Our Founder's Favorite Biographies
Introduction
The Co-Founder of a biography company must like biographies, right?!
I love to read, and especially love biographies. I subscribe to the theory that for just $20 (or free if you use the library!) we can learn the hard-fought life lessons of someone's entire life in just a few hours. What a bargain!
I'm currently reading "Total Recall," the story of Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Here are some of my all-time favorite biographies:
Will
Will and Mark Manson co-wrote the story of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Whether or not you've given up on Will after "the slap," this is a great recount of Will's life growing up (in West Philly, obviously) and his rise to fame. As expected, there's a lot of good wisdom about grit & dedication, there's humor, and there's drama!
The Storyteller
I'm a lifelong Foo Fighters fan, so this was a no-brainer! It was great to read about Dave Grohl's younger years, and there are plenty of fun and interesting anecdotes.
When Breath Becomes Air
This book is also featured in our best Autobiographies article! In "When Breath Becomes Air," Dr. Paul Kalanithi writes about his fight with stage IV metastatic lung cancer. It was posthumously published, approximately one year after his death.
As a neurosurgeon, Paul knew a lot about the body, but now he's facing his own death. He shares his deep perspective on life, death, and what it all means. He talks about the struggles doctors and patients go through when dealing with serious illness. It's a unique look from someone on both sides of the hospital bed.
This autobiography makes us think about how short life is and the importance of making it meaningful.
Greenlights
This made me love Matt McConaughey even more. Some hilarious, racous stories of partying and adventure, and more motivation to be dedicated towards a dream just like in 'Will.' Bonus points for listening this one on audiobook - who doesn't love that casual southern drawl? There are treehouses, roadtrips, and life lessons in this fun read. Green light!
From the Ashes
A heartbreaking read about the challenging upbringing of a first nations man in Canada. Stories of neglect, street life, homelessness, and overcoming adversity.
Not fade away
Another story written in the final months of a cancer patient. Peter Barton was a fun-loving, adventurous, and successful man who wanted to capture his life story before he ultimately lost his battle with cancer. This read is another tear-jerker, but ultimately leaves one reminded that life's short and we should go live it while we can.
Into the wild
Quintessential Jon Krakauer, Into the Wild tells the story of Christopher McCandless as he removes himself from everyday society in search of adventure and philosophy. He travels across America alone, living out of cars and tents; finds an alternative lifestyle in RVing in the desert in the southwest; and of course, infamously moves into the remote Alaskan wilderness and lives in an abandoned bus.
Unbroken
'Unbroken' tells the story of Louis Zamperini, an Olympian and WWII hero who survived a plane crash and a Japanese POW camp. The book showcases resilience, forgiveness, and redemption, and is one of many favorite biographies that tells us that with a strong enough 'Why' we can survive any 'How." This book will make you feel happy to be cozy and safe at home, and grateful for your life.
Can't Hurt Me
Need some motivation? David Goggins will give it to you with a slap in the face. He tells the story of how he went from fat, poor, and unhappy to being an ultramarathoner and successful Navy Seal. The key lesson here is that you're capable of WAY more than you think you are if you really challenge yourself. Bet you won't stop reading this and do 100 pushups before continuing on...
Shoe Dog
An instant favorite for anyone who likes sports and adventure. The amazing story of Phil Knight running, travelling, and building Nike. It's fun to watch the 2023 move, 'Air,' having read this book.
Open
Turns out Andre Agassi hated tennis, struggled desperately with anxiety, mental health, happiness, and drugs. Who knew? Another great read for sports fans.
Finding Ultra
How Rich Roll overcame debilitating alcoholism (and a horrible diet) to become a sober, vegan ultra-triathlete. Relatable, endearing, and inspiring. And, jaw-dropping at times. This is another one that's great to listen to on audio during a big road trip.
Elon Musk and the Quest for a Fantastic Future
Before Walter Isaacson got to it, Ashley Vance wrote a great Musk biography. An insight into his childhood, university years, and his first few successful companies. A bit dated now, but caught Elon at the peak of his powers and before some of the cringe moments of the 2020's. Let us know how the Isaacson one is; we haven't read it yet.
Scar Tissue
Anthony Kiedis hooks you from the first chapter with a look at the dark side of fame and partying in 1980's and 90's L.A. This is a long one, but it's interesting the whole way, especially for Chili Peppers Fans. What really struck me is that Kiedis and the Chili Peppers made it and 'have it all,' but there were so many countless things that had to happen for them to survive their drugs and partying and be successful with their music. It made me think that there are countless generational talents out there who didn't quite make it and are either dead or strung out, wandering the streets of their metropolis, wondering what could have been.
The Agony of Ecstacy
A look into the 1990s party-drug scene in Ireland. A well-written warning about a ruined running career and families challenged by drug use.
Hawk
The biography that started it all for me! This was published in 2000, and my young skateboarding mind couldn't get enough of it. I read this book cover to cover multiple times. It's fun, interesting, aspirational, and is just one more biography that reminds us we can have almost anything we want - as long as it's one thing and we want it more than anything else.
Bonus: some near-biographies:
American Kingpin
The story of Ross Ulbricht, the mastermind behind The Silk Road website. True story that reads like a crime novel.
A Purpose Ridden
Champion endurance bikepacker Ryan Correy bikes across North America, breaks world records, eats thousands of energy gels - entertaining with a powerful ending.
Little Black Stretchy Pants
The story of Lululemon founder Chip Wilson, and his childhood and preceding businesses. Has deep lessons for taking VC money and going public, too.
How to Fail at Almost Anything and Still Win Big
The funny, but also extremely useful story of Scott Adams (author of Dilbert comics)
Where Men Win Glory
The story of NFL Football star and American Marine Pat Tillman. More great work by John Krakauer.
