This diversion we will discuss books about real people: biographies, memoirs, and historical fiction.
I read about people mostly through historical fiction. I adore all the books written by Fiona Davis, Lynda Cohen Loigman, and Kate Quinn. After I proclaim for the umpteenth time, I am so done with WWII, I stumble upon a masterpiece like Under the Same Stars by Libba Bray.
I will gobble up the occasional juicy memoir or biography. Who could resist Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris (which must be listened to)? How could I not be fascinated reading Bad Blood by John Carreyrou and learning about the evil Elizabeth Holmes?
Last year, I dove into the life of Isabella Stewart Gardner. Now that I live in a Boston suburb, I wanted to learn more about the woman whose life and museum were so important in the development of the city. Two books had recently been published: The Lioness of Boston by Emily Franklin and Chasing Beauty by Natalie Dykstra. The Lioness of Boston is a lovely historical fiction about Stewart’s life. As is often the case with historical fiction, the author takes some liberties with facts and timelines, but stays true to the time period. Chasing Beauty is a well-researched, very readable biography. This book filled in the gaps and also included pictures (Don’t you just love when a biography is filled with pictures).
So now it is your turn to share who you enjoy reading about. Do you like to read biographies about historical figures who changed the course of history or memoirs by pop culture icons who just changed themselves? Tell us in the comments your favorite books about people.