Autobiographies [Archive] - Book Club Forum

Libertate

30th September 2005, 17:30

Which biographies have you read, and which did you enjoy?

"Titan : The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr." by Ron Chernow.

In general, Rockefeller is always described as a money hungry, unscrupuoulus individual.

This book gives a much more realistic view of a man, who used almost every means to get to the top, and evade the government's net for decades.

A thick book, but constantly interesting. A perfect read for that trans-pacific flight!

The Wizard Of Oz

30th September 2005, 18:42

"Walking a Golden Mile" - William Regal with Neil Chandler

I do have another 2 wrestling biographies that I like.

Kell

18th October 2005, 17:33

Still Me by Christopher Reeve is amazingly upbeat & inspirational (as is it's follow up, but I can't recall it's title at the moment).

I also loved Lucky Man by Michael J Fox - his attitude & the way he's changed his lifestyle is amazing. Very powerful & moving.

If you want a bit of a "shocker" full of intimate revelations, then you can't beat Cybill Disobediece by Cybill Shepherd - raunchy stuff!

Michelle

7th February 2006, 14:09

I'm bumping a few of the older threads, in case our newer members have missed them... :D

Has anyone else read a good biography recently?

Maureen

7th February 2006, 14:15

I have My Manor, which is an authobiography of Charlie Richardson. It was given to me a quite a while back by a friend of mine, and I read it at the time. I have forgotten it though, so I do not remember whether it was an enjoyable read or not!

Inanna

7th February 2006, 15:22

You know I'm sure I haven't read any, well none that I can remember anyway :?

Kell

7th February 2006, 17:19

I'll be starting Letter From America by Alistair Cooke shortly - I'm not sure if it's exactly a biography, but it was certainly in that section at the book shop...

Michelle

7th February 2006, 17:38

One I read a long time ago was by Joan Crawfords daughter.. quite a harrowing read.

Kell

6th March 2006, 10:31

Mamacita

9th March 2006, 14:41

It takes a very very skillful writer to come up with a biography that keeps my interest for long. I think that's why I don't often read them. But I do enjoy watching the Biography series on A&E. Some have been excellent and you get a lot of visuals that you wouldn't get in print.

One of the best was Mary Todd Lincoln. She was a real piece of work!

wiccibat

11th March 2006, 09:39

This is going to make me sound like a biog nutter but I am fussy honest!

Bette Davis -[Title forgotten]
Lauren Bacall- [as above]
Fred Astaire -[ ditto]
David Niven- The Moons a balloon & bring on the empty horses
Graham Norton-So Me
Billy Connolly-Billy & 2nd book[title forgotten]
Monica Dickens-[ummm]
Bob monkhouse-[ooh]
Also true stories by "ordinary folk" Whose lives have been full of challenges shall we say,and how they got through.

Lilywhite

4th May 2006, 18:52

I've been looking at the Biography section in the library for a while now and have read a couple. Sharon Osbourne, Tom Finney, William Regal to name a few, and I've also started reading the 'ordinary folk, amazing stories' books too.

Are there any you would really recommend as a fantastic read.

What other wrestling ones have you read Wizard??

Kat
:catlove:

Lilywhite

27th July 2006, 10:25

Anybody read any interesting biographies lately that they would recommend???

Any with juicy gossip?? :lol:
Fascinating people??

Sugar

27th July 2006, 19:40

I've looked at this thread a couple of times and dismissed it as I don't tend to read biography. And I just realised that one of the best books I have read this year was a biography (of course I knew it was a biography at the time, I just hadn't linked it to this thread in my mind!).

It is called The Bugatti Queen: Ins earch of a motoracing legend by a much published biographer, Miranda Seymour.

I will post a review now, if anyone would like to find out more.

Louiseog

27th July 2006, 20:11

I would!

Sugar

27th July 2006, 20:17

I would!

Great - my review can now be found here (http://www.bookclubforum.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1498)

Louiseog

27th July 2006, 20:26

Thank you !

annecater

30th July 2006, 19:57

I really enjoyed Frank Skinner's autobiography, it was hilarious at times, laugh out loud by the pool stuff. I really enjoy autobiography books although I never used to.
I have also read: Anne Robinson, Sharon Osbourne, Richard & Judy, Marilyn Manson(!), Shane Ritchie, Martin Kemp, Geri Halliwall, Sheila Hancock, Billy Connelly.
I know some of these sound a little easy but I read allsorts and I like to add some light reading in between other books.
I have read loads of the 'ordinary people' life stories, but I feel that some, more recent ones have jumped on the bandwagon.
Frank McCourt's books were very good and Torey Hayden is excellent

Michelle

30th July 2006, 20:14

Welcome to the forum, by the way. :) Which of the autobiographies did you find interesting? I keep looking at Sharon Osbourne's. I didn't know Richard and Judy had written one.

annecater

30th July 2006, 21:49

Thanks for the welcome! The Richard & Judy one was great, it is a couple of years old, I gave it to a friend so dont have it anymore. It was really interesting to hear how they met and fell in love. They write a chapter each so you get different perspectives on their experiences.
Sharon Osbourne's was quite good, it was interesting to read about her background, it makes you realise why she is so family orientated when you read about her relationship with her own Dad.
Sheila Hancock's book about her life with John Thaw was very moving.
The Marilyn Manson book was strange and weird and quite disturbing, my husband had it for a holiday read and I read it when I ran out of books in Crete - very odd!
Shane Ritchie and Geri Halliwell were a bit too light if you know what I mean.

Acesare*

30th July 2006, 23:31

I want to read Angela's Ashes- the film is amazing! The only biog I've read was Alan Rickman's and it was very interesting. He's a very talented actor (and occasionally over actor!) and the book was a gift from my aunt (who is a drama teacher and also acts) because I wanted to act when I was younger. I didn't think I'd enjoy it but it was very good.

Janet

31st July 2006, 07:40

I enjoyed Angela's Ashes. From what I can remember, the film was pretty true to the book.

I haven't read many auto/biographies. I did read Martin Kemp's book, which was quite interesting, but not heavy going.

Lilywhite

31st July 2006, 10:01

I have read Sharon Osbourne's bio and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It really makes you look at her in a different light. I like the Torey Hayden books too, they are so different to anything I have read before.

scottishbookworm

24th August 2006, 01:14

I'm reading donny osmond's biography that's good! he became a grandpa at the age of 47.

it's good if you like him

I'm not really a big fan but it's a well worth read :reading:

I got Sharon osbourne's book for my birthday and also Jade goody's book too :reading:

sonic1

24th August 2006, 03:20

As I said in another thread I am reading the ultimate, and arguably first, biographer (Plutarch).

I recently read a biography on Johannes Brahms which I forgot the name of. It was a very good read, and the same author, if memory serves right, did a bio on Charles Ives which I started but didn't finish.

I am at work so I cannot look it up at the moment.

Lilywhite

24th August 2006, 08:02

I just picked up Michael Owens bio from the library , as my random choice and I also got Michael J Fox bio from the market (10p :shock:) I will be starting these soon.

scottishbookworm

24th August 2006, 14:42

I just picked up Michael Owens bio from the library , as my random choice and I also got Michael J Fox bio from the market (10p :shock:) I will be starting these soon.How are the books? any good? :typing:

Lilywhite

24th August 2006, 15:33

At the minute they are teetering near the top of my To Be Read pile. I will get round to them soon :)

Debbie

24th August 2006, 16:09

I love reading biographies. At the moment I am reading Nigel Hawthorne's. It's been on my shelf for ages and I am really enjoying it.

Peter Ustinov's autobiography, Dear Me, is good too. I first read it about 20 years ago, but I still remember it.

I also recently read autobiographies by Julian Clary and Boy George one after the other. I found them very interesting, as they are both the same age as me, near enough, so a lot of the references have resonances for me. They also grew up not very far from each other, but the differences in their lives far outweighed the similarities! Julian Clary is just so much more intelligent, and it really shows in the two books. I liked him much more after I had read the book, and I liked Boy George much less!

Debbie

Michelle

24th August 2006, 16:17

The Julian Clary one interests me too.. maybe I'll get hold of it one day.

Sugar

24th August 2006, 20:56

There was a story in one of the newspapers today (although I can't remember which one) that said that Celebrity Biographies are the books that readers are most likely to put aside without finishing them. I thought that was quite interesting!

scottishbookworm

25th August 2006, 02:11

when I was on holiday in spain I took a book written by gloria hunniford about her daughter caron Keaton that died of breast cancer. :good: but it was sad

annecater

25th August 2006, 22:00

I have quite a few biogs on my TBR pile:
Ronnie O Sullivan
Julian Cleary
Anthony Kiedis (lead singer of Red Hot Chili Peppers)
Gloria Hunniford (about her daughter Caron Keating)
Feel - Robbie Williams

I enjoyed the Michael J Fox, it is quite sad, he is so young and talented and is very ill with Parkinsons Disease.
I recently finished Being Jordan, which was surprisingly good and very honest. I am really beginning to enjoy these books, they are a great light read in between heavier novels.
Anne x

Kell

25th August 2006, 22:03

I loved the Michael J Fox one - I got it for Xmas a few years back & was so moved by it!

scottishbookworm

25th August 2006, 23:31

:typing: another one I picked up was called "Too many mothers" it was by Roberta taylor who was in Eastenders and is now in the bill she talks about her childhood and it's well worth checking out :reading:

FishAndChips

17th June 2007, 16:39

I hadn't read any biographies or autobiographies until this year (I thought I should rectify the ommision) I read my first two autobiographies and loved both. (Ugly - Constance Briscoe, and Daniella Westbrooks, both are in the overcoming the odds vein which I think is what I liked so much)

I'm now on the search for more. I think I will try Julian Clary and M J Fox as they have both been recommended here

I think I am more interested in autobiography than biography. (Although it depends on the biographer and how much input the subject has which may vary from book to book.)

Many years ago I started but never finished Brian Keenans and Terry Weights (although they may have been specifically about their kidnap rather than their lives I can't remember). I would like to retry Terry Weight's one day. I've heard John McCarthy's is very good.

happyanddandy

17th June 2007, 19:01

I rarely read a biography unless I admire that person. I thoroughly enjoyed John McEnroe's biography. He has a very dry wit. I also picked up and read Roger Black's (a hero) as it was 10p from the library. I could see why they were selling it off - it was dull, but I learned how much training and injury he went through.
Frank Skinner's was good and interesting, very conceited man though. The worst biography was Delia Smith - my cookery heroine - dull, dull and dull!! :lol:

aromaannie

17th June 2007, 21:24

I read a few and quite often they are people I don't particularly like eg Jordan, Sharon Osbourne, Posh.

Have also read

Julian Cleary
Daniella Westbrook
David Ginola

I enjoy them all for different reasons:D

Fiona

18th June 2007, 00:01

I haven't really read many bio/autobiographies.

I have read two written by Claire Tomalin - Samuel Pepys and Jane Austen, and I have her one of Mary W thingie (famous feminist, you know her.) I want to read her one on Thomas Hardy too when it comes out in paperback. I find her style very natural and she kind of makes it like a story, very intimate as if they're your friend and not some guy that exixted and 'here's the facts of his life very boring, innit?' like I have found some other autobiographies to be like...

I want to read more though. I have read Piers Morgan's 'memoir' thingies which was more about the life of a tabloid editor then about Peirs Morgan as a person but nevertheless, very interesting. And I have David Blunkett's 'tapes' as well and it's actually very good and very interesting if a bit long.

I want to read some by Antonia Fraser - I have Charles II and The Weaker Vessel. I think the biographer is quite important - a good biographer will be able to make anyone sound interesting through the use of their language. People who just jumble words together aren't very good. I find Tomalin insites a true interest in the person, and treats them like a living human being rather then some historical document.

happyanddandy

19th June 2007, 16:08

I have John Diamond's autobiography on my TBR list - husband of Nigella Lawson who died of oral cancer. I saw a moving documentary about him many years ago so when I saw the book I bought it.

Nici76

19th June 2007, 17:11

I'm not really into biographies - the only one I have read is Robbie Williams - Feel and that was only because someone got it for me as a pressie!

Kylie

19th June 2007, 22:46

Being a big Beatles fan, I've read a LOT of biographies, both Beatles and solo. And they're not the same thing over and over, as you might expect. A lot of the authors bring a new perspective or have something different to tell.

I read Gene Wilder's autobiography recently, and I have a biography of Graham Kennedy on my shelf. Other than that, I'm not too interested, although Richard Branson kind of intrigues me and I think it would be interesting to read one of his (he has more than one, right?)

Oblomov

20th June 2007, 12:05

Whether a particular biographical book is good or otherwise depends on several factors. The actual life events of the principal character, the writing skill of the biographer and so on, but most importantly the reader's personal interest in the subject. Thus, I would find a well written biography about Roger Bacon, Francis Drake, Martin Bormann, James Stewart or JFK very interesting because those characters appeal to me. Others are bound to have their own preferences.

I rather liked The Outsider, Tim Bower's biography of Robert Maxwell. There was a character very much like Maxwell named Alfred Lowenstein in the 1920s and he too died under mysterious circumstances. I am still trying to find a good biography on Lowenstein; the only account about him is an awful book by William Norris called The Man Who Fell From the Sky. It is so preposterous that I could not help posting some very disparaging comments about it.

wrathofkublakhan

20th June 2007, 13:34

When I was a teenager I read quite a few sports autobiographies - these guys were my heroes. Not so much anymore, I now know they are mostly written by someone else and have even heard some sports guys deny they've said the things that are in their own autobiographies! Is there zero accountability in the sports world?

I enjoyed the biography written on Frank Zappa; that guy was pretty smart, involved in freedom and funny.

I think, in general, you've got to find someone you admire to enjoy a biography on their life or section of their life. It's satisfying knowing a few odd bits when the subject comes up at cocktail parties and trivia games. So, I'd not read on an historical figure just because they were famous for a period; they'd have to have done something that I really respect - which as of this typing I can think of .... very few.

I think it's time to google autobiographies and see how many are narcissistic and yet unimaginative enough to be called "My Life."

Oblomov

20th June 2007, 16:56

I think, in general, you've got to find someone you admire to enjoy a biography on their life or section of their life.

I agree totally. The person who fascinates me more than any other is the 13th century English mystic and early scientist Roger Bacon. Not enough is known about him for a full-fledged biography, but reseachers have gathered enough information for a few good works. These include Roger Bacon: In life & Legend by E Westacott and The First Scientist by Brian Clegg.

Echo

24th June 2007, 08:30

I recently read a fantastic biography of Coco Chanel, and one of Queen Victoria. I'd like to read more, but there's never enough time! I'd like to read some biographies of my favorite authors, I think that would be fascinating!

Liz

24th June 2007, 13:11

I quite enjoy biographies, but I have to be in the right sort of reading mood to pick one up an stick with it.

I'm currently reading Monty Python's autobiography. I am really enjoying this and as it's an autobiography rather than a biography, it means that the humour is there.

From what I can remember at the moment, I've read.........

# Quite a few biographies on Christians and missionary work.
# Four biographies on the band REM and a few on John Lennon and The Beatles.
# Four books on Peter Cook, one on Graham Chapman and one on Vivian Stanshall.

There are also a few which I fancy having a go at:

David Attenborough
Stephen Fry
Michael Palin
Alan Bennet
Bob Dylan

kitty_kitty

10th February 2008, 17:59

Me and the OH love autobiographies and here are some of the best ones we have read so far so any more suggestions but not sport please or z list 21 year old celebrities. Music, actors and general hell raisers please!!!

The Dirt - Motley Crue (a must but very filthy! Dirty boys)
No blacks, No Irish, No dogs - John Lydon - really interesting
Take it like a man - Boy George - Hilarious
Freaky Dancing - Bez - Very funny
I'm with the band - Pamela Des Barres
Evil Spirits - Oliver Reed
Dear boy - Keith Moon
Numerous Doors and Jimi Hendrix books

To read:
Slash
Nikki Sixx - The heroine Diaries

Nici76

10th February 2008, 18:10

I have read all the Robbie Williams autobiographies and I am really looking forward to getting Slash for my birthday! :D

Kylie

10th February 2008, 21:55

LucyD

11th February 2008, 11:54

I got the Russell Brand one for Christmas and LOVED it. So outrageous and frank - no glossing over anything.
Keep meaning to read the Peter Kay one, I think he is hilarious. :)

kitty_kitty

11th February 2008, 18:42

I've heard good things about Motley Crue's autobiography. Even though I'm not interested in their music, I'd love to read it. Our staff library recently got a copy of it which I keep eyeing off :smile2:

I am not interested in their music but you do not have to be really to enjoy the book

I got the Russell Brand one for Christmas and LOVED it. So outrageous and frank - no glossing over anything.
Keep meaning to read the Peter Kay one, I think he is hilarious. :)

I read and loved it too

Esiotrot

11th February 2008, 20:10

I recently read a fantastic biography of Coco Chanel,

Hi Echo - could you give me the details of the Coco Chanel book please? I would love to read it
Many thanks
Kx :friends0:

kateleopald

11th February 2008, 21:48

I have just finished My Son Marshall, My Son Eminem, which was written by his mum. Not my usual cup of tea, but must say I thoroughly enjoyed this!!!

frankie

14th August 2008, 10:02

I love (autobiographies) and memoirs - if they're good!

So far I've read

Deborah Spungen: Nancy (A sad but great read! I've read it about three times)

Mark Paytress: Sid Vicious:The Art of Dying Young (to get the other side of the Sid&Nancy-story, I enjoyed Nancy much more and my sympathies are on her side)

Anne Frank - The Diary of a Young Girl (I've read both the first version and the second version that was published after Otto Frank's death)

Beth Peters: Britney Spears (please don't ask me why, I'm not a fan and reading this is so unlike me)

Frank McCourt: Teacher Man

Carol Shields: Jane Austen (A great bio!)

Pentti Saarikoski: Toipilaan päiväkirjat (Pentti Saarikoski is a Finnish writer, poet and translator. This is one of his journals and it's from the time he was checked in a hospital for delirium; he was an alcoholic)

Tuula-Liina Varis: Kilpikonna ja marsalkka (Tuula-Liina Varis is a Finnish writer who was married to Pentti Saarikoski and this is a sort of memoir of their relationship and of Pentti Saarikoski. This is one of my favorites!)

Ronald Hayman: The Death and Life of Sylvia Plath (This is also one of my favorite books. Before reading this I thought Sylvia Plath was a really weird nutjob but reading the book made her a real person to me, and I began to understand why she was the way she was and why she did what she did. After reading this book I immediately ordered Sylvia's unabridged journals. I'm sorry to say this but thank gods Ted died so we can appreaciate all of the journals)

Augusten Burroughs: Running with Scissors and Dry. One of the funniest writers ever, which is saying a lot because of the serious and even horrific things he writes about.

I have a lot of biographies on my TBR. I want to read anything Augusten Burroughs has ever written (although some of his work isn't autobiographical). I'm also planning to read on Stephen Fry, H. C. Andersen, Doris Day, J. K. Rowling, Marcel Proust, Marie Curie, Marilyn Monroe, Dostojevski.

Ruth

14th August 2008, 10:15

frankie

14th August 2008, 10:22

I'm not a big fan of (auto)biographies, but I have got the Deborah Spungen book on my tbr 'And I Don't Want To Live This Life' - which I think is the one you mentioned Frankie? I want to get round to it soon.

Yes that's the one Ruth! I've read the book in Finnish and it was called Nancy and I didn't stop to think that it could be named something else in English :doh:

Ruth

14th August 2008, 10:41

I'm really glad you enjoyed it - I will have to bump it up my to-be-read pile!

frankie

14th August 2008, 10:43

Do bump it up and let us know if you liked it! :)

tbain

14th August 2008, 23:37

Thanks for the suggestions, I am definitely going to buy copies of Deborah Spungens and Motley Crues books.

TashaG

15th August 2008, 10:21

Don't know if this has already been mentioned but I have just read Humble Pie by Gordon Ramsey. It was really easy to read and written quite simply but I really enjoyed it. It didn't take to long to read (the train journey from Dundee to Edinburgh and back and the train journey from Dundee to Aberdeen and back) but gave lots of insight into Ramsey's past and his motivations and beliefs. I'm a big Ramsey fan.

kb.marsh

15th August 2008, 16:03

Jo-Bridge

15th August 2008, 19:25

My absolute favourite autobiography is The Hacienda by Lisa St aubin De Teran

"Married at sixteen to a man twenty years her senior who spoke no English, she was taken to his ancestral home and estate where she found herself living in the most primitive of conditions, isolated and alone. St. Aubin de Teran ended up virtually running the plantation that belonged to her increasingly demented husband but enjoyed learning the mores and magic of a place that had remained practically unchanged for more than a century. Written in mesmerising prose, this is the extraordinary story of a young woman surviving by her wits and fantasies."

Its got issues of class, race, gender, mental illness, motherhood- just amazing!

Also -Piece of Cake by Cupcake Brown (her real name) is also fantastic and hilarious at times although very gruelling. About surving drug addition and the foster care system in the U.S

scottishbookworm

22nd August 2008, 15:46

On the edge-Richard hammond It's also written by his wife Mindy, It's a well written book and is well recommended for all fans of him and anyone that likes top Gear too.

:readingtwo:

kb.marsh

22nd August 2008, 16:15

I have the Quick Read version of Humble Pie, keep thinking I should pick it up and read it next, I might now you recommend it.

I did indeed take my own advice - rare I know - and I enjoyed this book :)

phoenix

27th August 2008, 17:42

I was just wondering who everyone would realy like to see a(n) (auto)biography about? And what is it about them that makes you think it would be an intersting read exactly?

Anyone like to volunteer some ideas there?

I'd love to read an autobiography by Queen Elizabeth I. I'd like to know more about the time she lived in, the poeple she met (Shakespeare?) what her thoughts and feelings were about her situation (marriage?) and the world in general. It was a fascinating and cruel time she lived in and I would really like to know how she experienced it.

But I'm afraid reading her autobiography is one of the dreams that will never come true :cry2:

nursenblack

29th August 2008, 13:12

I don't really care very much for (auto)biographies. The only one I have read and own is Marylin Monroe's My Story. It was a very enjoyable read and I learned so much about who she was as a person.

Suzanne123

8th October 2008, 16:52

A brilliant book for any fans of the wonderful Mr. Fry! It is concerned with his childhood, right until he is about to go university; highly recommended! :)

frankie

8th October 2008, 17:00

Suzanne123's suggestion Moab Is My Washpot is on my TBR and on my bookshelf as well :D

Sedge

8th October 2008, 18:52

I'd like to collect the autobiography of every actor to play the Doctor, but I can't seem to track one down for William Hartnell. Does anybody know if he ever wrote one?

frankie

8th October 2008, 19:05

I'd like to collect the autobiography of every actor to play the Doctor, but I can't seem to track one down for William Hartnell. Does anybody know if he ever wrote one?

It says in Wikipedia that "The only published biography of him is by his granddaughter, Jessica Carney (real name Judith). Who's There? refers to many of the difficulties in his life and makes it clear that a great deal of research has been done, drawing from primary sources, as well as Hartnell's family's own extensive archive."

Janet

8th October 2008, 20:12

There are a few for sale second-hand on Amazon but they're quite pricey (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/offer-listing/1852275146/ref=dp_olp_2/203-9649881-2748756). :)

Sedge

15th October 2008, 18:30

Thanks both! I had seen this, but wondered if he'd ever written his own. Think I'll start with this one.:)

Charm

15th October 2008, 22:48

A brilliant book for any fans of the wonderful Mr. Fry! It is concerned with his childhood, right until he is about to go university; highly recommended! :)

I'm not usually a fan of autobiographys. I once started to read 'Feel' by Robbie Williams whose music I really like but just couldn't get into it. Having said that, I've recently borrowed a copy of 'My Booky Wook' by Russell Brand and am looking forward to it! :D

I do love Stephen Fry though and might just give this one a go :mrgreen:. My husband really likes him too so it might just get him to pick up a book! ;)

A friend recently recommended an autobiography by Slash the guitarist from Guns 'n' Roses. She said she really enjoyed it but unfortunately I can't remember its title :irked:

poppy

15th October 2008, 23:22

I'm not a fan of celebrity type biographies, but I do read a lot of autobiographical/biographical books. I particularly like reading about authors whose books I've enjoyed and about people who have lived in challenging circumstances, whether it's because of remoteness or poverty or whatever.

My all-time favourite books are Gerald Durrell's trilogy My Family and Other Animals; Birds, Beast and Relatives and The Garden of the Gods.
Gerald spent some of his childhood growing up with his eccentric family on the island of Corfu. He is besotted with all creatures from a very young age and collects a large number of animals for pets. They are always getting into trouble. These books are delightful and very funny.

shelbel

16th October 2008, 03:50

I recently read My Family and other Animals, it was such a fun book, I completely fell in love with Gerald's madcap family; I didn't realize the book was part of a trilogy Poppy, thanks for the imformation, I will have to keep a lookout for the other two books.

knitnat

16th October 2008, 04:20

I have two that I loved. Both are personal journeys but also follow earlier generations of their respective families.

White Swans, three daughters of China by Jung Chang documents the change in life in China, from the feudal system and the life the grandmother of the author had, her mother under Communism and then her life.

My Place by Sally Morgan documents the discovery of the Aboriginal family she never knew existed.

Janet

16th October 2008, 07:12

A friend recently recommended an autobiography by Slash the guitarist from Guns 'n' Roses. She said she really enjoyed it but unfortunately I can't remember its title :irked:
It's called Slash - The Autobiography (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Slash-Autobiography/dp/0007257775/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1224141041&sr=8-1) (a very-imaginative title! :lol: ). A friend of mine read it recently but he said although enjoyable he didn't think it was very well-written.

Nici76

16th October 2008, 19:09

A friend recently recommended an autobiography by Slash the guitarist from Guns 'n' Roses. She said she really enjoyed it but unfortunately I can't remember its title :irked:

I loved this book, but then again I worship Slash! :blush:

My review is here (http://www.bookclubforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=4958)

Chimera

16th October 2008, 19:33

poppy

16th October 2008, 19:41

I loved autobiographies and 'true amazing stories' when I was a kid. One of my absolute favorite books was a biography of Helen Keller, a young girl who was blind, deaf and mute, learned to get along with it and went on to lead an amazing life. I cant possibly number the times I read it ;)

I loved this book too Chimera when I was a child. It was quite inspiring.

I recently read My Family and other Animals, it was such a fun book, I completely fell in love with Gerald's madcap family; I didn't realize the book was part of a trilogy Poppy, thanks for the imformation, I will have to keep a lookout for the other two books.

shelbel, there's one more book that sort of follows on from these called Fillets of Plaice. It's a collection of stories, some about Corfu.

Jo-Bridge

16th October 2008, 19:48

I have my eye on Bill Clintons autobiography which my boyfriend is reading. Its huge though- he told me its hundereds of pages in and hes still in kindergarten- its very detailed!

knitnat

16th October 2008, 22:37

Chimera I'll second that one too. I had forgotten that book about Helen Keller. Quite a remarkable story.

Chimera

16th October 2008, 22:48

I loved this book too Chimera when I was a child. It was quite inspiring.

Chimera I'll second that one too. I had forgotten that book about Helen Keller. Quite a remarkable story.

It figures others loved it too... It's a book I got randomly in some contest or other and which I then kept as a personal treasure for years. Never really imagined others reading it :blush: Though I have no idea where it might be now. I'll have to review it in the 'youth zone' if I can find it.

Charm

16th October 2008, 23:23

It's called Slash - The Autobiography (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Slash-Autobiography/dp/0007257775/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1224141041&sr=8-1) (a very-imaginative title! :lol: ).

I guess it does what it says on the tin! :lol: After the life he's had I imagine he could have come up with a better title though ;)

I loved this book, but then again I worship Slash! :blush:

My review is here (http://www.bookclubforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=4958)

I've just read you're review and I think I'll add this to my wish list,(must hoke out my G 'n' R albums) :D Its growing faster than I'm reading!!:lol:

sammisnana

17th October 2008, 06:54

Which biographies have you read, and which did you enjoy?
Dry: A Memoir by Augusten Burroughs

Chimera

17th October 2008, 07:07

Dry: A Memoir by Augusten Burroughs

Did you enjoy it? Welcome to the forum!

Ahsilet

27th October 2008, 22:54

I have enjoyed the autobiographies by Katie (Jordan) Price and Jodie Marsh.

kb.marsh

5th November 2008, 14:10

I have just read Alan Carr's autobiography and really enjoyed it. My review can be found here (http://bcfreviews.wordpress.com/2008/11/05/look-who-it-is-by-alan-carr/)

Suzanne123

5th November 2008, 17:48

This is on my Christmas list :D

GWA

7th November 2008, 05:08

Not sure if I've already mentioned this or not, but my favourite has to be "Miles the autobiography" which was all about the life and times of Miles Davis. I'm not even that big a fan of his music, but I was captivated with his passion and drive to create.

GWA.
:roll:

Roland Butter

7th November 2008, 07:57

Interesting call, GWA. Miles was undoubtedly one of the most influential jazz musicians, but as a person he had a reputation for being aloof, arrogant and just plain not very nice. How does he come across in this book?

Spooncat

7th November 2008, 16:43

My favourite has to be Margaret Rutherford's autobiography - Blyth Spirit - just loved her as Miss Marple and she had a fasinating life.:readingtwo:

I have tried to get hold of a copy recently but alas it is out of print.

Chimera

8th November 2008, 23:51

I just remembered another very interesting autobiography: Banker to the Poors: The Story of the Grameen Bank by Mohammad Yunus. Yunus is the man who invented the microcredit in Bengladesh, a concept which has since then spread everywhere in the world. The idea was of creating a bank which would lend very small sums of money to people who need it to start a small livelihood activity (a food stall in the street, some materials to make stools out of bamboo...) but cant go to normal banks as they are too poor to offer any garantee.

More than Yunu's life story this book is the story of the creation and development of the Grameen bank. A very insightful view in this system, the development questions in Bangladesh and the way a simple but unorthodox idea can grow into a very effective development tool.

scottishbookworm

9th November 2008, 02:01

This is on my Christmas list :Dyou'll love it!:lol:

Ceinwenn

9th November 2008, 17:26

I've only read a couple biographies (auto-biographies), as I'm not a big fan of them. I loved Lucky Man by Michael J. Fox (but I love Michael J. Fox) & I've read On the Edge by Richard & Mindy Hammond, which was also a great book.

chocko

1st December 2008, 20:44

The only and unique biography i've read is the Andy McNab, quite interesting.

Yeah quite "old" but i'm pretty new with "reading books".

Feidhlim

16th December 2008, 12:58

I don't read many autobiographies but I read Christopher Lee's recently and didn't think too much of it. There was so much material in it about golf whihc was just tedious.

RoxiS.C.

16th December 2008, 13:22

I'm reading Slash's.

Trés cool.

Ernie

16th December 2008, 15:14

Is That It? by Bob Geldof was interesting, surprising, and sentimental, he was besotted by Paula Yates when he wrote it (pre Michael Hutchence). Any follow up should be interesting giving it's 20+ years since Live Aid.

The Ragman's Son by Kirk Douglas, I loved this book, it is full of things I didn't know about him. I love the part about how his father stopped smoking. He has a lovely writing style and I would like to read some of his fiction too.

Don't Laugh At Me by Norman Wisdom is worth reading. his childhood is pretty dismal but despite that he became a big star.

Also read I Am Jackie Chan , I am a fan and wan't dissapointed. If you're not a martial arts fan but have an interest in Chinese culture or an interest in movie making you should still find it interesting.

Suzanne123

28th December 2008, 21:42

you'll love it!:lol:

I got it :mrgreen: Currently Reading!

rach.at.the.disco

28th December 2008, 21:51

I read Geri Halliwell's years ago but that was it until this year when I read;

Duane "Dog" Chapman - You Can Run But You Can't Hide
Peter Kay - The Sound of Laughter
Alan Carr - Look Who It Is

Peter Kay and Alan Carr's had me in stitches :lol:.

I would like to read Julie Walters next - she's fab so I might get it soon.

Charm

28th December 2008, 21:53

I'm reading 'My Booky Wook' by Russell Brand and I'm really struggling to stay interested in it. I'm about half way through it now and to be honest its starting to bore me :roll:. Its a shame really cause I really like Russell, I like his standup and love his Ponderland shows too . My stubborness has so far stopped me giving up on this book but my resolve is wavering! :blush:

Suzanne123

28th December 2008, 22:08