimpse into Graves' unconventional life, including his unusual relationships with strong-willed women, his search for poetic inspiration, and his experiences in the First World War. With its vivid descriptions and insightful analysis, this biography sheds new light on the life of one of the great literary figures of the past century."
Beautiful Ever After - Thryft
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Katie Piper | Quercus Publishing

Beautiful Ever After

$1.89

Goodreads rating: 4.49

$1.89

90% off est. retail
Beautiful Ever After could be a good read for anyone who enjoys uplifting memoirs about individuals triumphing over adversity. This book is a powerful sequel to Katie Piper's bestselling memoir that details her journey from recovery to new beginnings, motherhood, and finding love. It is a compelling account of her life and reveals what happened next as she rebuilt her life after the brutal rape and acid attack that left her permanently disfigured. Readers would appreciate the warmth, honesty, and courage with which Katie takes them through her story, showing them that no matter how lost they feel in life, they are never alone.
Savour - Thryft
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Tam Wai Jia | Landmark Books

Savour

$8.26

Goodreads rating: 4.33

$8.26

In the pressure to fulfil the expectations of those around you, have you forgotten dreams that have been lost and buried? Having graduated as a medical doctor, Wai Jia was encouraged to pursue a life of wealth and success. A painful journey of self-discovery, however, revealed to her that there was more to life.Marrying Cliff changed her worldview. Having survived liver cancer, his resilience brought him to complete a 14-hour IronMan endurance race after a liver transplant. A second chance at life inspired him to live purposefully to help those in need.Having had a glimpse of the brevity of their lives, the couple answered God's call to serve the poor in Africa for a season, shortly after marriage. Savour was birthed in 2015 from her desire to inspire and challenge our generation and the next to reconsider their definitions of success.Through Wai Jia's trademark paintings and powerful words, Savour makes a thought-provoking read for anyone who has had to grapple between following the footsteps of the world, and the song in one's heart. It is a powerful medium that has been used in leadership workshops in schools, youth platforms and organizations to challenge our definitions of success.There is a purpose for our lives bigger than we imagine. Is it time, to stop to savour your dreams again?Today, Wai Jia is a humanitarian doctor and the author of four books, each of which have been used to advocate for vulnerable women and children in need. She is in the process of starting Kitesong Global, a non-profit social venture that uses the power of narrative through her books and life story to catalyze projects that empower vulnerable women and children in need around the world. She has a Masters in Theology and will complete a Master in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University in 2018. All royalties from her books go towards supporting the needy.
The Singapore Story: Memoirs of Lee Kuan Yew
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Lee Kuan Yew | Times Media Private Limited

The Singapore Story: Memoirs of Lee Kuan Yew

$4.90

Goodreads rating: 4.46

$4.90

This memoir is a must-read for anyone interested in politics, leadership, and the incredible transformation of Singapore. Through the eyes of Lee Kuan Yew, the founding father of modern Singapore, you'll gain insights into his visionary leadership and the strategies he employed to turn a small, resource-poor nation into a thriving global hub. Lee's candid and pragmatic approach to governance will leave you inspired and in awe of Singapore's success story.
When Breath Becomes Air
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Paul Kalanithi, Abraham Verghese  | Random House Lcc Us

When Breath Becomes Air

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.4

$8.90

50% off est. retail
If you've ever contemplated the fleeting nature of existence or the irony of a caregiver turned patient, "When Breath Becomes Air" will speak to you deeply. Kalanithi's unique perspective as a neurosurgeon faced with his own mortality offers a raw, profound journey through the human condition, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the crossroads of life, death, and meaning.
The Billionaire Who Wasn't : How Chuck Feeney Secretly Made and Gave Away a Fortune - Thryft
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Conor O'Clery | Publicaffairs

The Billionaire Who Wasn't : How Chuck Feeney Secretly Made and Gave Away a Fortune

$5.59 $3.35 40% off

Goodreads rating: 4.08

$5.59 $3.35 40% off

92% off est. retail
This book is recommended for readers who are interested in learning about the life of an extraordinary man who chose to give away his fortune to charitable causes. It provides insight into Chuck Feeney's journey of amassing and then giving away his wealth, as well as the challenges and moral dilemmas he faced along the way. The unique and distinctive feature of this book is that it offers a rare glimpse into the world of high-stakes philanthropy and the complexities involved in managing and disbursing billions of dollars to worthy causes.
Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo - Thryft
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Amy Schumer | Simon & Schuster Export Editions

Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo

$15.90 $10.90 31% off

Goodreads rating: 3.73

$15.90 $10.90 31% off

64% off est. retail
"Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys comedy and, more importantly, honesty. Amy Schumer's essays are both funny and vulnerable, as she shares personal stories from her life and career. Her unique perspective on topics like body image and relationships is refreshing and relatable. Readers will appreciate her candidness and be left with a deeper understanding of the woman behind the comedy.
Dress Your Family In Corduroy And Denim - Thryft
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David Sedaris | Abacus

Dress Your Family In Corduroy And Denim

$9.90 $6.90 30% off

Goodreads rating: 4.11

$9.90 $6.90 30% off

60% off est. retail
Recommended for readers who enjoy humorous memoirs. Sedaris' essays are full of self-deprecating humor and sarcastic observations, providing an offbeat look at everyday life. Each story is a glimpse into his quirky family's dynamics and peculiarities, making for an entertaining and quick read.
The Last Lecture
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Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow  | Hodder & Stoughton

The Last Lecture

$3.90

Goodreads rating: 4.26

$3.90

"The Last Lecture" strikes a personal chord as it distills the life lessons Randy Pausch wanted to leave behind, particularly about achieving dreams and facing obstacles. The author doesn't focus on his impending death but chooses to highlight the vitality of life and the importance of legacy. It's an inspiring read that offers perspective on what truly matters, making it a powerful and motivating book for anyone looking to reflect on their own life and aspirations.
Elon Musk: How the Billionaire CEO of SpaceX and Tesla Is Shaping Our Future
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Ashlee Vance | Random House Export

Elon Musk: How the Billionaire CEO of SpaceX and Tesla Is Shaping Our Future

$7.90

Goodreads rating: 4.13

$7.90

68% off est. retail
If you're fascinated by modern innovators or dream of interplanetary travel, reading about Elon Musk's life could offer you both inspiration and insight. This biography paints a complex picture of a man who is shaping the future while battling personal demons, making it a compelling story for anyone curious about the human side of technological triumph.
Seven Deadly Sins : My Pursuit of Lance Armstrong - Thryft
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David Walsh | Simon & Schuster Ltd

Seven Deadly Sins : My Pursuit of Lance Armstrong

$3.18 $2.00 37% off

Goodreads rating: 4.03

$3.18 $2.00 37% off

89% off est. retail
Recommended for avid sports fans seeking truth. The book provides a gripping account of a journalist's 13-year battle to reveal the truth about Lance Armstrong's doping and conspiracy of silence within the sport. It delves deep into the murky world of professional cycling and the devastating impact on those who dare to speak up. The book is an eye-opener and a must-read for all sports enthusiasts seeking the truth about their idols.
Winning
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Suzy Welch | Harper

Winning

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.85

$8.90

If you admire leaders who transform the status quo, then Jack Welch's "Winning" could offer you more than inspiration—it's like having a mentor in paperback form. The book is celebrated for translating Welch’s storied career into actionable strategies that can guide anyone looking to soar in their professional life, regardless of the industry or scale of their ambitions. With Welch's pragmatic voice, you're not just reading; you're strategizing alongside a corporate giant.
This Is Going to Hurt
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Adam Kay | Pan Macmillan

This Is Going to Hurt

$8.26

Goodreads rating: 4.4

$8.26

51% off est. retail
Recommendation: If you're looking for a brutally honest and hilarious glimpse into the chaotic world of junior doctors, "This is Going to Hurt" is a must-read. Adam Kay's diary entries will have you laughing out loud one moment and wiping away tears the next. It's an eye-opening and emotional rollercoaster that sheds light on the highs and lows of life on the front lines of the NHS.
Glimpses and Reflections
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Wee Kim Wee | Landmark Books

Glimpses and Reflections

$12.90 $8.90 31% off

Goodreads rating: 4.16

$12.90 $8.90 31% off

68% off est. retail
"Glimpses And Reflections" would be a heart-warming trove for you if historical narratives with a personal touch appeal to you. It's not just about the high office but the journey of an individual through significant eras of change. Wee Kim Wee's candid storytelling will endear him to you, inviting you to walk through Singapore's history from an intimate perspective.
A Child Called 'It': One Child's Courage to Survive
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Dave Pelzer | Orion Books Ltd

A Child Called 'It': One Child's Courage to Survive

$9.90 $3.90 61% off

Goodreads rating: 4.14

$9.90 $3.90 61% off

72% off est. retail
A Child Called 'It' covers the early years of Dave Pelzer's life and is an affecting and inspirational memoir of one child's determination to survive.
First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers
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Loung Ung | Harper Perennial

First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.33

$8.90

64% off est. retail
This book is a gripping and harrowing memoir that takes you on a journey through the terrifying experiences of a young girl during the Cambodian genocide. Loung Ung's story is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of love and courage in the face of unimaginable brutality. If you are looking for a deeply moving and inspiring read that will stay with you long after you turn the last page, this book is for you.
Big Hearts, Big Dreams: Stories of Singaporean of the Year Nominees 2015 - 2016 - Thryft
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Wong Kim Hoh | Straits Times Press Pte Ltd

Big Hearts, Big Dreams: Stories of Singaporean of the Year Nominees 2015 - 2016

$5.07

Goodreads rating: 4.0

$5.07

80% off est. retail
This book could be a good read for those who are in need of motivation or seeking inspiration from real-life experiences. The book features the stories of individuals who have been nominated for the Singaporean of the Year award, highlighting their struggles and accomplishments. The most unique and distinctive feature of this book is the way it humanizes success and showcases the extraordinary achievements of ordinary people. Readers can expect to be creatively inspired and motivated by the journey of these Singaporeans.
Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother
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Amy Chua | Penguin Press

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother

$8.26

Goodreads rating: 3.66

$8.26

If you're intrigued by parenting styles or cultural differences, "Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother" will fascinate you. Amy Chua's candid storytelling takes you through her strict approach to parenting, which may either leave you nodding in agreement or shaking your head in disbelief. It's a remarkable narrative that doesn't just reveal the hardships and successes of a family but also ignites conversations about what we value in raising children.
Living History - Thryft
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Hillary Rodham Clinton | Scribner

Living History

$8.92

Goodreads rating: 3.76

$8.92

74% off est. retail
The Phenomenal #1 Worldwide Bestseller—With a New AfterwordHillary Rodham Clinton is known to hundreds of millions of people around the world. Yet few beyond her close friends and family have ever heard her account of her extraordinary journey. She writes with candor, humor and passion about her upbringing in suburban, middle-class America in the 1950s and her transformation from Goldwater Girl to student activist to controversial First Lady.Living History is her revealing memoir of life through the White House years. It is also her chronicle of living history with Bill Clinton, a thirty-year adventure in love and politics that survives personal betrayal, relentless partisan investigations and constant public scrutiny.Hillary Rodham Clinton came of age during a time of tumultuous social and political change in America. Like many women of her generation, she grew up with choices and opportunities unknown to her mother or grandmother. She charted her own course through unexplored terrain -- responding to the changing times and her own internal compass -- and became an emblem for some and a lightning rod for others. Wife, mother, lawyer, advocate and international icon, she has lived through America's great political wars, from Watergate to Whitewater.The only First Lady to play a major role in shaping domestic legislation, Hillary Rodham Clinton traveled tirelessly around the country to champion health care, expand economic and educational opportunity and promote the needs of children and families, and she crisscrossed the globe on behalf of women's rights, human rights and democracy. She redefined the position of First Lady and helped save the presidency from an unconstitutional, politically motivated impeachment. Intimate, powerful and inspiring, Living History captures the essence of one of the most remarkable women of our time and the challenging process by which she came to define herself and find her own voice -- as a woman and as a formidable figure in American politics.
Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter - Thryft
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Adeline Yen Mah | Broadway Books

Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter

$6.34

Goodreads rating: 3.9

$6.34

73% off est. retail
Born in 1937 in a port city a thousand miles north of Shanghai, Adeline Yen Mah was the youngest child of an affluent Chinese family who enjoyed rare privileges during a time of political and cultural upheaval. But wealth and position could not shield Adeline from a childhood of appalling emotional abuse at the hands of a cruel and manipulative Eurasian stepmother. Determined to survive through her enduring faith in family unity, Adeline struggled for independence as she moved from Hong Kong to England and eventually to the United States to become a physician and writer.A compelling, painful, and ultimately triumphant story of a girl's journey into adulthood, Adeline's story is a testament to the most basic of human needs: acceptance, love, and understanding. With a powerful voice that speaks of the harsh realities of growing up female in a family and society that kept girls in emotional chains, Falling Leaves is a work of heartfelt intimacy and a rare authentic portrait of twentieth-century China.
Caspar Lee - Thryft
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Caspar Lee, Emily Riordan Lee  | Grand Central Publishing

Caspar Lee

$3.77 $2.00 47% off

Goodreads rating: 4.08

$3.77 $2.00 47% off

95% off est. retail
"If you're a fan of Caspar Lee, this book is a must-read. Written by his mom, it's full of hilarious stories, although he claims 98% of it is lies. With anecdotes about his first day of school, his head size, and his success with the ladies, you'll be entertained from start to finish. Don't take it too seriously, but enjoy it for what it is - an amusing insight into the life of a YouTube sensation."
Blood, Sweat and Tea - Thryft
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Tom Reynolds | The Friday Project

Blood, Sweat and Tea

$7.90 $3.90 51% off

Goodreads rating: 3.84

$7.90 $3.90 51% off

80% off est. retail
Is there anyone who hasnt wondered about the state of the occupant of an ambulance, screaming along with its sirens on and blue lights flashing? And have you wondered about the other people inside the ambulance? Meet Tom Reynolds, an Emergency Medical Technician who works for the London Ambulance Service in East London. He has kept a blog of his daily working life since 2003 and his award-winning writing is, by turn, moving, cynical, funny, heart-rending, and compassionate. From the tragic to the hilarious, the stories Tom tells give a fascinatingand at times alarming picture of life in inner-city Britain, and the people who are paid to mop up after it.
Angela's Ashes - Thryft
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Frank McCourt | Harper Perennial

Angela's Ashes

$7.51

Goodreads rating: 4.14

$7.51

61% off est. retail
Angela's Ashes is a poignant memoir that highlights the resilience of human spirit amidst poverty, despair and hardships. Frank McCourt chronicles his family's struggles in Limerick, painting vivid descriptions of the trials and tribulations they face. His witty, humorous writing style is heartwarming and adds a unique flair to his storytelling. The book is highly recommended for those who enjoy autobiographical accounts, especially ones that showcase the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.
American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History
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Chris Kyle, Jim DeFelice, Scott McEwen  | Harper

American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History

$10.90 $8.26 24% off

Goodreads rating: 4.02

$10.90 $8.26 24% off

47% off est. retail
If you're drawn to real-life military heroics and the raw truths behind them, "American Sniper" offers an unflinching look into the life and mind of Chris Kyle—a Navy SEAL legend. You'll find yourself entrenched in the harrowing experiences of war and the personal sacrifice involved, providing a perspective that only someone who has been on the front lines could offer. It's more than just a tale of combat; it's a window into the impact on a soldier's family and his own internal battles.
Steve Jobs
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Walter Isaacson | Simon & Schuster

Steve Jobs

$13.90

Goodreads rating: 4.15

$13.90

72% off est. retail
If you're fascinated by the enigmatic Steve Jobs and the tech revolution he fueled, Walter Isaacson's biography is a must-read. Every page is ripe with the raw intensity of Jobs' personality and the groundbreaking innovations he led. This book doesn't just recount the life of a tech mogul; it delves deep into the psyche of a man who forever changed how we interact with technology. It's a compelling narrative that might ignite your own creativity and ambition.
A Work in Progress: A Memoir
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Connor Franta | Atria/keywords Press

A Work in Progress: A Memoir

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

Goodreads rating: 4.16

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

81% off est. retail
If you've ever felt like you're still finding your place in this vast digital landscape, Connor's story in "A Work in Progress" will speak to you. His sincere reflections on family, self-discovery, and chasing his passions are like finding a friend who understands the quieter struggles of growing up. It's not just a memoir, it's a companion for anyone navigating their own path to self-acceptance and creative fulfillment.

Dive Into Real-Life Stories

Biographies and memoirs offer unparalleled insights into the lives and minds of individuals who've shaped our world. Be it political icons, celebrities, or unsung heroes, Thryft brings you a rich assortment of stories that reveal extraordinary experiences and life lessons. Embark on a journey through time as you explore the personal tales that have influenced history and culture.