Biography and Memoir
October 2025
New Biographies
107 Days by Kamala Harris
107 Days
by Kamala Harris

"For the first time, and with surprising and revealing insights, Kamala Harris tells the story of one of the wildest and most consequential presidential campaigns in American history. Your Secret Service code name is Pioneer. You are the first woman in history to be elected vice president of the United States. On July 21, 2024, your running mate, Joe Biden, announces that he will not be seeking reelection. The presidential election will occur on November 5, 2024. You have 107 days. From the chaos of campaign strategy sessions to the intensity of debate prep under relentless scrutiny and the private moments that rarely make headlines, Kamala Harris offers an unfiltered look at the pressures, triumphs, and heartbreaks of a history-defining race. With behind-the-scenes details and a voice that is both intimate and urgent, this is more than a political memoir -- it's a chronicle of resilience, leadership, and the high stakes of democracy in action. Written with candor, a unique perspective, and the pace of a page-turning novel, 107 Days takes you inside the race for the presidency as no one has ever done before." --
Matisse at War by Christopher C. Gorham
Matisse at War
by Christopher C. Gorham

Spotlighting the years during World War II when Matisse and his family defiantly refused to evacuate Nazi-occupied France, this groundbreaking book illuminates the previously untold history of their passionate roles in the Resistance and the prodigious, revolutionary work the artist produced in the face of fascism, violence and hate. Illustrations. Maps.
Dead center : in defense of common sense by Joe Manchin
Dead center : in defense of common sense
by Joe Manchin

"A memoir--and a manifesto-like no other, by a true maverick in American politics With a foreword by Nick Saban Dead Center: It is where Senator Joe Manchin III has stood his entire life. For him, it's where the real solutions lie, if we are ever going to tame the anger, bitterness, intolerance, and tribalism that have infected our political system. Through 43 years in politics, and 15 years in the Senate, Joe Manchin has stayed close to his roots, basing his principles in when, where, and how he was raised. Treat people with respect. Find dignity in work. Put people first and country before party. Be fiscally responsible and socially compassionate. Only vote for what you understand and can explain to your constituents. That's it. Dead Center is more than Senator Manchin's declaration of independence from the extremes on both sides. In this revealing and entertaining memoir, Senator Manchin combines eyebrow-raising, never-before-told stories from inside the Senate and the White House with insights into how government does-or doesn't-work. A memoir by one of America's most recognized leaders, Dead Center offers a path forward from our polarized political gridlock to governance based on what our American founders practiced: Common Sense"--
Gertrude Stein : An Afterlife by Francesca Wade
Gertrude Stein : An Afterlife
by Francesca Wade

This richly detailed portrait of Gertrude Stein explores her literary influence, complex persona and iconic Paris salon, while tracing Alice B. Toklas's determined efforts to preserve her partner's legacy amid revelations that reshaped public understanding of them both. 
The afterlife of Malcolm X : an outcast turned icon's enduring impact on America by Mark Whitaker
The afterlife of Malcolm X : an outcast turned icon's enduring impact on America
by Mark Whitaker

Explores the iconic freedom fighter's posthumous influence on Black Power, hip-hop, literature, sports, and politics while also detailing the wrongful convictions in his assassination, offering a broad view of his lasting impact on American culture and history.
Racebook : a personal history of the Internet by Tochi Onyebuchi
Racebook : a personal history of the Internet
by Tochi Onyebuchi

From the ever-changing nature of personal writing and free expression, to gaming, manga, fandom and virtual reality, the author examines the Internet alongside works of literature both classic and new, in an investigation of race through the lens of the modern Internet age.
Sister wife : a memoir of faith, family, and finding freedom by Christine Brown Woolley
Sister wife : a memoir of faith, family, and finding freedom
by Christine Brown Woolley

Traces the "Sister Wives" star's life from her polygamist upbringing in Utah to becoming Kody Brown's third wife and a reality TV personality, revealing both the ideals and struggles of plural marriage and her eventual decision to leave the lifestyle behind.
Tart : misadventures of an anonymous chef by Slutty Cheff
Tart : misadventures of an anonymous chef
by Slutty Cheff

After leaving a corporate career to chase her culinary passion, a woman navigates the grueling yet exhilarating world of London fine dining, navigating gender dynamics, long hours, and personal awakenings as she seeks fulfillment, connection and purpose in and beyond the kitchen.
The waterbearers : a memoir of mothers and daughters by Sasha Bonâet
The waterbearers : a memoir of mothers and daughters
by Sasha Bonâet

Blends memoir, cultural history, and generational storytelling to trace the lives of three Black women—grandmother, mother, and daughter—while honoring the everyday and extraordinary legacies of Black women across time, from bayou matriarchs to cultural icons such as Nina Simone and Darnella Frazier. 
Cancer is complicated : and other unexpected lessons I've learned by Clea Shearer
Cancer is complicated : and other unexpected lessons I've learned
by Clea Shearer

The co-founder of The Home Edit company shares a heartfelt and practical guide blending personal experience and hard-earned wisdom, offering emotional support, advocacy tips, and everyday advice to help others navigate the complexities of a breast cancer diagnosis.
Water mirror echo : Bruce Lee and the making of Asian America by Jeff Chang
Water mirror echo : Bruce Lee and the making of Asian America
by Jeff Chang

Drawing on intimate interviews and rare archival materials, this biography examines Bruce Lee's transformation from a sickly child in postwar Hong Kong to a cultural trailblazer whose life and legacy helped catalyze the emergence of Asian America. 
Still Bobbi : A Master Class in Leading an Authentic Life by Bobbi Brown
Still Bobbi : A Master Class in Leading an Authentic Life
by Bobbi Brown

Traces the author's rise from a socially confident but academically struggling suburban girl to a pioneering force in the beauty industry, highlighting how she built two influential brands while staying true to her philosophy of authenticity, simplicity, and resilience in both business and life.
Softly, As I Leave You : Life After Elvis by Priscilla Presley
Softly, As I Leave You : Life After Elvis
by Priscilla Presley

Recounts the author's journey from life inside Elvis's inner circle to finding independence after their divorce, navigating grief, single motherhood, and personal reinvention as she built a life beyond fame, ultimately transforming tragedy and loss into strength and purpose. 
Girl in a band by Kim Gordon
Girl in a band
by Kim Gordon

A founding member of Sonic Youth, fashion icon and role model for a generation of women, now tells her story—a memoir of life as an artist, of music, marriage, motherhood, independence and as one of the first women of rock and roll.
A fine line between stupid and clever : the story of Spinal Tap by Rob Reiner
A fine line between stupid and clever : the story of Spinal Tap
by Rob Reiner

An inside look at the creation, legacy and cultural impact of the groundbreaking mockumentary comedy This Is Spinal Tap features behind-the-scenes stories, iconic quotes and rare memorabilia from the fictional band that became a real rock phenomenon. 
The broken king : a memoir by Michael Thomas
The broken king : a memoir
by Michael Thomas

The author of Man Gone Down depicts the lives of the men in his family spanning the past 150 years of American history from his non-practicing pharmacist grandfather, to his own sons growing up in Brooklyn.
Contact your librarian for more great books!
Margate City Public Library
8100 Atlantic Ave
Margate City, New Jersey 08402
(609) 822-4700

www.margatelibrary.org/