|
|
Biography and Memoir January 2020 |
|
|
|
| She Came to Slay: The Life and Times of Harriet Tubman by Erica Armstrong DunbarWhat it is: a short, conversational biography of heroic Underground Railroad conductor, Union Army spy, and abolitionist Harriet Tubman.
Why you might like it: Filled with photographs and eye-catching illustrations and sidebars, this engaging, pop-culture infused read "will leave even the least historically inclined readers in awe" (Booklist). |
|
| All Blood Runs Red: The Legendary Life of Eugene Bullard -- Boxer, Pilot, Soldier, Spy by Phil Keith with Tom ClavinStarring: the first African American fighter pilot, Eugene Bullard, a war hero whose remarkable life has been largely forgotten by history.
What he did: Bullard achieved fame as boxer "Black Sparrow," served in the French Foreign Legion during both world wars, ran a Paris nightclub during World War II that he used to spy on Germans, and much more.
Don't miss: the surprising connection Bullard's life had to Casablanca; a jaw-dropping who's who of famous figures. |
|
| What We Will Become: A Mother, a Son, and a Journey of Transformation by Mimi LemayWhat it's about: debut author Mimi Lemay's experiences parenting her young transgender son, Jacob.
Why you might like it: Told in alternating chapters, Lemay chronicles Jacob's transition and her own identity journey -- in her 20s, Lemay made the decision to leave behind the strict Orthodox Judaism of her childhood.
Try this next: Jodie Patterson's moving memoir The Bold World explores themes of family and identity from a black mother's perspective. |
|
| In the Dream House by Carmen Maria MachadoWhat it's about: In this inventive collection of short essays, award-winning author Carmen Maria Machado (Her Body and Other Parties) unflinchingly recounts a relationship with an unstable woman that devolved into physical and psychological abuse.
What sets it apart: Machado's fragmented, genre-defying prose plays with storytelling tropes, offering a multilayered view of her relationship as a choose your own adventure, a noir, a stoner comedy, and more.
Book buzz: In the Dream House was longlisted for the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction. |
|
| Eleanor and Hick: The Love Affair That Shaped a First Lady by Susan QuinnWhat it's about: the 30-year relationship between First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and reporter Lorena Hickok, who championed each other's pursuits to make the world a better place.
Why you might like it: Fast-paced and meticulously researched, this illuminating dual biography chronicles the evolution of an empowering love. |
|
| Before I Forget: Love, Hope, Help, and Acceptance in Our Fight Against Alzheimer's by B. Smith & Dan Gasby with Michael Shnayerson; foreword by Rudolph E. Tanzi, PhDWhat it is: a heartfelt account of restaurateur B. Smith's life with early-onset Alzheimer's, co-written by her husband and caregiver Dan Gasby.
Is it for you? Packed with tips, resources, and lessons the couple have learned, this candid blend of memoir and self-help guide will be best appreciated by Alzheimer's patients and their families.
Reviewers say: "an enduring love story of care and adoration" (Publishers Weekly). |
|
Contact your librarian for more great books!
|
|
|
|
|
|