10 inspiring biographies worth reading

It is exceedingly difficult to limit the list of biographies to only 10. Since childhood, I have been attracted to inspiring stories of people who have achieved great things, overcome adversity, displayed courage, brilliance, generosity, and in general made the world better. Here, in no particular order, is my list of 10 memorable biographies that delve into the lives of a variety of fascinating individuals. 

 

1. “Personal History” by Katherine Graham. Born to wealth, she was the shy partner to her charismatic husband. After his suicide, she took up the reins of The Washington Post and steered it with resolve through some of the most challenging times in news and politics.

 

2. “Leonardo da Vinci” by Walter Isaacson. A comprehensive profile of this remarkable man. Genius does not do him justice. Da Vinci’s body of work is astonishing and his talents seemingly limitless.

 

3. “Lady In Waiting: My Extraordinary Life in the Shadow of the Crown” by Anne Glenconnor. For all those fans obsessed with British royalty and Downton Abbey, here is the real life story of British upper classes and their relationship to the Crown.

 

4. “Alexander Hamilton” by Ron Chernow. Needs no introduction.

 

5. “Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage” by Alfred Lansing. The story of Earnest Shackleton and his life of exploration centering on his voyage to Antarctica. His life and that of Perry Fawcett, both of them members of the Royal Geographical Society, introduced me to the incredible adventures of people willing to risk everything to explore the reaches of the natural world.

 

6. “Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption” by Laura Hillenbrand. The inspirational story of Louis Zamperini, Olympian and soldier, shot down over the Pacific and taken to a POW camp in Japan. Personal strength, faith, selflessness, courage were the foundations of his life.

 

7. “Cleopatra: A Life” by Stacy Schiff. Forget everything you think you know about this woman. She ruled the Ancient World and created a new world order with her savvy political machinations. A must-read before traveling to Egypt.

 

8. “Educated” by Tara Westover. How to overcome religious obsession, mental health issues, and family dysfunction to become a functional member of society. This woman has grit.

 

9. “Becoming” by Michele Obama. The real hero in this story is Marian Robinson, Michelle’s mother. This is not a political book, rather it is the story of how Marian relied on faith, family, and education to help her children reach their full potential.

 

10. “First: Sandra Day O’Connor” by Evan Thomas. The admirable life of the first female justice to sit on the U.S. Supreme Court. Again, education, hard work, faith, and determination are the bedrock for a distinguished life.

 

For more, go to beckysbookclub.com.