Advanced Search

Search

Advanced Search

The Cleveland Avenue Library is currently closed. A re-opening date will be provided when available. Visit fulcolibrary.org/locations for nearby branches.

Jacket cover images copied to clipboard.

Top Picks

Biographies

By:

FCLSCollectionDevelopment

Fulton County Library System

Staff-created list

A list of compelling biographies detailing the struggles and successes of some incredible individuals.

By:

FCLSCollectionDevelopment

Fulton County Library System

1-25 of 30 items

1-25 of 30 items

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

by Skloot, Rebecca

Book - 2010

Science journalist Skloot makes a remarkable debut with this multilayered story about "faith, science, journalism, and grace." It is also a tale...Show more Science journalist Skloot makes a remarkable debut with this multilayered story about "faith, science, journalism, and grace." It is also a tale of medical wonders and medical arrogance, racism, poverty and the bond that grows, sometimes painfully, between two very different women-Skloot and Deborah Lacks-sharing an obsession to learn about Deborah's mother, Henrietta, and her magical, immortal cells. --Publishers Weekly Show less

Science journalist Skloot makes a remarkable debut with this multilayered story about "faith, science, journalism, and grace." It is also a tale...Show more Science journalist Skloot makes a remarkable debut with this multilayered story about "faith, science, journalism, and grace." It is also a tale of medical wonders and medical arrogance, racism, poverty and the bond that grows, sometimes painfully, between two very different women-Skloot and Deborah Lacks-sharing an obsession to learn about Deborah's mother, Henrietta, and her magical, immortal cells. --Publishers Weekly Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs

by Isaacson, Walter

Book - 2011

Based on more than forty interviews with Steve Jobs conducted over two years--as well as interviews with more than 100 family members, friends, adversarie...Show more Based on more than forty interviews with Steve Jobs conducted over two years--as well as interviews with more than 100 family members, friends, adversaries, competitors, and colleagues--Walter Isaacson has written a riveting story of the roller-coaster life and searingly intense personality of a creative entrepreneur whose passion for perfection and ferocious drive revolutionized six industries. Show less

Based on more than forty interviews with Steve Jobs conducted over two years--as well as interviews with more than 100 family members, friends, adversarie...Show more Based on more than forty interviews with Steve Jobs conducted over two years--as well as interviews with more than 100 family members, friends, adversaries, competitors, and colleagues--Walter Isaacson has written a riveting story of the roller-coaster life and searingly intense personality of a creative entrepreneur whose passion for perfection and ferocious drive revolutionized six industries. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

John Adams

John Adams

by McCullough, David G.

Paperback - 2001

The Pulitzer Prize-winning, bestselling biography of America's founding father and second president that was the basis for the acclaimed HBO series, brilliantly told by master historian David McCullough. The Pulitzer Prize-winning, bestselling biography of America's founding father and second president that was the basis for the acclaimed HBO series, brilliantly told by master historian David McCullough. Show less

The Pulitzer Prize-winning, bestselling biography of America's founding father and second president that was the basis for the acclaimed HBO series, brilliantly told by master historian David McCullough. The Pulitzer Prize-winning, bestselling biography of America's founding father and second president that was the basis for the acclaimed HBO series, brilliantly told by master historian David McCullough. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Long Walk to Freedom

Long Walk to Freedom

The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela

by Mandela, Nelson

Paperback - 1995

Winner of the Nobel Peace Prize and the first democratically elected president of South Africa, Mandela began his autobiography during the course of his 27 years in prison. Winner of the Nobel Peace Prize and the first democratically elected president of South Africa, Mandela began his autobiography during the course of his 27 years in prison. Show less

Winner of the Nobel Peace Prize and the first democratically elected president of South Africa, Mandela began his autobiography during the course of his 27 years in prison. Winner of the Nobel Peace Prize and the first democratically elected president of South Africa, Mandela began his autobiography during the course of his 27 years in prison. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Team of Rivals

Team of Rivals

The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln

by Goodwin, Doris Kearns

Paperback - 2005

Acclaimed historian Doris Kearns Goodwin illuminates Abraham Lincoln's political genius in this highly original work, as the one-term congressman and prai...Show more Acclaimed historian Doris Kearns Goodwin illuminates Abraham Lincoln's political genius in this highly original work, as the one-term congressman and prairie lawyer rises from obscurity to prevail over three gifted rivals of national reputation to become president. Show less

Acclaimed historian Doris Kearns Goodwin illuminates Abraham Lincoln's political genius in this highly original work, as the one-term congressman and prai...Show more Acclaimed historian Doris Kearns Goodwin illuminates Abraham Lincoln's political genius in this highly original work, as the one-term congressman and prairie lawyer rises from obscurity to prevail over three gifted rivals of national reputation to become president. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Educated

Educated

A Memoir

by Westover, Tara

Book - 2018

An unforgettable memoir about a young girl who, kept out of school, leaves her survivalist family and goes on to earn a PhD from Cambridge University. An unforgettable memoir about a young girl who, kept out of school, leaves her survivalist family and goes on to earn a PhD from Cambridge University. Show less

An unforgettable memoir about a young girl who, kept out of school, leaves her survivalist family and goes on to earn a PhD from Cambridge University. An unforgettable memoir about a young girl who, kept out of school, leaves her survivalist family and goes on to earn a PhD from Cambridge University. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

by Angelou, Maya

Book - 2002

Filled with images and recollections that point to the dignity and courage of black men and women, Angelou paints a sometimes disquieting, but always affecting picture of the people--and the times--that touched her life. Filled with images and recollections that point to the dignity and courage of black men and women, Angelou paints a sometimes disquieting, but always affecting picture of the people--and the times--that touched her life. Show less

Filled with images and recollections that point to the dignity and courage of black men and women, Angelou paints a sometimes disquieting, but always affecting picture of the people--and the times--that touched her life. Filled with images and recollections that point to the dignity and courage of black men and women, Angelou paints a sometimes disquieting, but always affecting picture of the people--and the times--that touched her life. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Becoming

Becoming

by Obama, Michelle

Book - 2018

In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that hav...Show more In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her--from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world's most famous address. Show less

In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that hav...Show more In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her--from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world's most famous address. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Unbroken

Unbroken

A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption

by Hillenbrand, Laura

Book - 2010

At the centerpiece of this historical biography set during World War II is Louis Zamperini, a one-time U.S. Olympics distance runner-turned-Army Air Force bombardier whose plane goes down over the Pacific. At the centerpiece of this historical biography set during World War II is Louis Zamperini, a one-time U.S. Olympics distance runner-turned-Army Air Force bombardier whose plane goes down over the Pacific. Show less

At the centerpiece of this historical biography set during World War II is Louis Zamperini, a one-time U.S. Olympics distance runner-turned-Army Air Force bombardier whose plane goes down over the Pacific. At the centerpiece of this historical biography set during World War II is Louis Zamperini, a one-time U.S. Olympics distance runner-turned-Army Air Force bombardier whose plane goes down over the Pacific. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

The Autobiography of Malcolm X

The Autobiography of Malcolm X

by X, Malcolm

Paperback - 1992

In the searing pages of this classic autobiography, originally published in 1964, Malcolm X, the Muslim leader, firebrand, and anti-integrationist, tells the extraordinary story of his life and the growth of the Black Muslim movement. In the searing pages of this classic autobiography, originally published in 1964, Malcolm X, the Muslim leader, firebrand, and anti-integrationist, tells the extraordinary story of his life and the growth of the Black Muslim movement. Show less

In the searing pages of this classic autobiography, originally published in 1964, Malcolm X, the Muslim leader, firebrand, and anti-integrationist, tells the extraordinary story of his life and the growth of the Black Muslim movement. In the searing pages of this classic autobiography, originally published in 1964, Malcolm X, the Muslim leader, firebrand, and anti-integrationist, tells the extraordinary story of his life and the growth of the Black Muslim movement. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Into the Wild

Into the Wild

by Krakauer, Jon

Book - 2015

In a compelling book that evokes the writings of Thoreau, Muir, and Jack London, Krakauer recounts the haunting and tragic mystery of 22-year-old Chris Mc...Show more In a compelling book that evokes the writings of Thoreau, Muir, and Jack London, Krakauer recounts the haunting and tragic mystery of 22-year-old Chris McCandless who disappeared in April 1992 into the Alaskan wilderness in search of a raw, transcendent experience. Show less

In a compelling book that evokes the writings of Thoreau, Muir, and Jack London, Krakauer recounts the haunting and tragic mystery of 22-year-old Chris Mc...Show more In a compelling book that evokes the writings of Thoreau, Muir, and Jack London, Krakauer recounts the haunting and tragic mystery of 22-year-old Chris McCandless who disappeared in April 1992 into the Alaskan wilderness in search of a raw, transcendent experience. Show less

All copies in use Availability details

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Washington

Washington

A Life

by Chernow, Ron

Paperback - 2010

Celebrated biographer Ron Chernow provides a richly nuanced portrait of the father of our nation and the first president of the United States. Celebrated biographer Ron Chernow provides a richly nuanced portrait of the father of our nation and the first president of the United States. Show less

Celebrated biographer Ron Chernow provides a richly nuanced portrait of the father of our nation and the first president of the United States. Celebrated biographer Ron Chernow provides a richly nuanced portrait of the father of our nation and the first president of the United States. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

The Glass Castle

The Glass Castle

A Memoir

by Walls, Jeannette

Paperback - 2006

The Glass Castle is a remarkable memoir of resilience and redemption, and a revelatory look into a family at once deeply dysfunctional and uniquely vibrant. The Glass Castle is a remarkable memoir of resilience and redemption, and a revelatory look into a family at once deeply dysfunctional and uniquely vibrant. Show less

The Glass Castle is a remarkable memoir of resilience and redemption, and a revelatory look into a family at once deeply dysfunctional and uniquely vibrant. The Glass Castle is a remarkable memoir of resilience and redemption, and a revelatory look into a family at once deeply dysfunctional and uniquely vibrant. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

The Radium Girls

The Radium Girls

The Dark Story of America's Shining Women

by Moore, Kate

Book - 2017

Written with a sparkling voice and breakneck pace, The Radium Girlsfully illuminates the inspiring young women exposed to the "wonder" substance of radium, and their awe-inspiring strength in the face of almost impossible circumstances. Written with a sparkling voice and breakneck pace, The Radium Girlsfully illuminates the inspiring young women exposed to the "wonder" substance of radium, and their awe-inspiring strength in the face of almost impossible circumstances. Show less

Written with a sparkling voice and breakneck pace, The Radium Girlsfully illuminates the inspiring young women exposed to the "wonder" substance of radium, and their awe-inspiring strength in the face of almost impossible circumstances. Written with a sparkling voice and breakneck pace, The Radium Girlsfully illuminates the inspiring young women exposed to the "wonder" substance of radium, and their awe-inspiring strength in the face of almost impossible circumstances. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Just Kids

Just Kids

by Smith, Patti

Book - 2010

Winner of the National Book Award, Just Kids begins as a love story and ends as an elegy. It serves as a salute to New York City during the late sixties a...Show more Winner of the National Book Award, Just Kids begins as a love story and ends as an elegy. It serves as a salute to New York City during the late sixties and seventies and to its rich and poor, its hustlers and hellions. A true fable, it is a portrait of two young artists' ascent, a prelude to fame. Show less

Winner of the National Book Award, Just Kids begins as a love story and ends as an elegy. It serves as a salute to New York City during the late sixties a...Show more Winner of the National Book Award, Just Kids begins as a love story and ends as an elegy. It serves as a salute to New York City during the late sixties and seventies and to its rich and poor, its hustlers and hellions. A true fable, it is a portrait of two young artists' ascent, a prelude to fame. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

The Professor and the Madman

The Professor and the Madman

A Tale of Murder, Insanity, and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary

by Winchester, Simon

Paperback - 1998

This unusual and exciting account centers on two men involved in the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary-Professor James Murray, its editor, and Dr....Show more This unusual and exciting account centers on two men involved in the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary-Professor James Murray, its editor, and Dr. William Chester Minor. The most surprising aspect of this long and productive partnership was that Dr. Minor, probably a schizophrenic, was incarcerated in England's most notorious insane asylum during the whole of their working relationship. --School Library Journal Show less

This unusual and exciting account centers on two men involved in the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary-Professor James Murray, its editor, and Dr....Show more This unusual and exciting account centers on two men involved in the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary-Professor James Murray, its editor, and Dr. William Chester Minor. The most surprising aspect of this long and productive partnership was that Dr. Minor, probably a schizophrenic, was incarcerated in England's most notorious insane asylum during the whole of their working relationship. --School Library Journal Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Bossypants

Bossypants

by Fey, Tina

Book - 2011

From her youthful days as a vicious nerd to her tour of duty on Saturday Night Live; from her passionately halfhearted pursuit of physical beauty to her l...Show more From her youthful days as a vicious nerd to her tour of duty on Saturday Night Live; from her passionately halfhearted pursuit of physical beauty to her life as a mother eating things off the floor; from her one-sided college romance to her nearly fatal honeymoon, comedian Tina Fey reveals all, and proves that you're no one until someone calls you bossy. Show less

From her youthful days as a vicious nerd to her tour of duty on Saturday Night Live; from her passionately halfhearted pursuit of physical beauty to her l...Show more From her youthful days as a vicious nerd to her tour of duty on Saturday Night Live; from her passionately halfhearted pursuit of physical beauty to her life as a mother eating things off the floor; from her one-sided college romance to her nearly fatal honeymoon, comedian Tina Fey reveals all, and proves that you're no one until someone calls you bossy. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Born A Crime

Born A Crime

Stories From A South African Childhood

by Noah, Trevor

Book - 2016

Born a Crime is the story of a mischievous young boy who grows into a restless young man as he struggles to find himself in a world where he was never sup...Show more Born a Crime is the story of a mischievous young boy who grows into a restless young man as he struggles to find himself in a world where he was never supposed to exist. It is also the story of that young man's relationship with his fearless, rebellious, and fervently religious mother--his teammate, a woman determined to save her son from the cycle of poverty, violence, and abuse that would ultimately threaten her own life. Show less

Born a Crime is the story of a mischievous young boy who grows into a restless young man as he struggles to find himself in a world where he was never sup...Show more Born a Crime is the story of a mischievous young boy who grows into a restless young man as he struggles to find himself in a world where he was never supposed to exist. It is also the story of that young man's relationship with his fearless, rebellious, and fervently religious mother--his teammate, a woman determined to save her son from the cycle of poverty, violence, and abuse that would ultimately threaten her own life. Show less

Available but not Holdable in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Alexander Hamilton

Alexander Hamilton

by Chernow, Ron

Paperback - 2004

Inspiration for the hit Broadway musical Hamilton, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ron Chernow presents a landmark biography of Alexander Hamilton, the Founding Father who galvanized, inspired, scandalized, and shaped the newborn nation. Inspiration for the hit Broadway musical Hamilton, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ron Chernow presents a landmark biography of Alexander Hamilton, the Founding Father who galvanized, inspired, scandalized, and shaped the newborn nation. Show less

Inspiration for the hit Broadway musical Hamilton, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ron Chernow presents a landmark biography of Alexander Hamilton, the Founding Father who galvanized, inspired, scandalized, and shaped the newborn nation. Inspiration for the hit Broadway musical Hamilton, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ron Chernow presents a landmark biography of Alexander Hamilton, the Founding Father who galvanized, inspired, scandalized, and shaped the newborn nation. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Barracoon

Barracoon

The Story of the Last "Black Cargo"

by Hurston, Zora Neale

Book - 2018

This previously unpublished manuscript from Zora Neale Hurston is a remarkable account of the life of Kossola, also known as Cudjo Lewis, the last survivor of the last American slave ship. --Publishers Weekly This previously unpublished manuscript from Zora Neale Hurston is a remarkable account of the life of Kossola, also known as Cudjo Lewis, the last survivor of the last American slave ship. --Publishers Weekly Show less

This previously unpublished manuscript from Zora Neale Hurston is a remarkable account of the life of Kossola, also known as Cudjo Lewis, the last survivor of the last American slave ship. --Publishers Weekly This previously unpublished manuscript from Zora Neale Hurston is a remarkable account of the life of Kossola, also known as Cudjo Lewis, the last survivor of the last American slave ship. --Publishers Weekly Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Angela's Ashes

Angela's Ashes

A Memoir

by McCourt, Frank

Book - 1996

In this luminous memoir, Frank endures poverty, near-starvation and the casual cruelty of relatives and neighbors--yet lives to tell his tale with eloquence, exuberance and remarkable forgiveness. In this luminous memoir, Frank endures poverty, near-starvation and the casual cruelty of relatives and neighbors--yet lives to tell his tale with eloquence, exuberance and remarkable forgiveness. Show less

In this luminous memoir, Frank endures poverty, near-starvation and the casual cruelty of relatives and neighbors--yet lives to tell his tale with eloquence, exuberance and remarkable forgiveness. In this luminous memoir, Frank endures poverty, near-starvation and the casual cruelty of relatives and neighbors--yet lives to tell his tale with eloquence, exuberance and remarkable forgiveness. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

A Woman of No Importance

A Woman of No Importance

The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II

by Purnell, Sonia

Book - 2019

Based on new and extensive research, Sonia Purnell has for the first time uncovered the full secret life of Virginia Hall--an astounding and inspiring story of heroism, spycraft, resistance, and personal triumph over shocking adversity. Based on new and extensive research, Sonia Purnell has for the first time uncovered the full secret life of Virginia Hall--an astounding and inspiring story of heroism, spycraft, resistance, and personal triumph over shocking adversity. Show less

Based on new and extensive research, Sonia Purnell has for the first time uncovered the full secret life of Virginia Hall--an astounding and inspiring story of heroism, spycraft, resistance, and personal triumph over shocking adversity. Based on new and extensive research, Sonia Purnell has for the first time uncovered the full secret life of Virginia Hall--an astounding and inspiring story of heroism, spycraft, resistance, and personal triumph over shocking adversity. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Alan Turing

Alan Turing

The Enigma : the Book That Inspired the Film The Imitation Game

by Hodges, Andrew

Paperback - 2014

Capturing both the inner and outer drama of Turing's life, Andrew Hodges tells how Turing's revolutionary idea of 1936--the concept of a universal machine...Show more Capturing both the inner and outer drama of Turing's life, Andrew Hodges tells how Turing's revolutionary idea of 1936--the concept of a universal machine--laid the foundation for the modern computer and how Turing brought the idea to practical realization in 1945 with his electronic design. Show less

Capturing both the inner and outer drama of Turing's life, Andrew Hodges tells how Turing's revolutionary idea of 1936--the concept of a universal machine...Show more Capturing both the inner and outer drama of Turing's life, Andrew Hodges tells how Turing's revolutionary idea of 1936--the concept of a universal machine--laid the foundation for the modern computer and how Turing brought the idea to practical realization in 1945 with his electronic design. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Enrique's Journey

Enrique's Journey

by Nazario, Sonia

Paperback - 2006

Enrique's Journey recounts the unforgettable quest of a Honduran boy looking for his mother, eleven years after she is forced to leave her starving family to find work in the United States. Enrique's Journey recounts the unforgettable quest of a Honduran boy looking for his mother, eleven years after she is forced to leave her starving family to find work in the United States. Show less

Enrique's Journey recounts the unforgettable quest of a Honduran boy looking for his mother, eleven years after she is forced to leave her starving family to find work in the United States. Enrique's Journey recounts the unforgettable quest of a Honduran boy looking for his mother, eleven years after she is forced to leave her starving family to find work in the United States. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

The Passage of Power

The Passage of Power

by Caro, Robert A.

Book - 2012

The Passage of Power follows Lyndon Johnson through both the most frustrating and the most triumphant periods of his career--1958 to1964. The Passage of Power follows Lyndon Johnson through both the most frustrating and the most triumphant periods of his career--1958 to1964. Show less

The Passage of Power follows Lyndon Johnson through both the most frustrating and the most triumphant periods of his career--1958 to1964. The Passage of Power follows Lyndon Johnson through both the most frustrating and the most triumphant periods of his career--1958 to1964. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

1-25 of 30 items

1
2

Powered by BiblioCommons.

BiblioCore: app07 Version 9.17.0 Last updated 2023/09/21 11:28

[]

[]

To Top