Life-story books for this festive season
Are you wondering what autobiography, biography or memoir to purchase for that bibliophile in your life this Christmas? It’s all about gifting this month at Story Terrace, so we’ve compiled a list of contrasting books we think will resonate best with our followers, supporters, colleagues and clients.
Here is our suggestion of five of the bestselling life novels released this year.
The Wright Brothers by David McCullough 
This is the story of two brothers from Ohio, who in 1903 on a cold winters day changed history. This biography relays who these men were and how they achieved what they did. Coming from a home where there was no electricity or indoor plumbing, but with books aplenty, their father actively encouraged their education and curiosities. Wilbur and Orville Wright were inventors and aviation pioneers who are accredited with inventing and building the world’s first successful heavier-than-air-human flight.
John Le Carre by Adam Sisman 
This biography tells the life-story of David Cornwell the man behind the pseudonym John Le Carre, who wrote the novel The Spy Who came in from the Cold – a worldwide bestselling sensation.
Adam Sisman captures the author’s life by bringing a compelling account of the writer’s difficulties growing up and what may have shaped and moulded his ideas when writing. David Cornwell’s works offer tantalising glimpses of his life. Therefore, this was a struggle for Sisman when sifting through fact and fiction for such a biography. Written with exclusive access to Cornwell himself, to his private archive and to the most important people in his life this is an extraordinarily insightful biography.
Furiously Happy – A funny book about horrible things by Jenny Lawson 
Jenny Lawson writes her memoirs about her personal struggle with mental illness – this is slightly more nitty gritty than her first novel and is set out more like a collection of short anecdotes. It may not sound inviting for a light-hearted read, but do not be mistaken, as she relays these anecdotes with such humour and passion – hence the ‘Furiously Happy’ title!
The book divulges her diagnosis of, ‘high functioning depressive with anxiety disorder and mild self-harm issues’ but under the surface it’s about embracing joy in fantastic and outrageous ways. A unique read one might say!
Going off Alarming, The Autobiography, Volume 2 by Danny Baker 
Danny Baker, an English comedy writer, journalist, radio DJ and screenwriter has released his second autobiography after his first volume autobiography, GOING TO SEA IN A SIEVE – which was a Sunday Times bestseller. Now Volume 2 is out and is an account of his life from the age of 25. It’s the year 1982 and he embarks on an accidental and anxiety-induced career in television! Danny continues his memoirs with hilarity, he recounts dozens of TV shows – many of them lousy – Game shows, talk shows, adverts and TFI FRIDAY are but a few of the unplanned pit-stops along the way. For an absolute chortle of a read, we recommend this.
First Lady The Life and Wars of Clementine Churchill by Sonia Purnell 
A vivid account of the life and work of Winston Churchill’s significant other – Clementine Churchill. With a gripping account of how she dropped out of public awareness, we learn of her roles as the ‘First Lady’. She was his supporter, advisor and helper, a wonderful hostess and a tireless worker for charity and good causes. Churchill was quoted saying he couldn’t have won the Second World War without her and in this biography we learn how this true marriage of love and mind came about, through to the end.
About us: Story Terrace helps customers to capture personal stories in beautiful books alongside a professional writer. Our writers have a range of backgrounds and interests, sharing one passion: Portraying individuals through carefully crafted anecdotes and lively stories.
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