Most-Read Biography & Memoir Book Summaries

The biography & memoir book summaries our readers open most often.

20 books · Biography & Memoir

The list

  1. 1

    Salvador Allende

    Günther Wessel

    ~6 h 30 min book

    Explore Salvador Allende's rise and fall in Günther Wessel's gripping biography, revealing the socio-political turmoil of 20th century Chile.

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  2. Cover of What My Bones Know: A Memoir of Healing from Complex Trauma2

    What My Bones Know: A Memoir of Healing from Complex Trauma

    Stephanie Foo

    4.9(10)~6 h 30 min book2022

    Explore Stephanie Foo's journey through trauma and healing in 'What My Bones Know', a powerful memoir on resilience and self-acceptance.

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  3. 3

    my last daughter

    brenda matthews

    ~4 h 40 min book

    Discover Brenda Matthews' poignant tale of a mother's love and the complexities of grief in 'My Last Daughter'. A powerful exploration of family dynamics.

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  4. Cover of With the Old Breed at Peleliu and Okinawa4

    With the Old Breed at Peleliu and Okinawa

    E. B. Sledge

    ~5 h book1981

    Explore E. B. Sledge's gripping memoir of WWII battles at Peleliu and Okinawa, revealing the harsh realities of war and soldier camaraderie.

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  5. Cover of Black Snake5

    Black Snake

    Carole Wilkinson

    ~3 h 30 min book2002

    Discover Carole Wilkinson's 'Black Snake', a gripping historical fiction about an Indigenous boy navigating colonial Australia.

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  6. Cover of Run Baby Run6

    Run Baby Run

    Nicky Cruz and Jamie Buckingham

    ~3 h 20 min book1971

    Discover Nicky Cruz's inspiring transformation from gang member to Christian evangelist in 'Run Baby Run.' A powerful tale of redemption.

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  7. Cover of Simone Biles7

    Simone Biles

    Josh Anderson

    ~2 h book2024

    Discover the inspiring life of Simone Biles, from her challenges to Olympic glory. A must-read biography for young aspiring athletes!

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  8. Cover of Animal Scientist and Activist Jane Goodall8

    Animal Scientist and Activist Jane Goodall

    Douglas Hustad

    ~2 h book2016

    Explore the life of Jane Goodall, her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees, and her impact on animal rights and conservation.

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  9. Cover of Science Educator and advocate bill nye9

    Science Educator and advocate bill nye

    Heather E. Schwartz

    ~1 h 20 min book2018

    Discover Bill Nye's inspiring journey as a science educator and advocate, promoting scientific literacy for young minds in this engaging biography.

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  10. Cover of Just Mercy10

    Just Mercy

    Bryon Stevenson

    4.3(26)~7 h 30 min book1600

    Explore Bryan Stevenson's 'Just Mercy', a gripping account of systemic racism and wrongful convictions in the U.S. criminal justice system.

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  11. 11

    https://www.amazon.com/Growing-Up-Biden-Valerie-Owens/dp/1250821762

    Valerie Biden Owens

    ~6 h 30 min book

    Explore Valerie Biden Owens' heartfelt memoir on family, politics, and community, revealing the Biden family's enduring bonds and values.

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  12. Cover of nelson mandela12

    nelson mandela

    barbara kramer

    ~1 h 50 min book2014

    Explore Nelson Mandela's inspiring life story in Barbara Kramer's biography, perfect for young readers seeking to understand his legacy.

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  13. Cover of Shoe Dog13

    Shoe Dog

    Phil Knight

    4.6(49)~6 h 40 min book2014

    Discover Phil Knight's incredible journey from a young entrepreneur to Nike's CEO in 'Shoe Dog'. A tale of passion, challenges, and success.

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  14. 14

    the son of hamas

    Mosab Hassan Yousef

    ~7 h book

    Discover Mosab Hassan Yousef's gripping memoir of life in Hamas, exploring identity, faith, and the Palestinian struggle.

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  15. 15

    The Worlds of a Massai Warrior

    ~5 h book

    Explore the journey of Tepilit Ole Saitoti from warrior to educator in this insightful memoir about Maasai culture and identity.

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  16. 16

    Benjamin Franklin

    Laura K. Murray

    ~2 h 30 min book2020

    Explore Benjamin Franklin's journey from Boston to becoming a founding father, inventor, and diplomat in this engaging biography for young readers.

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  17. Cover of a fighting chance17

    a fighting chance

    elizabeth warren

    ~7 h book2014

    Discover Elizabeth Warren's journey from humble beginnings to U.S. Senator, advocating for consumer protection and economic reform.

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  18. 18

    Break On Through: The Life and Death of Jim Morrison – A thorough biography of Jim Morrison by James Riordan & Jerry Prochnicky.

    James Riordan & Jerry Prochnicky

    ~11 h 20 min book

    Discover the captivating biography of Jim Morrison, exploring his musical genius, complex personality, and the myth behind the legend.

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  19. 19

    Fadwa Tuqan

    A Mountainous Journey, A Difficult Journey

    ~4 h 30 min book

    Explore Fadwa Tuqan's life as a Palestinian poet, her struggles, and her profound connection to her homeland amid conflict.

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  20. 20

    Into the Wild

    Jon Krakauer

    ~4 h book

    Explore the true story of Christopher McCandless in Jon Krakauer's Into the Wild. A gripping tale of adventure, family, and the search for meaning.

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Ratings are Open Library reader averages, shown for books with at least 10 ratings. Lists are rebuilt automatically as new summaries are published.