Biography and Memoir
Who doesn't love reading about the lives of the rich, famous and inspirational? And what a crop of biographies and memoirs to choose from this year, with legends aplenty - from Prince and Elton John to Julie Andrews - as well as the variously hilarious and heart-rending stories of booksellers, doctors and drag queens. Inspire a booklover with one of these fascinating books for Christmas.
Me by Elton John
The first and only official autobiography from one of the most iconic figures in British music history, the former Reg Dwight tells us all about his extraordinary life - from his early life as a shy boy in London to the excesses of the superstar lifestyle, to finding love and becoming a father. A rollercoaster ride for music lovers!
Face It by Debbie Harry
As enigmatic as she is iconic, Debbie Harry finally lets us in to her world. Admired as a performer, acclaimed as one of the world's most beautiful women, here she writes a memoir as dynamic as her life, interspersed with rare personal photos, original illustrations, fan artwork and more.
Gotta Get Theroux This by Louis Theroux
The master interviewer turns the focus back on himself in this fascinating memoir. From his career break on Michael Moore's TV Nation to high-profile celebrity interviews, and all the weird and wonderful people he's met along the way, Theroux reveals what really makes him tick, and what he really thought of those he's interviewed.
Homework: A Memoir of My Hollywood Years by Julie Andrews
The second volume of Julie Andrews' memoir tells, with her trademark charm and candour, the story of her time in Hollywood: from her iconic roles in Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music to her relationship with Blake Edwards and the challenges of motherhood, step-motherhood and adoption.
Unicorn: The Memoir of a Muslim Drag Queen by Amrou Al-Kadhi
This is the incredible, heartbreaking and hilarious story of how a devout, god-fearing Muslim boy grew up to become a scathingly witty drag queen, and how he started to see Islam - and the world - through new eyes. Most movingly, it's also the story of the author's relationship with his mother, and his life-long search for belonging.
The Beautiful Ones by Prince
The much-awaited biography of one of music's most iconic, flamboyant and creative stars, this sumptious collection brings together the life story of Prince Rogers Nelson using his own writings, personal photos and handwritten lyrics. A must-have for any self-respecting Prince fan.
Breaking and Mending by Joanna Cannon
This moving and powerful memoir, by the bestselling author of The Trouble with Goats and Sheep, tells Cannon's story as a junior doctor in a series of visceral, heart-rending snapshops. Cannon lays bare the emotional and physical toll of the medical profession, reminding us that we need to take care of those who care for others.
Who Am I, Again? by Lenny Henry
Lenny Henry brings his amazing life story to the page in his long-awaited memoir. From his childhood in Dudley to his years forging a television comedy career, via all the casual racism, bullying and challenges he encountered along the way, this is every bit as riotous, warm-hearted and revealing as you'd expect.
A Day Like Today: Memoirs by John Humphrys
Written to coincide with his retirement from the BBC, this memoir documents Humphrys' life - from his Cardiff childhood to his fascinating thirty-three year career presenting the popular news programme, Radio 4's Today - offering us a unique perspective on some of the great events of the last sixty years.
Confessions of a Bookseller by Shaun Bythell
Soon to be a major TV series, The Diary of a Bookseller introduced us to Wigtown's premier independent bookshop. Here, its owner Shaun Bythell returns us to his world, with the characters we've grown to know and love, the highs and lows of working in a bookshop - and all the bizarre reqeusts his customers can throw at him.
Let them choose
Back to main menu