Best Biography Books July 2025

Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl

Carrie Brownstein’s raw and unflinching memoir takes us on a journey through her tumultuous youth and the birth of the iconic punk band Sleater-Kinney. With candid honesty, she explores her struggles with anxiety, family dynamics, and finding her place in the male-dominated music scene. Brownstein’s wit shines through as she recounts awkward encounters and triumphant moments, painting a vivid picture of the 90s riot grrrl movement. Her words resonate with anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider, reminding us that sometimes, our hunger for belonging can lead us to unexpected places.

Scrappy Little Nobody

Anna Kendrick’s “Scrappy Little Nobody” is a delightfully candid peek into the life of a Hollywood star who still feels like an outsider. With self-deprecating humor and refreshing honesty, Kendrick shares hilarious anecdotes from her journey to fame. From awkward childhood moments to red carpet mishaps, she invites readers into her world with warmth and wit. It’s like chatting with your funniest friend over coffee, if your friend happened to be an Oscar-nominated actress. A charming, relatable read that’ll leave you grinning.

The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo

Amy Schumer’s raw and unapologetic memoir had me laughing out loud one minute and tearing up the next. With her trademark wit, she dishes on everything from her awkward teenage years to her rise in comedy. I loved how she tackled serious topics like gun violence and body image with both humor and heart. Schumer’s voice shines through on every page, making you feel like you’re chatting with a hilarious friend over drinks. A refreshingly honest and relatable read.

I Am Malala

I Am Malala is a powerful memoir that gripped me from the first page. Malala’s courage and determination shine through as she recounts her fight for education in Pakistan. Her vivid descriptions transported me to the Swat Valley, where I could almost feel the tension and fear. Despite facing unimaginable challenges, Malala’s unwavering spirit and hope for a better future left me inspired and in awe. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the importance of education and the strength of the human spirit.

Wild Swans

Jung Chang’s “Wild Swans” is a mesmerizing journey through three generations of Chinese women. I was captivated by the author’s vivid storytelling, feeling as if I were right there with her grandmother, mother, and herself. Chang’s personal reflections on life under Mao’s regime are both heartbreaking and eye-opening. The book’s rich detail and emotional depth left me pondering the resilience of the human spirit long after I’d turned the final page.

Seabiscuit

Hillenbrand’s masterful storytelling brings to life the unlikely tale of Seabiscuit, a crooked-legged racehorse that captured America’s heart during the Great Depression. With vivid detail and emotional depth, she weaves together the lives of the horse, his jockey, trainer, and owner, creating a riveting narrative that feels like you’re trackside. I found myself cheering for this underdog team, their triumphs and setbacks resonating long after the last page. A testament to the power of perseverance and the unbreakable bond between humans and animals.

The Boys in the Boat

“The Boys in the Boat” is a captivating tale of nine working-class American boys who defied the odds to win gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Brown’s vivid storytelling transports you to Depression-era Seattle, where you can almost feel the ache in the rowers’ muscles and taste the salt spray on their faces. It’s a testament to the human spirit, reminding us that with grit and determination, ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things. I found myself cheering for these underdogs, their journey both inspiring and deeply moving.

In the Heart of the Sea

Philbrick’s gripping account plunges readers into the harrowing true story that inspired Moby-Dick. With vivid prose, he recounts the ill-fated voyage of the Essex, a Nantucket whaling ship sunk by a massive sperm whale in 1820. The crew’s desperate struggle for survival unfolds in heart-wrenching detail, as they face starvation, dehydration, and unthinkable choices adrift in the vast Pacific. A riveting tale of human endurance and the unforgiving power of nature.

Endurance

In “Endurance,” Alfred Lansing masterfully recounts the harrowing tale of Ernest Shackleton’s ill-fated Antarctic expedition. I was captivated by the crew’s unwavering resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship. Lansing’s vivid prose transported me to the icy wasteland, where I could almost feel the biting cold and hear the groaning ice. The book’s pacing kept me on edge, marveling at the men’s ingenuity and sheer will to survive. A truly inspiring account that left me in awe of human endurance.

The Lost City of Z

In “The Lost City of Z,” David Grann weaves a spellbinding tale of obsession and adventure. Following the footsteps of British explorer Percy Fawcett, Grann plunges into the heart of the Amazon, seeking answers to a century-old mystery. As I turned each page, I felt the oppressive heat and heard the whispers of the jungle. Grann’s meticulous research and vivid storytelling transported me to a world of untamed wilderness and forgotten civilizations. This book isn’t just an exploration of the Amazon; it’s a journey into the depths of human determination.