While I enjoy almost everything that I read, and I tend to read a variety of genres, I am always drawn to non-fiction, particularly biography and autobiography. There is something about hearing a story that is as close to true events as you can get that really inspires me. Biography and autobiography showcase humanity in a way that is honest, vulnerable, and thought-provoking. It also reminds me that we are all capable of extraordinary things and yet, none of us are perfect. Being willing to challenge ourselves and see things in a new perspective has allowed many people to accomplish incredible things, even while facing adversity. These three picks are just a few of many that are available at the library.
All the ways that an incredible acting career requires you to challenge your performance skills is baffling. The amount of research that can be put into a role to perfect the portrayal of a character: mannerisms, accents, stage presence, speed and tone of voice, body language…it takes dedication. Michael Caine was fortunate enough to meet helpful people in Hollywood, and he shares his advice in this book. You'll also find the encounters and mishaps Caine has had on screen and with fellow actors and actresses over the last sixty years in this autobiography. I won’t say much more, because the book is worth reading from front to back!
Rock and Roll Woman: The 50 Fiercest Female Rockers, by Meredith Ochs
Pursuing a dream of rock and roll is a hard road for anyone, and every musician's story is different. This book combines stories of 50 amazing female rockers, and the stories are all incredible. They offer interesting insights into the struggles and determination of the female rock star. All the women express themselves in various ways: through fashion, powerful lyrics, incredible vocals, and their talent as musicians. Not a single story is boring, and when compiled together in one book full of beautiful photographs and stories, the reader is left knowing that there is not only one way to be a rock star!
Ramachandra Guha has written quite a lot about Mohandas Gandhi, and this book is about the most influential years of Gandhi’s life. This is no light read, containing almost 900 pages and covering the years 1914 to 1948. With a passion for social reform and the capability to influence and challenge a long legacy of established rule, this book covers Gandhi’s dedicated years to his work and vision. Guha has provided substantial research, using over sixty different archival sources to create a compelling and engaging historical account of the life and work of Mohandas Gandhi. Look no further to see how much can be accomplished by commitment and determination. (This post was written by Monique Gaddy, Adult Services.)
Want more book recommendations? Send an e-mail to infolibrary@cityofcaldwell.org and tell us what we should write about next!