Summaries of books about Biographies:
The Lost Child of Philomena Lee
A Mother, Her Son and a Fifty Year Search
Martin Sixsmith
The book recounts the true story of Philomena Lee, an Irish woman who was forced to give up her son, Anthony, for adoption in the 1950s by the nuns at the convent where she gave birth. It follows Anthony's life as he grows up in the United States and becomes a successful lawyer, while simultaneously detailing Philomena's search for him over five decades.
See full summary
Fortune's Children
The Fall of the House of Vanderbilt
Arthur T. Vanderbilt
The book chronicles the rise and fall of the Vanderbilt family, once America's wealthiest dynasty, detailing their extravagant lifestyles and the eventual dissipation of their fortune. It explores the lives of the descendants of Cornelius Vanderbilt and how they struggled to maintain their status and wealth over generations.
See full summary
Deep Down Dark
The Untold Stories of 33 Men Buried in a Chilean Mine, and the Miracle That Set Them Free
Héctor Tobar
The book chronicles the harrowing ordeal of 33 miners trapped for 69 days in the San José mine in Chile after a catastrophic collapse in 2010. It delves into the personal lives, psychological struggles, and the ultimate survival and rescue of the miners, revealing the profound impact of the disaster on their lives.
See full summary
Pirate Hunters
Treasure, Obsession, and the Search for a Legendary Pirate Ship
Robert Kurson
The book chronicles the true adventure of two treasure hunters, John Chatterton and John Mattera, as they search for the Golden Fleece, the ship of the infamous 17th-century pirate Joseph Bannister. Their quest leads them to the Dominican Republic, where they battle rival hunters, historical puzzles, and their own obsessions to uncover the lost vessel.
See full summary
Prairie Fires
The American Dreams of Laura Ingalls Wilder
Caroline Fraser
The book is a comprehensive biography that delves into the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder, exploring the hardships and realities of pioneer life that inspired her famous "Little House" books. It also examines the complex relationship between Wilder and her daughter, Rose Wilder Lane, and the impact of their collaboration on the creation and legacy of the beloved series.
See full summary
Mornings on Horseback
The Story of an Extraordinary Family, a Vanished Way of Life and the Unique Child Who Became Theodore Roosevelt
David McCullough
The book presents a detailed biography of Theodore Roosevelt's early years, exploring his privileged yet challenging upbringing, chronic health problems, and the formative experiences that shaped his character. It delves into the social history of the Roosevelt family, their influence on young Teddy, and the personal and societal factors that contributed to his rise as a future president of the United States.
See full summary
Matriarch
Queen Mary and the House of Windsor
Anne Edwards
The book delves into the life of Queen Mary, the grandmother of Queen Elizabeth II, exploring her influence on the British monarchy and her role in shaping the House of Windsor. It provides a detailed account of her personal history, her marriage to King George V, and her impact on royal traditions and family dynamics during a period of significant change.
See full summary
Madly, Deeply
The Diaries of Alan Rickman
Alan Rickman
The book is a collection of personal diaries kept by the late actor Alan Rickman over 25 years, offering an intimate look at his thoughts, experiences, and observations on the craft of acting, relationships with fellow actors, and insights into the film and theater industries. It also provides a glimpse into Rickman's private life, his humor, and his intellectual and emotional depth.
See full summary
Marine!
The Life of Chesty Puller
Burke Davis
The book chronicles the life and military career of Lieutenant General Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller, a legendary figure in the U.S. Marine Corps known for his valor and leadership in combat. It details his experiences from the banana wars in Haiti and Nicaragua, through World War II's Pacific theater, to the Korean War, highlighting his rise through the ranks and his unparalleled five Navy Crosses for heroism.
See full summary
Life in a Jar
The Irena Sendler Project
Jack Mayer
The book tells the true story of Irena Sendler, a Polish social worker who saved 2,500 Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II. It also follows the journey of three high school students from Kansas who rediscover Sendler's heroism decades later and create a project that brings her remarkable tale to the world.
See full summary