Biographies & Memoirs

If you find the royal family captivating, this book offers a rare glimpse behind the palace gates. It's for anyone keen to delve into Princess Diana's personal experiences and struggles, told with a candor that's both heartbreaking and enlightening. It's like finding a secret diary, offering a humanizing perspective on one of the most iconic figures of our time.

This book is a must-read for anyone who loves sports, especially cycling. Lizzie Armitstead's story is not just about her accomplishments on the bike, but also about the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated sport. Her determination and resilience will inspire you to never give up on your dreams, no matter the obstacles. Get ready to be moved by her intense and inspiring journey towards sporting triumph.

If you're fascinated by the collision of personal drive and scientific breakthrough, "A Life Decoded" might just captivate you. Venter's story is not just a narrative of scientific achievement; it's a personal odyssey that defies the odds. It's for anyone who appreciates the human element in the pursuit of knowledge, and the transformative power of ambition and intellect in overcoming life's obstacles. Plus, it offers a front-row seat to the politics and drama that accompany major scientific endeavors.

This biography of Einstein offers a rare glimpse into the life of one of the greatest minds in history. Through captivating storytelling, Ronald W. Clark brings out the human side of Einstein, showcasing his struggles, emotions, and deeply held beliefs. From his humble beginnings in the Swiss Alps to his complicated personal life and profound contributions to science, this book will inspire and entertain, leaving you with a profound appreciation for the man behind the genius.

If you're intrigued by the personal side of historical figures, you'll find "Barbara Bush: A Memoir" quite engaging. It's a rare glimpse into the experiences that shaped the life of a First Lady and her family, bringing you into the corridors of power with honesty and emotion. Whether it's the joys or the sorrows, Barbara Bush writes with a candidness that's both refreshing and deeply human.

If you're looking for inspiration wrapped in authenticity, Patricia St. John’s autobiography will resonate with you. Her story isn't just about the challenges she faced, but how her faith provided a beacon through her life's work. It's a testament to living with purpose and grace, offering practical wisdom for anyone seeking to infuse their daily life with deeper meaning.

"Long Way Round" might just resonate with your inner adventurer. As you immerse yourself in the experiences of Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman, you'll feel the pull of the open road and the camaraderie that comes with tackling the world's toughest terrains on two wheels. It's an honest, vivid account of friendship and the unpredictability of travel, offering an inspiring escape into the wild from the comfort of your favorite reading nook.

This book is a poignant memoir of Adeline Yen Mah's difficult childhood in a wealthy Chinese family. It highlights themes of family dynamics, cultural clashes, and resilience. Readers who appreciate candid accounts of personal struggles and triumphs will find this book compelling and thought-provoking.

As you sift through the racks of hand-picked fashion, imagine diving into a story that's just as authentic and intriguing. "You Cannot Be Serious" isn't just a trip down memory lane with tennis legend John McEnroe. It's an unfiltered glimpse into the life of a man who redefined not just a sport, but celebrity culture. You'll feel like you're having a one-on-one with the man himself, sitting courtside to his triumphs, tantrums, and transformations. If you're into stories that serve raw human emotion and a dash of nostalgia, this is your ace.

A Lotus Grows in the Mud is a must-read for those who seek inspiration and guidance in their own lives. Goldie Hawn's memoir is an honest account of her search for spirituality, wisdom, and understanding. Through her ups and downs, Hawn shows the reader that life is a journey towards self-discovery and personal growth. Her candid stories about family, love, and relationships make this book relatable to many readers. The book inspires readers to embrace life, learn from it, and enjoy it to the fullest.

"The Lady in the Van" offers a rare glimpse into the peculiar dynamics of human connection. Bennett's experience with Miss Shepherd, an unconventional neighbor turned long-term resident in his garden, is not only a story about compassion and boundary-setting but also a witty and heartwarming reflection on the quirks of human nature. This memoir will resonate with anyone who appreciates the beauty of unexpected relationships and the humor found in life's oddities.

Shift is an impeccable example of bold business innovation and inspiring leadership. Carlos Ghosn's story is a testament to how taking risks and breaking traditional thinking can lead to unparalleled success. It's a must-read for anyone looking for insight on how to lead their teams towards success in the face of adversity.

If you're a fan of John Barrowman, particularly his work on shows like Torchwood, "Anything Goes" is a treasure trove of insights into both his professional and personal life. Not just a typical celebrity story, this autobiography weaves raw honesty with Barrowman's infectious charisma. It's a backstage pass to the ups and downs that shaped him, told with the warmth you'd expect from a conversation with the man himself. Whether it's tales from the theatre or the road to coming out, you'll finish this book feeling like you've really gotten to know John Barrowman.

In 1990, IBM had its most profitable year ever. By 1993, the computer industry had changed so rapidly the company was on its way to losing $16 billion and IBM was on a watch list for extinction -- victimized by its own lumbering size, an insular corporate culture, and the PC era IBM had itself helped invent. Then Lou Gerstner was brought in to run IBM. Almost everyone watching the rapid demise of this American icon presumed Gerstner had joined IBM to preside over its continued dissolution into a confederation of autonomous business units. This strategy, well underway when he arrived, would have effectively eliminated the corporation that had invented many of the industry's most important technologies. Instead, Gerstner took hold of the company and demanded the managers work together to re-establish IBM's mission as a customer-focused provider of computing solutions. Moving ahead of his critics, Gerstner made the hold decision to keep the company together, slash prices on his core product to keep the company competitive, and almost defiantly announced, "The last thing IBM needs right now is a vision." Who Says Elephants Can't Dance? tells the story of IBM's competitive and cultural transformation. In his own words, Gerstner offers a blow-by-blow account of his arrival at the company and his campaign to rebuild the leadership team and give the workforce a renewed sense of purpose. In the process, Gerstner defined a strategy for the computing giant and remade the ossified culture bred by the company's own success. The first-hand story of an extraordinary turnaround, a unique case study in managing a crisis, and a thoughtful reflection on the computer industry and the principles of leadership, Who Says Elephants Can't Dance? sums up Lou Gerstner's historic business achievement. Taking readers deep into the world of IBM's CEO, Gerstner recounts the high-level meetings and explains the pressure-filled, no-turning-back decisions that had to be made. He also offers his hard-won conclusions about the essence of what makes a great company run. In the history of modern business, many companies have gone from being industry leaders to the verge of extinction. Through the heroic efforts of a new management team, some of those companies have even succeeded in resuscitating themselves and living on in the shadow of their former stature. But only one company has been at the pinnacle of an industry, fallen to near collapse, and then, beyond anyone's expectations, returned to set the agenda. That company is IBM. Lou Gerstener, Jr., served as chairman and chief executive officer of IBM from April 1993 to March 2002, when he retired as CEO. He remained chairman of the board through the end of 2002. Before joining IBM, Mr. Gerstner served for four years as chairman and CEO of RJR Nabisco, Inc. This was preceded by an eleven-year career at the American Express Company, where he was president of the parent company and chairman and CEO of its largest subsidiary. Prior to that, Mr. Gerstner was a director of the management consulting firm of McKinsey & Co., Inc. He received a bachelor's degree in engineering from Dartmouth College and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

"The Downing Street Years" could be a good read for those interested in politics and history. The unique feature of the book is that it provides a detailed account of Margaret Thatcher's tenure as a British Prime Minister, covering her foreign policies and her relationships with other world leaders. Reviewed as a well-written and insightful memoir, this book is a must-read for anyone wanting to understand the Britain of the 1980s, Thatcherism, and the lasting impact of Thatcher on British politics.