6 mins

This is My Story: The Best Biographies of 2018

As Michelle Obama’s memoir smashes 2018 sales records, we look at the best biographies that have come out this year.
by Joshua H. Phelps | 2018-12-03

In an already bumper year for nonfiction releases and political tell-alls, Michelle Obama’s memoir Becoming has been smashing sales records. Shipping 1.4 million copies in just its first week, it set a new record for first-week sales at the 145 year-old bookstore chain, Barnes & Noble.

But it’s not the only biography that’s been taking bookstores by storm this year. Many of the unforgettable books we’ve read this year come from authors representing all walks of life. Some of them have made history while others were subject to the whims of the past until they determined to speak for themselves.

These stories show the transformative power of education, the freedom and hope that faith provides, and the determination that propels us onward and upward to new heights: voices from Death Row and the White House, from the moon and back down to the golf course, read up on some remarkable lives.

1. From the South Side to 1600

Becoming by Michelle Obama

Becoming

Becoming


by Michelle Obama
  1. 36 min reading time
  2. audio version available

The former first lady shares intimate, personal details of her childhood and family, how she met the man who would become the 44th President of the US. From a precocious and willful child to a role model for young women, Becoming helps us understand a defining figure of the past decade.

2. Learning Who You Are

Educated by Tara Westover

Educated

Educated


by Tara Westover
  1. 32 min reading time
  2. audio version available

Stories of religious zealots in the US pop up in the news from time to time, but what would it be like to grow up with them? Tara Westover describes her experiences being raised in such an environment and the culture shock from what many of us take for granted. As she progresses through college, she discovers how she can ultimately define her own narrative.

3. Space Race Case

Rocket Men by Robert Kurson

Rocket Men

Rocket Men


by Robert Kurson
  1. 24 min reading time
  2. audio version available

The events of the space race are now over fifty years behind us. They have become almost mythological. Kurson’s book sheds light on the people and tensions that helped define the achievement of NASA’s Apollo 8 mission.

4. Silicon Valley Royalty

Small Fry by Lisa Brennan-Jobs

Small Fry

Small Fry


by Lisa Brennan-Jobs
  1. 19 min reading time
  2. audio version available

Living in California during the 80s and 90s, plus also being the daughter of Apple’s CEO may sound ideal, but Lisa Brennan-Jobs’s book shows some of the personal costs of being so deeply involved with someone considered a visionary and revolutionary.

5. H2O NGO

Thirst by Scott Harrison

Thirst

Thirst


by Scott Harrison
  1. 29 min reading time
  2. audio version available

Raised by born-again Christians. Budding musician. Club promoter. Founder of an NGO providing potable water praised by the likes of President Barack Obama. Any one of these could make for a compelling story. Scott Harrison has been all of them.

6. And In Heels

Imagine it Forward by Beth Comstock with Thal Raz

Imagine It Forward

Imagine It Forward


by Beth Comstock, Thal Raz
  1. 19 min reading time
  2. audio version available

Beth Comstock has faced numerous headwinds throughout her career. From the choice to raise her child as a single parent to being a woman and an introvert in divisions and roles that are traditionally thought to cater to men and extroverts. Throughout, she demonstrates an adaptability and creativity that allowed her to excel where many of her male counterparts sank.

7. A Force for Change

Make Trouble by Cecile Richards

Book reference (ContentItem) 'books/make-trouble-en' not found

The image of Texas frequently involves rugged individualism. Cecile Richards is certainly no exception, standing up for her ideals and building communities to drive change. Involved in some of the most contentious issues of our day, Richards’s story serves as an example of moral fortitude.

8. Finding Light in the Dark

The Sun Does Shine by Anthony Ray Hinton, Lara Love Hardin

The Sun Does Shine

The Sun Does Shine


by Anthony Ray Hinton, Lara Love Hardin
  1. 29 min reading time
  2. audio version available

How should one feel after almost thirty years on death row for a crime one did not commit? Bitter? Upset? How would one stay sane? Anthony Ray Hinton’s journey showcases many shortcomings in the legal system, but also serves as a tribute to the strength of the human spirit even in the worst of circumstances.

About the writer
Joshua H. Phelps

Joshua is a writer and photographer often found wandering the Seattle area with a hat on his head, a camera or two on his neck, and a notebook in his pocket. \nJoshua recommends checking out Cal Newport’s \nDeep Work\n.”

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