Born Standing Up
Steve Martin
"Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life" is Steve Martin's reflective memoir, chronicling his eighteen-year journey through the world of stand-up comedy. The book delves into the intense pressure, constant self-evaluation, and rare moments of joy that defined his early career. From his initial performances, Martin's pursuit of originality led him to unexpected fame and a unique comedic style. Readers will trace Martin's evolution from his early days performing a variety act in a San Francisco club to his time at Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm, where he honed his skills. The memoir explores his early exposure to comedy through radio and television, his experiences writing for "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour," and his eventual commitment to stand-up. The book also examines the development of his unique, absurdist comedic style, free from traditional punchlines, and the challenges and triumphs of life on the road as he refined his act and found his comedic voice.
Wright Brothers
David McCullough
The story of Wilbur and Orville Wright, two brothers from Ohio who dared to dream of flying and, through perseverance and ingenuity, achieved the impossible. This biography delves into their lives, their family, and the challenges they overcame to invent the airplane and change the world forever.
Steve Jobs
Walter Isaacson
An in-depth biography of Steve Jobs, based on over forty personal interviews with Jobs himself and over a hundred interviews with family, friends, rivals, and colleagues. It explores the life and career of the iconic entrepreneur, his passion for perfection, and his role in revolutionizing multiple industries.
You Never Forget Your First
Alexis Coe
A fresh and insightful biography of George Washington, exploring the myths and realities of America's first president. This biography challenges traditional narratives and offers a nuanced portrait of the man behind the marble facade.
Empire of Pain
Patrick Radden Keefe
An explosive account of the Sackler family, the dynasty behind Purdue Pharma, and their role in the opioid crisis. From their philanthropic endeavors to the marketing of OxyContin, this book uncovers the hidden history of a family whose name adorns museums and universities, while their company fueled a devastating epidemic.
Expect the Unexpected
Anthony S. Fauci
An intimate self-portrait of one of the world’s most admired public servants, Expect the Unexpected is a compelling story of science, medicine, and leadership in times of crisis. From his Brooklyn boyhood to the National Institutes of Health, delve into the life and lessons of Dr. Anthony Fauci.
Hillbilly Elegy
J.D. Vance
A searing and insightful memoir about growing up in a poor, white, Rust Belt town, Hillbilly Elegy is a powerful account of the struggles facing working-class Americans. J.D. Vance tells the story of his family's journey from the Appalachian Mountains to Ohio, and the challenges he faced as he navigated poverty, addiction, and the fading American Dream. A must-read for anyone seeking to understand the social and economic forces shaping our nation.
Who Knew
Barry Diller
Who Knew by Barry Diller is a candid, high-voltage memoir from one of America’s most influential media executives, tracing an extraordinary life from humble mailroom beginnings to shaping the landscape of television, film, and the internet. With surprising honesty and sharp insight, Diller reflects on his early years in Hollywood, his meteoric rise through ABC and Paramount, and his role in launching groundbreaking ventures such as the Fox Broadcasting Company and IAC’s digital empire. In his unmistakable voice, Diller offers an unvarnished look at the business of entertainment and media—revealing how he backed iconic films and hit TV shows, embraced bold programming instincts, and navigated creative clashes with industry titans. He also brings readers inside the digital revolution, recounting his early recognition of the internet’s promise and his leadership of brands that came to define online life. Beyond business, Who Knew is deeply personal. Diller writes about his upbringing in a distant yet affluent family, the fear and freedom of his emerging identity as a gay man, and his long, unconventional love story and marriage to fashion designer Diane von Fürstenberg. His reflections on personal struggles, relationships, regrets, and fulfillment make this more than a corporate chronicle—it is a vivid coming-of-age and coming-into-self story. Intimate, insightful, and refreshingly frank, Who Knew blends Hollywood lore, sharp business acumen, and genuine self-reflection. It stands as both a primer on modern media and a testament to a life defined by curiosity, risk, and relentless reinvention.