Autobiographies
Alicey was asking me if I could recommend any good autobiographies. A few moments thought revealed that my primary areas of interest are:
1.) Politicians, particularly US Presidents
2.) Career criminals
3.) Military leaders
Not very likely to be much use to her. So I came home and considered my shelves further...
'Nothing is impossible' and 'Still me' by Christopher Reeve
Both well-written, both very human and honest as he comes to terms with being paralysed. Also very short.
'The Diving Bell and the Butterfly' by Jean-Dominique Bauby
One of my all-time favourite books - Bauby was the editor of French 'Elle'. Paralysed by a massive stroke, he was left unable to move any muscle in his body except his left eyelid. Using it to communicate with coded blinks, he dictated this book to a secretary. Just awesome.
'It's not about the bike' by Lance Armstrong
Nutter loses testicle to cancer, responds by whipping the French at cycling. Hats off. Less about cycling, more about what you can achieve by just being insanely stubborn and believing you're better than everyone else.
'Walden' by Henry David Thoreau
Literary classic, Thoreau escapes the oppressive urban throb of 19th century New England (village of twenty people much too hectic) and retreats to live in a self-built hut by a lake for a year. Makes copious notes on wildlife and reflects on philosophy. Obviously directly up my walled-garden, your mileage may vary.
'Leadership' by Rudy Guiliani
Autobiography-cum-management textbook by controversial mayor of New York. Includes remarkable account of 9/11. Like him or loathe him, he has strong principles and isn't shy about expressing them. Many undoubted accomplishments and provides interesting insight into what it's like to run a city.
Just about anything by Richard Bach
Author of 'Jonathan Livingstone Seagull', hippy, mystic, aviator - Bach spends his time flying around in a biplane and musing on the nature of reality. If you like that sort of thing, absolutely diamond. If not, well... there are some below I have but haven't read yet...
'I am Jackie Chan' by err... Jackie Chan
Should be good for a laugh.
I don't know the title but it's the autobiography of Max Clifford
Which I would think, if he chooses to get into it, would be highly illuminating.
That's my recommendations... be interested to know what anyone thinks of them. Anyone wanting military/political/criminal recommendations can just post and I'll supply a list.
1.) Politicians, particularly US Presidents
2.) Career criminals
3.) Military leaders
Not very likely to be much use to her. So I came home and considered my shelves further...
'Nothing is impossible' and 'Still me' by Christopher Reeve
Both well-written, both very human and honest as he comes to terms with being paralysed. Also very short.
'The Diving Bell and the Butterfly' by Jean-Dominique Bauby
One of my all-time favourite books - Bauby was the editor of French 'Elle'. Paralysed by a massive stroke, he was left unable to move any muscle in his body except his left eyelid. Using it to communicate with coded blinks, he dictated this book to a secretary. Just awesome.
'It's not about the bike' by Lance Armstrong
Nutter loses testicle to cancer, responds by whipping the French at cycling. Hats off. Less about cycling, more about what you can achieve by just being insanely stubborn and believing you're better than everyone else.
'Walden' by Henry David Thoreau
Literary classic, Thoreau escapes the oppressive urban throb of 19th century New England (village of twenty people much too hectic) and retreats to live in a self-built hut by a lake for a year. Makes copious notes on wildlife and reflects on philosophy. Obviously directly up my walled-garden, your mileage may vary.
'Leadership' by Rudy Guiliani
Autobiography-cum-management textbook by controversial mayor of New York. Includes remarkable account of 9/11. Like him or loathe him, he has strong principles and isn't shy about expressing them. Many undoubted accomplishments and provides interesting insight into what it's like to run a city.
Just about anything by Richard Bach
Author of 'Jonathan Livingstone Seagull', hippy, mystic, aviator - Bach spends his time flying around in a biplane and musing on the nature of reality. If you like that sort of thing, absolutely diamond. If not, well... there are some below I have but haven't read yet...
'I am Jackie Chan' by err... Jackie Chan
Should be good for a laugh.
I don't know the title but it's the autobiography of Max Clifford
Which I would think, if he chooses to get into it, would be highly illuminating.
That's my recommendations... be interested to know what anyone thinks of them. Anyone wanting military/political/criminal recommendations can just post and I'll supply a list.
posted by PP at 10:48 pm
2 Comments:
Brett!? Is that my old team mate from the Hemel Canal Legends...?
Sorry I'm a bit late replying to this. Hello Brett!!
Christopher Reeve - definitely up for that.
I've already got the Diving Bell & The Butterfly, I love it too.
Lance Armstrong - I dunno, he's a bit of a twat in a wristband, isn't he?
Well up for Guiliani, that's got to be an interesting read.
Max Clifford's autobiog is called "Read All About It" and looks awesome, I've put it on my wishlist. You can borrow it if you like.
Currently I'm reading Nigella's (unauthorised). Next on the pile is Spike Milligan and Alison Lapper. I'm a sucker for biographies, I really am.
Post a Comment
<< Home