Summaries of books about Biographies:
Me and a Guy Named Elvis
My Lifelong Friendship with Elvis Presley
Jerry Schilling|Chuck Crisafulli
The book is a memoir by Jerry Schilling that recounts his intimate, 23-year friendship with Elvis Presley, offering personal anecdotes and insights into the legendary singer's life. It provides a behind-the-scenes look at Presley's career, the highs and lows of his fame, and the close bond the two shared until Elvis's death.
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The Fish That Ate the Whale
The Life and Times of America's Banana King
Rich Cohen
The book chronicles the rags-to-riches tale of Samuel Zemurray, a Jewish immigrant who started with nothing and built a powerful banana empire in the United States. It delves into his influence on the banana trade, corporate battles, and interventions in Central American politics.
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The Brothers
John Foster Dulles, Allen Dulles, and Their Secret World War
Stephen Kinzer
The book delves into the lives and careers of John Foster Dulles, the former Secretary of State, and his brother Allen Dulles, the former CIA Director, highlighting their influential roles in shaping U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War. It explores their involvement in covert operations and their impact on international relations, including coups, espionage, and power struggles.
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Gladys Aylward
The Little Woman
Gladys Aylward
The book recounts the true story of a determined young Englishwoman who becomes a missionary in China during the early 20th century. It details her perilous journey to China, her work with orphans, and her efforts to reform the Chinese prison system, showcasing her unwavering faith and compassion.
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Sisters of the East End
Helen Batten
The book chronicles the true stories of Anglican nuns working in the poverty-stricken East End of London during the 1950s. It details their compassionate work in the community, providing nursing care, support to young mothers, and assistance to those living in the harsh realities of post-war England.
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Meet Me in the Bathroom
Rebirth and Rock and Roll in New York City 2001-2011
Lizzy Goodman
The book chronicles the rise of the rock and indie music scene in New York City during the early 21st century, featuring oral histories from musicians, journalists, and industry insiders. It captures the cultural and creative resurgence that gave birth to influential bands like The Strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and LCD Soundsystem.
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Pioneer Girl
The Annotated Autobiography
Laura Ingalls Wilder
The book presents the original, unedited autobiography of Laura Ingalls Wilder, providing a detailed and realistic look at frontier life in the late 19th century. It includes extensive annotations, historical context, and exploration of her writing process, revealing the true stories behind the beloved "Little House" series.
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Working for the Royals
Brian Hoey
The book provides an insider's view of what it's like to work for the British royal family, detailing the experiences and duties of the staff, from the highest-ranking officials to the domestic servants, who maintain the daily operations and uphold the traditions of the royal household. It offers anecdotes and insights into the personal lives of the royals as observed by their employees, revealing both the privileges and challenges that come with serving one of the world's most famous families.
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The Astors
Virginia Cowles
The book chronicles the rise of the Astor family, from John Jacob Astor's establishment of a fur trade empire in the early 19th century to the family's later prominence in real estate, society, and politics. It details their immense wealth, influence, and the various personalities that shaped the family's legacy over generations.
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Profiles in Courage
Deluxe Modern Classic
John F. Kennedy
The book presents a series of portraits of eight United States senators who demonstrated great courage under enormous pressure from their parties and their constituents. These historical accounts highlight the acts of bravery and integrity in the face of overwhelming opposition, emphasizing the importance of moral fortitude in American politics.
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