I wasn’t sure if this is the right place to post, but if anyone could recommend a good Biography or autobiography of an American, it would be much appreciated. I have to read this for an American Lit class, so it must be over 200 pages long (but short enough to read in a little over a week).
I tend to enjoy autobiographies more than biographies because they are more personal, but a really good biography would be alright as well.
It would be better if the author (or subject) is well known, but the autobiography of Malcolm X is already taken. Any suggestions?
Ben Bradlee, executive editor of the Washingto Post for years, wrote a very readable, very interest autobiography a few years ago. He was editor during Watergate, knew (and knows) everyone who is anyone in Washington, and has lead an interesting life.
You should also read Memoirs, by Katherine Graham (publisher of the Post). That one was terrific. I wrote and told her how much I liked it and she was gracious enough to send a handwritten note back.
Witness By Whitaker Chambers, one of the best autobiographies ever.
If you want something a little lighter I know why the cage bird sings by Maya Angelou.
Double Helix isn’t exactly an auto-bio, however, it sorta reads as one. Crick and Watson’s discovery of the structure of DNA is totally engrossing. Highly recommended. Watson reveals the amount of bullshit that they had to endure to get anything done and the amount of jealousy within their field.
Thanks for all the suggestions, I think I will chose the Ben Franklin bio, as it will also work for my history AP class. (I’ll still have to write 2 essays)