Top Biographies of 2024

Craig Brown’s book A Voyage Around the Queen follows the royal from birth to death
A Voyage Around the Queen

Craig Brown's expansive and humorous account of Queen Elizabeth II's life, blending fact, fiction, and cultural commentary[2][3].


Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder

Salman Rushdie's reflective memoir on the aftermath of his stabbing incident, exploring themes of free speech and resilience[2][11].


Traveling: On the Path of Joni Mitchell

NPR critic Ann Powers takes an intimate look at the life and evolution of singer Joni Mitchell, emphasizing her journeys and influences[9][11].


The Lives and Deaths of the Princesses of Hesse

Frances Welch's group biography that captures the dramatic histories of Queen Victoria's granddaughters in early 20th century Europe[3].


Life-changing: Hanif Kureishi is unflinching as he explores his emotions in the wake of a devastating accident
Shattered

Hanif Kureishi's raw account of his life following a debilitating fall that left him paralyzed, blending meditations on existence and acceptance[2][3].


A Life of Paul Gauguin

Sue Prideaux provides a reassessment of the controversial artist, delving into his complex relationships and legacy[10].


All That Glitters

Orlando Whitfield’s memoir reflecting on art world excess and his friendship with the infamous Inigo Philbrick, involved in a major art fraud case[2].


Joan Didion & Eve Babitz

Lili Anolik's exploration of the intertwining lives and careers of two iconic figures in Sixties and Seventies Los Angeles, offering insights into their rivalry and friendship[3].


Master Slave Husband Wife

Ilyon Woo's biography of Ellen and William Craft, a married couple who escaped slavery and became notable figures in the abolitionist movement[4].


Grief Is For People

Sloane Crosley's memoir navigating her feelings of loss after her friend's suicide and the theft of heirloom jewelry, challenging traditional notions of bereavement[2].


Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder

Salman Rushdie's raw reflections on his violent experience and its aftermath, exploring themes of survival and free speech[5].


The Bullet

Tom Lee's memoir intertwining his personal mental health struggles with the history of a psychiatric hospital, offering a unique narrative on mental health and recovery[3].


Book Cover for: Be Ready When the Luck Happens: A Memoir, Ina Garten
Be Ready When the Luck Happens

Ina Garten's entertaining memoir sharing her life stories, from childhood struggles to her rise as a culinary icon[11].


We Are Free to Change the World

Keisha N. Blain’s biography of Fannie Lou Hamer, presenting her as a significant political thinker in the civil rights movement[6].


Joni Mitchell: The Memoir, Part One

An intimate retelling by Lisa Marie Presley, revealing her life intertwined with her father's legacy and personal struggles[11].


A book cover with what appear to be mock up book pages with black text on white
The Art of Dying: Writings, 2019–2022

A profound collection by Peter Schjeldahl, reflecting on mortality through the lens of art criticism and personal experience[9].


Radiant: The Life and Line of Keith Haring

Brad Gooch's biography illuminating the life of the influential artist known for his vibrant and politically charged works[9][11].


Al Pacino

A deeply intimate memoir that explores the iconic actor's life journey, detailing his remarkable career and personal experiences[11].


Joan Didion

A reflection on her life through the lens of her work, capturing the essence of her writing and experiences in the mid-20th century[6].


There’s Always This Year

Hanif Abdurraqib's engaging reflections on mortality, aspiration, and life structured around the metaphor of a basketball game[9].


Becoming Little Shell
Becoming Little Shell

Chris La Tray's exploration of his Indigenous heritage and family history as he seeks to understand his identity[9].


Follow Up Recommendations