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Biography and Memoir August 2024
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| The Friday Afternoon Club: A Family Memoir by Griffin DunneActor and filmmaker Griffin Dunne's moving coming-of-age memoir discusses his triumphs and troubles in Hollywood, growing up in a famous family (novelist and producer Dominick Dunne was his father; Joan Didion was his aunt), and the 1982 murder of his sister Dominique that spurred a highly publicized trial. Further reading: Money, Murder, and Dominick Dunne: A Life in Several Acts by Robert Hofler. |
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| All the Worst Humans: How I Made News for Dictators, Tycoons, and Politicians by Phil ElwoodIn his fast-paced and darkly humorous debut, public relations operative Phil Elwood dishes on the two decades he spent successfully spinning the news to cover up his clients' nefarious misdeeds, before an investigation and a suicide attempt prompted him to leave the game for good. Try this next: Why We Did It: A Travelogue from the Republican Road to Hell by Tim Miller. |
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| T-Shirt Swim Club: Stories from Being Fat in a World of Thin People by Ian Karmel and Alisa Karmel, PsyDEmmy Award-winning comedian Ian Karmel chronicles his lifelong battles with weight and body image in this bittersweet yet affirming memoir featuring insights from his sister Alisa, a psychologist and nutritionist who specializes in body acceptance. Try this next: Fatty Fatty Boom Boom: A Memoir of Food, Fat, and Family by Rabia Chaudry; Unshrinking: How to Face Fatphobia by Kate Manne. |
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| 1974: A Personal History by Francine ProseAward-winning novelist Francine Prose (The Vixen) offers an intimate look at a transformative year in American history -- and her own life -- in this moving debut memoir. For fans of: An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s by Doris Kearns Goodwin. |
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| Desperately Seeking Something: A Memoir About Movies, Mothers, and Material Girls by Susan SeidelmanTrailblazing Desperately Seeking Susan director Susan Seidelman chronicles her four-decade filmmaking career in this lively and upbeat memoir featuring black-and-white photos and behind-the-scenes anecdotes. Try this next: As If!: The Oral History of Clueless, as Told by Amy Heckerling, the Cast, and the Crew by Jen Chaney. |
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Focus on: Olympic Athletes |
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| One Jump at a Time: My Story by Nathan ChenOlympic gold medalist Nathan Chen shares his inspiring path to skating stardom -- and how he became the first Asian American male figure skater to win gold -- in his lively and richly detailed debut. For fans of: Beautiful on the Outside by Adam Rippon, Chen's teammate at the 2018 Winter Olympics. |
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| Coming Up for Air by Tom DaleyIn his charming and conversational memoir, British diving champion Tom Daley, a gold medalist who has competed in every Olympic Games since 2008, offers intimate insights on his life and career, including his marriage to screenwriter Dustin Lance Black and his LGBTQIA advocacy. Try this next: Just Add Water: My Swimming Life by Katie Ledecky. |
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| Proud: My Fight for an Unlikely American Dream by Ibtihaj MuhammadIn this candid memoir, Muslim American fencer and activist Ibtihaj Muhammad describes her young life and experiences as the first United States Olympian to compete (and medal) while wearing hijab. Try this next: The Race to Be Myself by Caster Semenya. |
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| One Life by Megan RapinoeIn her frank and inspiring memoir, Olympic gold medalist and two-time Women’s World Cup champion Megan Rapinoe discusses her soccer career and dedication to social justice activism, offering a hopeful outlook on addressing inequality on and off the field. For fans of: Forward by Abby Wambach. |
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| Dear Black Girls: How to Be True to You by A'ja WilsonWNBA power forward and Olympic gold medalist A'ja Wilson's bestselling blend of memoir and self-help offers an upbeat celebration of overcoming adversity, with each chapter serving as a letter written to young Black girls. Try this next: Coming Home by Brittney Griner. |
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Visit Arlington Public Library and discover more great books! |
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