20 biographies that are must reads and must sees
There’s nothing better than learning from others’ successes and failures. Everyone has a life story, but some are just remarkable. Here are 20 biographies you should consider to read, watch, or both. These stories are about people from all walks of life and from various time periods. However their messages and experiences transcend time, race, country, and anything else that makes us different. (*Please note: No links below are affiliate links.)
1. Andrew Carnegie
Andrew’s story is the definition of rags-to-riches. He came to America with his poor family. He hit the ground running and wanted to make a name for himself. He made in fortune in steel and was said to be the second richest man of all time.
Why read it?
His story is not interesting because of the fact of him making billions of dollars, but it’s what he did with it. He became the voice of philanthropy, donating a large majority of his fortune to build schools, libraries, and other institutions that helped the public. He encouraged other wealthy individuals to use their fortune for good as well. His message still rings true today.
Andrew Carnegie – Wikipedia | The Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie and The Gospel of Wealth
2. Benjamin Franklin
“Founding Father”, entrepreneur, inventor, scientist, author, activist and politician. Who knows where America would be without him.
Why read it?
To understand that your talents aren’t limited. Everyone has multiple talents, you just need to bring them to the light and harness their power.
Benjamin Franklin – Wikipedia | The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
3. Chris Gardner
Chris was faced with many struggles when he was young and even more when he grew older. He had a son but he was poor and couldn’t support himself, let alone a child. His girlfriend left him and it looked like Chris was down, but he certainly wasn’t out. Desperation set in and well, you’ll have to read his book or watch the movie starring Will Smith to see what happens.
Why read it or watch it?
The greatest message Chris leaves readers with is actually from his mother. “The cavalry ain’t coming.” That means you can wait around for your life to get better, you have to go out there and change it yourself.
Chris Gardner – Wikipedia | His personal site | The Pursuit of Happyness (book) | The Pursuit of Happyness (film)
4. Thomas Edison
Mr. Edison is probably the most prolific inventor of all time. He invented the phonograph, the incandescent light bulb, motion pictures, and a way to distribute electricity; among countless other inventions.
Why read it?
Thomas shows that failure is a key to success and that ONE person can change the history of the planet.
Thomas Edison – Wikipedia | Amazon.com book results for “Thomas Edison”
5. Christy Brown
Christy was born with cerebral palsy which left him physically limited but not mentally. He could only control the use of his left foot. So what did he do? He harnessed the power of his left foot. He became a painter, poet, and author. His most successful work was his autobiography My Left Foot. It was made into a film starring Daniel Day Lewis. It went on to win two Oscars.
Why read it or watch it?
The most powerful message you will take away is that your limitations are set by you and kept by you.
Christy Brown – Wikipedia | My Left Foot (book) | My Left Foot (film)
6. Abraham Lincoln
Not much needs to be said about President Lincoln.
Why read it?
He shows that you MUST stand up for what you know is right, even if it doesn’t benefit you.
Abraham Lincoln – Wikipedia | Amazon.com book results for “Abraham Lincoln”
7. Randy Pausch
Randy was hit with a circumstance that everyone fears. He was diagnosed with cancer and was given only 6 months of good health left. But unlike most people who are faced with this he didn’t curl up in a ball and cry “why me?” Instead he knew he had a small window of opportunity to leave an important message to his children. He was asked to give his last lecture at his place of work, Carnegie Mellon University. Randy’s lecture “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams” was added to YouTube and became a viral hit. The nation became amazed by his message and Randy expanded it with a book of the same name.
Why read it?
Randy really does show how you can achieve your childhood dreams. He also shows that obstacles are there for a reason.
Randy Pausch – Wikipedia | The Last Lecture (book) | The Last Lecture (youtube)
8. Farrah Gray
Farrah grew up in an impoverished area of Chicago. Instead of falling victim to gangs, drugs, and crime like the statistics suggested; Farrah became an entrepreneur before he was even a teenager. When he become 14 years old, he already sold a business and became a millionaire.
Why read it?
Farrah shows that age is nothing but a number.
Farrah Gray – Wikipedia | His personal website | Reallionaire
9. Liz Murray
Liz was homeless but dreamed of attending the prestigious Harvard University. With perseverance, she found a way.
Why read it or watch it?
To cement the fact that money is not a legitimate excuse.
Liz Murray – Wikipedia | Homeless to Harvard
10. Fredrick Douglass
Fredrick was a slave, but he didn’t let his owners enslave his mind. He was illiterate and couldn’t write but he found creative ways to learn without school. When Douglass was freed, he became an author and wrote his autobiography: “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave.”
Why read it?
His story will show you that being able to read and write can change your world and everyone else’s world.
Fredrick Douglass – Wikipedia | Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave
11. Richard Branson
Richard is one of the most successful entrepreneurs ever. He has faced a number of challenges, including dyslexia but he’s worked hard to overcome them.
Why read it?
You’ll see that big risks yield big rewards.
Richard Branson – Wikipedia | Losing My Virginity
12. Barack Obama
Humble beginnings, to the White House; it’s what America is all about.
Why read it?
So that you can connect with him better and understand where his viewpoints are coming from.
Barack Obama – Wikipedia | Amazon.com book search for “Barack Obama”
13. Harvey Milk
A biopic about this politician starring Sean Penn just came out in theaters. Harvey was the first openly-gay person to be elected to public office in America.
Why read it or watch it?
Harvey’s life was threatened numerous times but he kept standing for what he knew was right.
Harvey Milk – Wikipedia | Milk
14. James Braddock
Depression era boxer struggling to support his family, James took up odd jobs in an attempt to make ends meet. He fought both mentally and physically for his family and for the destitute.
Why read it or watch it?
James showed that when the going gets tough, the tough need to get going. Another part of his story shows great character. When James became financially stable he paid back the money which the government provided to those who were penniless.
James Braddock – Wikipedia | Personal site | Cinderella Man (book) | Cinderella Man (film)
15. Bob Dylan
Bob was the voice of the 60’s. His music tackled subjects like the war and other current events.
Why read it?
Bob shows that you should harness your talents to give a voice to those who don’t have one and to initiate change in thinking and in the world.
Bob Dylan – Wikipedia | Amazon.com book results for “Bob Dylan” | I’m Not There
16. Alice Paul
Alice was a women’s suffragist leader that couldn’t be silenced. Her voice was loud enough that it resulted in the passage of the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution.
Why read it or watch it?
To understand the struggle she and the women who helped her had to endure. It’s a right that people take for granted but Alice’s story will be sure to change your view.
Alice Paul – Wikipedia | Personal site | Iron Jawed Angels
17. Helen Keller
Everyone knows her story so there’s no need for a summary it.
Why read it or watch it?
Helen shows just like Christy Brown, that limitations are what we place on ourselves, when we discover this, nothing can stop us.
Helen Keller – Wikipedia | The Story of My Life | The Miracle Worker
18. Chris Farley
It’s probably strange to include a comedian on a list like this but his life wasn’t a joke, no life is.
Why read it?
Chris’ story shows that you can have it “all,” fame and fortune, but still feel miserable.
Chris Farley – Wikipedia | The Chris Farley Show
19. Malcolm X
Malcolm was bitter towards all white people for the actions of a small group of people. But he realized that being hateful towards anyone wouldn’t result in any positive change.
Why read it or watch it?
Malcolm’s story shows that people need time to realize their errors and it also demonstrates that we often need to give people second chances.
Malcolm X – Wikipedia | The Autobiography of Malcolm X | Malcolm X
20. Rosa Parks
Why read her story?
Because Rosa demonstrates that it only takes ONE person, doing something simple to spark a revolution. You don’t need some drastic, grand plan; you just need to never give up on something your heart tells you is right.
Rosa Parks – Wikipedia | Rosa Parks: My Story
Photo by anyjazz65
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16 Responses to “20 biographies that are must reads and must sees”
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Hey Andrew, great article! You have quite a collection of authors here!
I just linked to you in my new post! Keep it up!
Thanks Conrad! Glad you liked it enough to link to it.
-Andrew
Great article! I’ve already shared it on Twitter, Facebook, and through email
Thanks Jennifer! I appreciate it.
-Andrew
I gotta agree with you on this one. Bio’s are one of the best genres of book to read.
[...] a big fan of biographies. One of the best genres of book, period as far as I’m concerned. Here’s a great article I just read that lists 20 must-reads. Geesh, my reading list just keeps [...]
Definitely Christian! I will never get tired of them.
-Andrew
Interesting list, indeed. Although I think there is one thing to say about Lincoln that few people seem to mention. He was a Republican.
Ronald Reagan has a unique brilliance that is comparable to Lincoln, Adams or Franklin. He is a must read, in my humble opinion, and should be atop this list.
Other omissions were Barry Goldwater, Antonin Scalia, Ben Netanyahu and Margaret Thatcher.
you know, Bibi went to MIT and Harvard, too.
with a smile and a wink from across the aisle…lol lol…
Rick.
Glad you liked the list Rick.
But just because someone is a republican doesn’t mean they can’t be a caring individual. I think Lincoln showed that.
Thanks for your other people you mentioned.
-Andrew
One book I think should be on this list is Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom.
That sounds like a great one David!
-Andrew
I am currently reading the Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. It is great. Not to go overboard, but if anyone reading this is interested in Entrepreneurship, what makes capitalism great, or just wants to make the most of their lives, I highly recommend. I think another invention of Benjamin Franklin was the very concept of a “self-made man.” He was our country’s Da Vinci – but he didn’t have the advantage of being a nobleman.
I love Franklin’s ideas and advice on life. He was the USA’s Da Vinci! I never thought of him like that, but it’s true.
-Andrew
[...] on online booksellers to see what biographies or autobiographies are available. You can also visit http://www.lyved.com/people/20-biographies-that-are-must-reads-and-must-sees/ for some recommendations. View Previous [...]
Great job, Andrew!
Thanks for the post.
-Raghu
Thanks for reading!
-Andrew