Welcome to my blog post, where I will be sharing my top 10 picks for the best biography books of the decade! Over the last 10 years, we’ve seen a massive explosion in biography books, from the stories of inspiring leaders to the histories of groundbreaking innovators.
From bestselling authors to underground hits, these ten books have made a lasting impression on readers around the world, and I’m excited to share them with you. So, without further ado, let’s get into my top 10 picks for the best biography books of the decade!
Becoming by Michelle Obama
I recently read “Becoming” by Michelle Obama, and it was an incredible book. It is a very personal and intimate look into her life, her childhood, her journey to the White House and her time there.
It is full of inspiring moments, funny stories, and uplifting moments. I loved being able to connect with her and get a better understanding of her perspective on the world. It was an eye-opening and inspiring book that I highly recommend to anyone.
The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson is an excellent read. She masterfully tells the story of the Great Migration, the mass exodus of African Americans from the South to the North and West during the period of 1915 – 1970.
Wilkerson uses her excellent writing skills to give voice to the people who experienced this journey, allowing their stories to be told. The book is full of vivid details and gives readers a chance to truly understand the struggles and triumphs of this era.
This book is a must-read for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the African American experience.
The Heroine’s Bookshelf by Erin Blakemore
The Heroine’s Bookshelf by Erin Blakemore is an engaging and informative exploration of the books that have shaped female authors. Blakemore reveals how these books have been formative in her own journey of discovery as a woman, and how they continue to influence generations of women today.
The stories she shares and the insights she offers are insightful and help to bring to life the power of books. A great read for both men and women alike!
Unbowed by Wangari Maathai
Unbowed is an inspiring book written by Wangari Maathai, a Nobel laureate and the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. In this book, Maathai recounts her life story and her tireless efforts to promote democracy and environmental conservation in her native Kenya.
She is a remarkable woman and her courage and determination are truly inspiring. The book is an easy read with interesting anecdotes and lessons in courage, resilience and the importance of taking action. Highly recommended!
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot is an incredible book. It tells the extraordinary story of Henrietta Lacks, a poor African-American woman who unknowingly became the source of one of the most important scientific discoveries of the 20th century.
The book is well researched and beautifully written, revealing the complexities of race, class and ethics in biomedical research. It is an enlightening, powerful, and heartbreaking story of a life that is still impacting medical science today. Highly recommended.
The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace by Jeff Hobbs
The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace by Jeff Hobbs is an extraordinary and heartbreaking book. Through this book, Jeff Hobbs tells the story of Robert Peace, a young African-American man who overcomes a lot of adversity and achieves success, only to have it tragically taken away from him.
The book is a captivating and eye-opening read, and Hobbs does a masterful job of exploring the many complexities of Robert’s life and the culture he grew up in.
An absolute must-read for anyone interested in race and social justice, this book will leave you with an understanding of the power of resilience and the tragic realities of what it means to be a black man in America.
Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Wild by Cheryl Strayed is an inspiring and captivating memoir about finding yourself in the face of adversity. Strayed takes readers on her journey of self-discovery through her hiking of the Pacific Crest Trail, a 1,100 mile stretch from the Mexican border to Canada.
Throughout her hike, Strayed confronts her demons and finds strength and courage in the face of incredible hardship. Wild is an honest, brave, and thoughtful exploration of loss, resilience and the power of nature. Highly recommended!
Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson is an inspiring and thought provoking book that is sure to move readers to take action. It follows the story of Bryan Stevenson’s work as a lawyer and his fight for justice for those who have been wrongfully convicted or overlooked by the justice system.
Through his work, Bryan shows how our legal system is broken and why it is so important to fight for justice. The stories shared throughout the book are heartbreaking, but also inspiring, as they show how one person can make a positive impact on a person’s life.
Overall, this is a must-read book that offers real insight into our justice system and the need for reform.
Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
I recently read Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson, and was amazed by the detailed description of Jobs’ life and career. Isaacson paints a vivid picture of the highs and lows of Jobs’ remarkable journey and provides a great insight into the mind of a genius.
It was hugely inspiring to read about how Jobs’ ambition and drive enabled him to think and create beyond the boundaries of what was previously thought possible. A must-read for any aspiring entrepreneur.
Elon Musk by Ashlee Vance
Elon Musk by Ashlee Vance is an amazing book! It is an eye-opening insight into the life of one of the most influential entrepreneurs of our time. Ashlee Vance’s excellent research and writing bring Elon Musk’s story to life in a way that’s both inspiring and educational.
This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the motivation and determination behind the man behind the world-changing inventions of Tesla, SpaceX, and more. Highly recommended!
