Top Ten Books To Read If Your Book Club Likes Autobiographies #TopTenTuesday
I love book club and am jumping for joy at being back to a place in the world where I can join not one but two book clubs (because I’m overenthusiastic like that). I don’t know about your experiences with book clubs, but in my experience choosing books to read for the group is nearly as hazardous as discussing The Satanic Verses with a devout Muslim. That’s why I found this week’s Top Ten topic from The Broke and the Bookish interesting.
Looking through my bookshelves for autobiographies I would recommend to other readers, I discovered that I’m apparently in lust with political stories. Maybe because those in political life are more likely to write their memoirs? Or maybe because a life lead in public is inherently interesting to me? Whatever the reason, here’s my list heavy on political themes.
Long Walk To Freedom by Nelson Mandela
Wow. Just wow. Mandela tops the list of people – dead or alive – with whom I’d want to have dinner. The man is beyond inspiring. The book also provides an interesting history of tribes in South Africa.
Madam Secretary by Madeleine K. Albright
This story is interesting not only from the perspective of the first woman in the US to hold such a high position, but also Albright’s personal history.
Living History by Hillary Rodham Clinton
I read this book years before Clinton became a serious contender for the White House. I admit to being interested in learning how she dealt with her husband’s infidelity (not really discussed). I also wanted to hear how she handled being a strong, intelligent, independent woman who (it seemed) played 2nd fiddle to her husband.
The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama
I read this book before Obama was elected president. I can’t help but be overwhelmed with his intelligence.
Leap of Faith by Noor Al-Hussein
A book written by a real live princess who wasn’t born of royal blood? Of course, I had to read it. It was interesting and very thought provoking.
Personal History by Katharine Graham
I groaned when this book was selected for my book club. It’s so big and who cares! I can be a total whiner. In the end, I found this book fascinating – not only because I had lived in the D.C. area but also the background of The Washington Post and its struggle to survive.
My Life in France by Julia Child
After reading Julie and Julia for my book club, I had to read this account of Child’s life. It was fascinating. What a life she lead! Who knew?