The autobiography is an interesting genre. It can be fascinating as a great novel, educational as a documentation of a specific time and place, and inspiring and motivating as a self-help book.
I love reading other people’s stories. Learning about their dreams and what it took them to realize those dreams. The hardships, the struggles, the perseverance, the creativity.
Also, no matter how much we cram into our little lives, our experiences will always be limited in some ways, like the time and place we’re born to or the path that we choose. Autobiographies make it possible to expand these experiences. Otherwise, I would have no chance to imagine what it was like living as a writer in Paris in the 1920s, being a rock star, a world-famous artist, or the most influential leader of a country.
Other than living through these experiences, reading about them is probably the next best thing.
So, take a look at these 5 awesome books chronicling incredible stories of fascinating people. I can guarantee that they will give you a big dose of inspiration to dare to follow your own path and dreams.
Counselor. A Life at the Edge of History by Theodore Sorensen
Sorensen was an influential advisor to President Kennedy and helped shape one of the most thrilling eras of the 20th century. His life was nothing short of amazing. He was probably one of the most talented speechwriters in modern history. He worked for Kennedy during his campaign and became an important advisor during his brief Presidency. He then had a career as an international lawyer, advising governments around the world, as well as major international corporations, while also being involved in numerous campaigns and public policy issues. For anyone interested in behind-the-scenes politics and how history is made, this book is a must read.
It’s really hard to judge someone’s character simply through his words, but in this case, Sorensen’s sheer talent, humbleness, dedication to democratic ideals, and his loyalty to Kennedy and his legacy just really shine through. I feel like we would all benefit if our politicians were a little bit more like him.
Prince of Darkness. 50 years reporting in Washington by Robert D. Novak
With a nickname of “Prince of Darkness”, it probably comes as no surprise that Novak was not an easy person to deal with. Still, even his controversial image cannot cloud the fact that he was one of the most influential people of 20th century American journalism.
He was at one point one of the five most read columnists in the US. He was the ultimate insider in DC politics. He worked for CNN for 25 years. He was involved in debates and controversies, often at the center of debates about the role and ethics of journalism. Although he was regarded as a celebrated icon of the conservative movement, that did not deter him from throwing punches left and right and disagreeing with almost every administration of the last 30 years.
This memoir offers us a front-row seat to witness political history, and be a part of the thrilling world of reporting and investigative journalism before the age of the Internet, 5 minutes news-cycles, and leaked YouTube videos.
Open by Andre Agassi
Even though I’m a huge tennis fan, I would never have thought that this book could be this interesting, dramatic, honest, and darkly witty at the same time. From a world-class player, such an Agassi, you would expect a glorification of talent and hard work, a story of chasing dreams and achieving victory with dedication and constant practice. But his story is the exact opposite.
It’s a story of a little boy pushed by his father from the age of 1 towards a sports career. A story of a teenager constantly rebelling against rules. A story of an athlete rediscovering inner passions and perseverance. A story of dark moments and uplifting turns. A story of cutthroat rivalries (Boris Becker) and fairy-tale loves (Steffi Graf). A story definitely worth knowing. And not just for the sports fans.
I’ll drink to that by Betty Halbreich
Chances are, you have never heard of Betty Halbreich. I for sure haven’t, before I read her memoir. Which is a shame, because she is simply amazing.
She practically invented personal shopping and has been the legendary personal shopper at Bergdorf Goodman for forty years. She has worked with royals and politicians, Oscar winners and designers, as well as private clients, transforming styles, wardrobes, confidences, and thus women along the way.
Despite an upper middle-class upbringing, she truly is a self-made woman. She started her career well into her forties after a broken marriage, after raising two kids, after a nervous breakdown and a stint in a mental institution. She paid her dues, started at the bottom, and then, with her talent of seeing the best in and for women, reached New York icon status. You will find the behind-the-scene stories of what it’s like to dress famous and rich people in this book, but it’s just so much more than that. A truly unique memoir of a fascinating personality.
Scar Tissue by Anthony Kiedis
This book by Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers delivers, at least on the first glimpse, everything you would expect from the life of a rock star. Sex, drugs, rock’n roll, crazy creativity with even crazier adventures. I’m not sure it did a lot to increase Kiedis’ likeability. He often seems self-absorbed, reckless, full of himself. He brags about his womanizing ways and his successes. But it’s also a deeply moving portrait of the dark side of a glamorous life and the destructive cycles of addiction. And this latter is what makes this autobiography a really compelling and thrilling read.
Hope you’ll enjoy these books and share your own favorites!
