Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Discussion Forums - Biographies & Memoirs

Topic: First Biography for 2014

Club rule - Please, if you cannot be courteous and respectful, do not post in this forum.
  Unlock Forum posting with Annual Membership.
Generic Profile avatar
Subject: First Biography for 2014
Date Posted: 1/6/2014 12:40 AM ET
Member Since: 11/15/2011
Posts: 56
Back To Top

What biography will you read first in 2014?  

This month I will be reading First Darling of the Morning, a memoir by Thrity Umrigar for my female author category.  Last year I read her novel, The World We Found and was impressed by her writing and intrigued by the disparity of life in modern-day India.  I am interested in learning of Umrigar's own life as she grew up in India. 

Generic Profile avatar
Date Posted: 1/6/2014 5:57 AM ET
Member Since: 11/18/2009
Posts: 551
Back To Top

I'm going to begin with a collection of letters from Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett Browning: How Do I Love Thee?

Decades ago, I watched many times the b/w movie that focused on the love between the two writers (I can't remember the title right now). I want to know more.

I'll also be reading Umrigar's memoir this year. She is a wonderful author!

                                                                                                               Rose

drw avatar
Date Posted: 1/6/2014 10:56 AM ET
Member Since: 8/17/2009
Posts: 929
Back To Top

I believe I will start with Reading the Man:  A Portrait of Robert E. Lee Through His Private Letters.

Generic Profile avatar
Date Posted: 1/7/2014 1:30 AM ET
Member Since: 8/9/2005
Posts: 318
Back To Top


Last Edited on: 2/4/15 2:57 PM ET - Total times edited: 1
Generic Profile avatar
Subject: Umrigar
Date Posted: 1/7/2014 9:47 AM ET
Member Since: 11/15/2011
Posts: 56
Back To Top

Rose,

I have you to thank for introducing me to Thrity Umrigar!

Mary

Generic Profile avatar
Standard Member medalFriend of PBS-Gold medalPBS Blog Contributor medal
Date Posted: 1/21/2014 4:52 PM ET
Member Since: 5/31/2009
Posts: 4,939
Back To Top

Truman by David McCullough.  Loved it.  He was a man who at first didn't care for politicians and then he became one but never expected to attain the highest office in the land.  Honest and dedicated, once he became convinced he was on the right path he didn't deviate in spite of his opponents, criticism and public opinion.  Who would want to make the decision to drop the atomic bombs on Japan?   He made many difficult decisions throughout his presidency and once he left office the people came out to greet him in droves.  It takes a special individual to rise to the occasion but he did it time and again. 

Generic Profile avatar
Date Posted: 1/26/2014 2:36 PM ET
Member Since: 8/9/2005
Posts: 318
Back To Top

 

 

 



Last Edited on: 2/4/15 2:55 PM ET - Total times edited: 1
salliebear avatar
Date Posted: 1/30/2014 9:52 AM ET
Member Since: 7/13/2013
Posts: 329
Back To Top

A memoir -  I Am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced by Nujood Ali with Delphine Minoui.  I plan on starting it at lunchtime today.

Generic Profile avatar
Date Posted: 7/26/2014 1:46 PM ET
Member Since: 10/17/2006
Posts: 1,427
Back To Top

I decided to read Twelve Years a Slave, by Solomon Northup, before watching the DVD.  I'm glad I did, for the book is a very affecting account by an articulate free black man of his real-life experience in the antebellum years in this country.