18 Inspiring Biography Books To Read

I’ve always been drawn to reading biography books about famous people. There’s something so inspiring about diving into their life stories—learning about their struggles, triumphs, and the journey that shaped them into who they are.

I remember stumbling upon The Reluctant Genius in my college library. It was a biography of Alexander Graham Bell. Borrowing it changed everything for me. His fascinating life story sparked my love for reading biographies of famous people. For me, it’s about understanding how they faced challenges head-on and turned those struggles into powerful lessons.

So, if you’re anything like me and love a good story that’s both inspiring and relatable, this list is for you! These are the best biography books I’ve read so far and I am sharing them with you guys. I have also added a brief summary review on each of these books.

Whether you’re looking for motivation or just want to know how extraordinary lives unfolded, these books are total game-changers. So, here are the 18 inspiring biography books to read!

1. Becoming by Michelle Obama

Becoming by Michelle Obama is an inspiring memoir that takes you through her journey from her childhood in Chicago to becoming the First Lady. She opens up about her struggles with self-doubt, balancing her career and family, and finding her voice in the public eye. This book is honest, empowering, and a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration!

Interesting facts about the book:

• Michelle was the first woman in her family to attend college.
• She mentored Barack Obama at the law firm where they met.
• She created the first White House vegetable garden in decades.

2. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank is one of the most moving books I’ve read. It’s the true story of a Jewish teenager hiding in a secret annex during World War II. Despite the fear, Anne wrote honestly about her thoughts, dreams, and struggles. Her words made me feel like I was living her experiences alongside her.

Anne originally wrote her diary for herself but later revised it, hoping to publish it after the war. Sadly, she never got the chance. Her father, Otto Frank, found the diary and made sure her story was shared. It’s now translated into over 70 languages and read by millions. This book is a powerful reminder of resilience and hope.

3. Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson is an incredible biography that gave me a deep look into the life of one of the most innovative people in history. This is one of the best biography books about Steve Jobs I believe.

With the Iphone, we all know who Steve Jobs is, but I loved how Walter didn’t sugarcoat his personality, showing both his genius and his flaws. It really opened my eyes to how Jobs transformed technology and business, and how his vision changed the world in ways we’re still experiencing today.

Interesting facts about the book:

• It’s based on over 40 interviews with Steve Jobs, conducted over two years.
• Jobs gave Isaacson full creative freedom and never planned to read the final version.
• The book reveals how Jobs combined art and technology, which played a huge role in Apple’s success.

4. Educated by Tara Westover

Educated by Tara Westover is a powerful memoir about growing up in a strict, survivalist family in rural Idaho. Tara’s story is a testament of the importance of education and self-discovery. She went from being isolated and uneducated to earning a PhD from Cambridge University. What struck me the most was her determination to break free from her upbringing and pursue knowledge, despite all odds.

Did you know Tara didn’t step foot in a classroom until she was 17? She was raised in a family that didn’t believe in formal education or modern medicine. The book is a raw, emotional journey of struggle and triumph that’s left a lasting impact on me and how I think about education and resilience.

5. Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela

We all know who Nelson Mandela is. The Long Walk to Freedom is a deeply inspiring autobiography that chronicles his journey from a young boy in rural South Africa to becoming the country’s first black president. The book covers his years of struggle against apartheid, his 27 years in prison, and his ultimate role in bringing peace and equality to South Africa. What struck me most was Mandela’s unwavering belief in forgiveness and reconciliation, even after enduring so much hardship.

Interesting facts about the book:

• Mandela wrote Long Walk to Freedom while he was in prison, using smuggled pens and paper.
• It was first published in 1994, the same year he was elected president.
• The book has been translated into more than 30 languages.

6. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls is a raw and gripping memoir about her difficult childhood. She grew up in a deeply dysfunctional family, constantly moving and struggling with poverty. Despite the challenges, her story is one of resilience and determination to overcome her circumstances.

What really struck me was how Jeannette never let her tough upbringing define her. She went on to build a successful career, despite the neglect and chaos in her early years. This book is a powerful reminder of strength, survival, and the pursuit of a better life.

7. I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai is an incredible memoir that tells the story of her life in Pakistan and her fight for girls' education. What amazed me the most was her bravery in speaking out, even when it meant facing danger. After being shot by the Taliban, she continued her activism with even more determination. Malala’s story is truly inspiring and shows how one person can make a difference.

Interesting facts about the book:

• Malala was only 15 years old when she was shot by the Taliban.
• She became the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate at 17.
• The book was co-written with journalist Christina Lamb.

8. Born A Crime by Trevor Noah

Born A Crime by Trevor Noah is a hilarious yet poignant memoir about growing up in apartheid South Africa. His stories of navigating life as a mixed-race child in a racially divided country had me laughing and reflecting at the same time. He is a comedian and I loved how his humor brought light to the harsh realities of his childhood.

What struck me most was how his mother’s strength and resilience shaped who he became. Despite the challenges, she made sure Trevor never felt limited by his circumstances. This book is a perfect blend of humor, history, and personal growth that I couldn’t put down.

9. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

This is one of the best biogaphy books I've read. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is a fascinating and heartbreaking story about the life of Henrietta Lacks and the scientific revolution her cells sparked. I was shocked to learn how her cells were taken without her consent and used for groundbreaking research polio, changing medicine forever. This book not only demonstrates the scientific process but also honors the woman behind the cells, giving her the recognition she never received in life.

Interesting facts about the book:

• Henrietta Lacks’s cells, known as HeLa cells, were crucial in developing the polio vaccine.
• The book took Rebecca Skloot over a decade to write, as she had to gain the trust of Henrietta’s family.
• The book sparked a conversation about medical ethics and the treatment of African Americans in science.

10. Just as I Am by Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson's Just As I Am is one of the most inspiring memoirs I’ve ever read. She shares her incredible journey from humble beginnings to becoming a legendary actress. What I loved most was how honest she was about her struggles and triumphs which showed the strength and grace that defined her life.

Her reflections on life, faith, and purpose really stuck with me. I admired how she used her career to break barriers and uplift others. This book is a powerful reminder to live authentically and to never stop striving for greatness. It is really a wonderful read

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11. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

This is a heartbreaking book to read. Paul Kalanithi's When Breath Becomes Air is a memoir about his life as a neurosurgeon and his battle with terminal cancer. He wrote in this book his reflections on life, death, and what truly matters in our existence. His writing is very honestly, raw, and incredibly moving. It is definitely a great read.

Interesting facts about the book:

• Paul wrote most of the book while battling stage IV lung cancer.
• He passed away before finishing it, and his wife wrote the epilogue.
• The book won the Goodreads Choice Award for Memoir and Autobiography in 2016.

12. My Life by Bill Clinton

I have read this book couple of years ago. For me My Life by Bill Clinton is a long read. It's about his journey from a small-town boy to the 42nd President of the United States. What I found most interesting was how personal and detailed he got about his struggles, both politically and personally. It’s not just a story about his career. It’s a peek into the man behind the title.

The book isn’t perfect, though. At times, it felt like he was trying to fit in every single memory, which made some parts drag a little. But still, his passion for public service and his honest reflections stuck with me. If you’re curious about his life, this book gives you everything—flaws and all.

13. The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X and Alex Haley

Malcolm X was one of the icons in America about Black History. This book The Autobiography of Malcolm X is a thought provoking books I’ve ever read about race. It’s his life story, from his troubled childhood to becoming a key figure in the fight for Black empowerment and justice. What I loved most was how raw and honest it felt, showing his transformation and the depth of his beliefs.

Interesting facts about the book:

• Malcolm X worked on it with Alex Haley, who wrote Roots.
• The book was published after Malcolm X’s assassination in 1965.
• It’s been called one of the most important nonfiction books of the 20th century.

14. Becoming A Man by Paul Monette

This is one of the most courageous biographies I've ever read. Becoming A Man by Paul Monette is about his journey of growing up gay in a time when it wasn’t accepted and how he struggled with shame and secrecy. What moved me most was his honesty about the pain of hiding his true self and the relief of finally embracing who he was.

His story isn’t just about being gay—it’s about the universal need for love and acceptance. I admired his bravery in sharing the raw and vulnerable parts of his life. This book left me thinking about how far we’ve come and how important it is to keep fighting for equality and understanding.

15. A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway

A fascinating book that has some sense of nostalgic history. A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway is about his life in Paris during the 1920s. I loved reading about his relationships with other famous writers like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Gertrude Stein. The way he captured the streets in Paris fells like you are in a time machine with him. Its like you are truly in the 1920's Paris. His reflections on writing, love, and life were so honest and timeless.

Interesting facts about the book:

• Hemingway wrote it years later, reflecting on his younger days in Paris.
• It wasn’t published until after his death in 1964.
• The title comes from Hemingway’s belief that Paris stays with you, no matter where you go.

16. Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis

If you feel like you are ready to cahse your dreams the this biography book is for you. Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis is such an empowering book. I loved how she broke down the excuses we make and gave real, actionable advice to push past them. Her writing felt like a pep talk from a friend who truly believes in you.

What stuck with me most was her focus on taking ownership of your life and not letting guilt or fear hold you back. She shared her own struggles and wins, which made it feel so relatable and real. This book gave me a fresh perspective on setting goals and going after them unapologetically.

17. Shoe Dog by Phil Knight

Shoe Dog by Phil Knight is an inspiring memoir about how he built Nike from a small startup into a global brand. It was interesting how honest he was about the struggles, risks, and failures he faced along the way. His journey wasn’t perfect, but his passion and perseverance were so motivating. This book made me see the human side of one of the biggest companies in the world. Definitely a great book to read.

Interesting facts about the book:

• Phil Knight started Nike with just $50 borrowed from his father.
• The company was originally called Blue Ribbon Sports before becoming Nike.
• The iconic Nike swoosh logo cost only $35 to design.

18. The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein

The Color of Law completely changed how I think about housing and segregation in America. The book reveals how government policies deliberately created racial divides in cities across the country. What shocked me most was how these policies still impact communities today, making inequality feel so entrenched.

I appreciated how Rothstein explained everything in a way that was easy to follow but packed with evidence. He didn’t just talk about the past—he made it clear how this history connects to the present. This book really opened my eyes and made me think about the importance of fighting for fair housing and justice.

Conclusion: Why Read Fiction Books Biography Books?

Reading biographies has been a transformative experience for me. It provides profound lessons from the lives of remarkable individuals. Each story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the triumphs and struggles that shape us. I find comfort and inspiration in the words of those who have navigated their unique paths, reminding me that obstacles can be overcome and greatness can be achieved.

These 18 biographies offer diverse perspectives and experiences, each one a source of motivation and reflection. As I immersed myself in these books, I gained insights that resonate with my own journey. I encourage you to explore these incredible stories, as they remind us that every life holds lessons worth learning and stories worth sharing.

Happy Reading!

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