Love, Life, & Beyond

Every year I look forward to reading more biographical books giving me a peek into lives that are interesting by chance or force! This year’s list has a diverse set of protagonists from a legit prince to a refugee, and some stories that read like fiction but are based on facts.

In the vast landscape of literature, biographies stand as windows into the lives of remarkable individuals, offering readers an intimate glimpse into the diverse tapestry of human experience. This year, I was immersed in a trove of captivating narratives. Each biography was a unique story that resonated with me in some way. 

As the year ends, these are some recommendations for the stories of the lives of some extraordinary people from around the world. 

This is just one of three posts on my 2023 Reading Challenge. My other posts list out Fiction/Non Fiction and Mystery/Thriller books I read in 2023.

10 Steps to Nanette by Hannah Gadsby

When I watched Nanette, I could feel that it was a groundbreaking force in the realm of comedy, fearlessly confronting uncomfortable truths. Exploring her formative years and the genesis of Nanette, this memoir goes deeper into Hannah’s life and her growing up years. It sheds light on the Hannah Gadsby’s unique view on life and everything around her.

Interwoven throughout are references to pop culture and pivotal political moments, seamlessly blending with Tasmania’s ongoing struggle for LGBTQ rights. The result is a comedic revelation transcending mere laughter, inviting audiences to grapple with profound reflections on life, society, and the relentless pursuit of equality.

Spare by Prince Harry

An incredibly candid and intricately detailed memoir chronicles his life thus far, marred by media reports that extracted sentences out of context, distorting the intended meaning. The inevitability of family dysfunction is palpable, yet the memoir unveils an astonishing hunger for approval within the family dynamics. 

I empathise with the story of how as children they had to navigate a chilly household fraught with power plays, intrigue, and external scrutiny. The weight of such an environment, coupled with the absence of a support system, becomes a nightmare scenario to grow up in. 

Amidst the backdrop of countless individuals failing to recognize or extricate themselves from toxic family situations, his resilience is commendable. He undertakes the mental work to break free from the legacy of dysfunction, a decision deserving of admiration. 

The primary purpose of the memoir, documentary, or any interview is not to betray his family but rather to present their side of the story, a narrative born out of the relentless intrusion that could have been avoided if both family and media had allowed him and his wife the space they deserved.

Open by Andre Agassi

Tennis isn’t a sport I typically follow or fully grasp, and I am only familiar with the names of players mentioned in news reports. Despite this, I decided to delve into this book on the recommendation of many, and it did not disappoint.

The narrative unfolds as a journey from childhood, exploring the intricate relationships between the author, his father, tennis, and his wife. He candidly delves into the origins of his disdain for tennis, a sentiment cultivated by the relentless push for excellence from his father since early childhood.

The book artfully unravels the trauma and insecurities he sought to conceal, often misconstrued by others as a brash personality. Through its well-crafted prose, the book skillfully details his journey and inner turmoil, eliciting empathy and a rooting interest in his path to recovery and triumph.

No Friend but the Mountain by Behrouz Boochani

This exquisitely crafted narrative unveils the harrowing realities of a nightmarish prison system and the author’s own experiences within its confines. Painstakingly typed through phone text messages, his story became contraband, smuggled out of prison to shed light on the atrocities occurring within the walls of Manus Island. 

The author reflects on the Australian guards and the overseers among the Papua New Guinea locals, but the primary focus remains on those ensnared within the fences: the refugees. From their initial arrival brimming with hope to their gradual descent into despondency and desperation, the author paints a poignant picture of transformation.

The prison, in its attempt to dehumanise them at every turn, presents challenging passages to read. Yet, this literary work is an indispensable testament, documenting a chapter of history that must not be forgotten or erased.

You Can’t Be Serious by Kal Penn

This book took me by surprise with its captivating narrative—I found myself engrossed and managed to devour the entire thing in just two sittings. Well-crafted and infused with humour, the author doesn’t delve into the minutiae of his life but provides a broad overview of his upbringing. He reflects on the pervasive influence of race throughout his life and dissects the stereotypes perpetuated by the media.

The author shares his passion for social work, detailing his involvement with the Obama administration. Despite decades of effort, he emphasises that Hollywood still has a considerable distance to cover in becoming more inclusive for ethnic minorities.

Monsoon Mansion by Cinelle Barnes

Cinelle chronicles her life in Manila, navigating a household where her mother’s societal standing took precedence over her children’s well-being. Following her father’s departure from the mansion and his marriage due to financial ruin, a new era of tyranny and abuse ensued with her stepfather. 

She tenderly recalls her mother’s presence in the initial stages and reflects on its transformation over the years. Cinelle’s narrative serves as a poignant testament to the resilience of children, illustrating how they adapt to survive even in the most challenging circumstances. Fortunate to have friends among the house helpers, they imparted invaluable lessons on self-care and played a crucial role in her eventual escape.

Will by Will Smith

Much like many others, I was captivated by Will Smith, whether through his roles in Fresh Prince and Independence Day or by his seemingly vibrant and scandal-free off-screen persona. However, as he candidly admits in his book, living with him appears to be quite overwhelming! 

Fortunately, he has embraced therapy and acknowledges that he, like all of us, is a work in progress. The book delves into his childhood, exploring the good, the bad, and the ugly. While much of his behaviour is rooted in trauma, it is commendable that he recognizes it and takes steps to manage it.

Despite moments where the narrative feels excessively motivational and irritatingly optimistic, it’s precisely this attitude that has propelled him to become one of the world’s top stars. After all, modesty isn’t the path to fame!

Unbowed by Wangari Maathai

This autobiography transcends the personal narrative of a woman; it unfolds as a chronicle of a nation, revealing the mutual metamorphosis they have undergone over the years. The author reflects on her upbringing in traditional communities, deeply connected with nature, and then traces the transformative impact of colonialism on the social, environmental, and political fabric.

The narrative is poignant in its portrayal of the persistent gender disparities faced by women, irrespective of their success and accomplishments compared to men. The pervasive themes of political corruption and the insecurities inherent in a nascent nation resonate as familiar struggles shared by many colonised countries.

The author maintains a nuanced balance in presenting both the merits and demerits of various aspects, offering an honest account of her experiences while duly acknowledging the perspectives of others. Her story emerges as an inspiration for all, encouraging individuals to forge ahead with a clear vision and seize opportunities for change rather than passively waiting for circumstances to evolve.

Truth About Me: A Hijra Life Story by A. Revathi

This book provides a meticulous and candid exploration of a life often concealed in plain sight, dismissed, or ridiculed. Revathi shares the story of her upbringing in a small village where she was born male, tracing her journey toward embracing the woman she always knew she was. The narrative delves into the myriad microaggressions she confronts daily, the violence inflicted upon her and her peers by those in positions of power, and the hesitant acceptance from her family.

Revathi offers a detailed portrayal of the social structure within the Hijra community, illustrating how it is intricately woven to provide mutual protection, a sense of family, and security. She opens up about her own emotions, desires, as well as her experiences of anger and frustration when confronted with attempts to restrict her boundaries or dehumanise her due to her deviation from society’s gender norms.

Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

Braiding Sweetgrass unfolds as a poetic and profound journey into the intricate connections between humans and the natural world. I experienced this exploration through the audiobook narrated by the author herself, and her passion resonates vividly in both her words and voice. 

With a masterful blend of personal anecdotes, scientific insights, and Native American traditions, she unveils the profound interconnectedness of all living things, emphasising the significance of reciprocity and gratitude in our relationship with the Earth.

The author hopes that through her book, readers will develop a profound appreciation for nature’s offerings. She serves as an inspiring guide, extending an invitation for readers to forge a deeper and more meaningful connection with the natural world.

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb

This is part fiction and part non-fiction, as the characters and issues are an amalgamation of her real-life patients (although I don’t know how the ethics of it works). As she talks about why a therapist needs to see a therapist or her patients’ journeys, the reader might see someone they know (or their own selves) being described. There are a few moments that resonated with me, and a few where I was in a dilemma as to whose side I would be on or what I would have done in that situation.

The characters we meet are real enough with issues that are relatable. You feel for them and better understand how their personalities are being shaped by something so invisible even to them. The last few chapters read like neatly tying up a bow and giving us a quick low down of what happens next. That could’ve been handled better.

The Personal Librarian by Victoria Christopher Murray & Marie Benedict 

Though not strictly a biography, this book has delved into the life of a woman who should be remembered as someone who made the best out of a bad situation. This outstanding historical-fiction narrative unfolds around the actual figures of JP Morgan and his personal librarian, Belle, who, despite being of African-American descent, was able to pass as White. 

Set in an era where audacity could lead to dire consequences, Belle not only cultivated a successful career but also enjoyed a vibrant social life, defying the racial norms of the time.

The authors look into the inner turmoil Belle might have grappled with as she managed her family’s finances, contending with the conflict of abandoning her racial identity and the constant fear of exposure. The well-crafted narrative skillfully captures the essence of someone who could have easily been overlooked by the pages of history.

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