5 Great Biographies From The Last Few Years

Biographies are powerful accounts that offer glimpses into the lives of remarkable individuals, providing valuable lessons and inspiring stories. Whether through official biographies, autobiographies, or unofficial accounts, these books allow readers to delve into the lives of fascinating people. Here's a curated list of some outstanding biographies published in recent years.

1. Home Work: A Memoir of My Hollywood Years - Julie Andrews

Co-written with her daughter Emma Hamilton, Home Work continues Julie Andrews' captivating life story, picking up from her earlier book Home, which explored her challenging childhood and the beginning of her singing and performing career. In this memoir, Andrews shares her Hollywood journey, including her iconic roles in "Mary Poppins" and "The Sound of Music," navigating motherhood, and the challenges of being a successful actress. For those who can't get enough of Andrews, she also hosts the delightful podcast Julie's Library with her beautiful enunciation that captivates listeners.

2. The Answer Is…: Reflections on My Life - Alex Trebek

Remembering the time when game shows were cultural touchstones and hosts were beloved figures, The Answer Is… offers a nostalgic journey through the eyes of the iconic game show host Alex Trebek. While modern game shows have taken on different forms, Trebek's reflections take us back to a time when these shows brought people together, creating cherished memories for generations.

3. His Truth Is Marching On: John Lewis and the Power of Hope - Jon Meacham

Jon Meacham's His Truth Is Marching On shines a light on the importance of physical activism and sacrifice during John Lewis's era. While contemporary "slacktivism" has its place, this biography reminds us that in the 1950s, activism meant taking to the streets and advocating nonviolence even in the face of rampant discrimination. Lewis's life journey and interviews serve as a powerful testament to the significance of nonviolent protests, resonating as much today as it did seven decades ago.

4. The Doctors Blackwell: How Two Pioneering Sisters Brought Medicine to Women and Women to Medicine - Janice P. Nimura

Elizabeth Blackwell and her sister Emily defied societal norms by becoming doctors at a time when women were discouraged from pursuing higher education, let alone careers in medicine. Janice P. Nimura's biography chronicles the sisters' inspiring journey as they established the first hospital staffed entirely by women in 1850s America. Their story highlights the persistence of female pioneers in the medical field, where even today, women like Dr. Ravina Balchandani continue to face challenges.

5. The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz - Erik Larson

Erik Larson's The Splendid and the Vile offers a gripping account of London's most challenging year during World War II. The biography provides a close look at Winston Churchill's leadership during a time of relentless bombing campaigns by Adolf Hitler. Drawing from diaries, archival documents, and once-secret intelligence reports, Larson presents a new perspective on Churchill's life, encompassing not only political brinkmanship but also the intimate domestic drama within his family circle.