Biographies and memoirs are wonderful. I love reading about the frailty of the human spirit. Bauby's story of living with Locked-In Syndrome without whining or complaining in The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is a perfect example. I also love reading about people's strength to overcome incredible odds in order to achieve a better life and, sometimes, to simply survive, such as in Stolen Innocence by Elissa Wall. However, I mostly love reading about, and this will make you think me shallow, the interesting facts that I can share with friends and co-workers – or even complete strangers who stand still long enough to listen.For example, did you know that Albert Einstein (Albert Einstein by Alice Calaprice), who today would probably be diagnosed with ADHD, had multiple extra-marital affairs? Did you know that entertainer Steve Martin (Born Standing Up, a Comic’s Life) lost his virginity to Christian writer Stormie Omartian (only she wasn’t a Christian writer at the time; she was a performer)?
If you’re not sure where to start in your search for a well-written biography or memoir, try The Color of Water: a Black Man’s Tribute to his White Mother by James McBride. I’m fairly certain you will enjoy the story, will appreciate seeing how his mother overcame incredible odds, and will find an interesting fact to share with someone else.
