Biography

A Perfect Fit

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A Perfect Fit: How Lena “Lane” Bryant Changed the Shape of Fashion Cover Image

A Perfect Fit: How Lena “Lane” Bryant Changed the Shape of Fashion (Hardcover)

By Mara Rockliff, Juana Martinez-Neal (Illustrator)
$14.39
ISBN: 9780358125433
Availability: In Stock-Click Title to See Store Inventory
Published: Clarion Books - April 12th, 2022

It's easy to forget sometimes that there was a real person behind a name. Thankfully, there are picture books like this one to tell the stories of amazing people who struggled and persevered like Lena Bryant. An absolute beauty of a book that is a perfect fit for the subject matter, with such a great message for those of us who always feel like we're sewing without a pattern.
Stacey
 

Levon

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Levon: From Down in the Delta to the Birth of the Band and Beyond Cover Image

Levon: From Down in the Delta to the Birth of the Band and Beyond (Paperback)

By Sandra B. Tooze
$19.99
ISBN: 9781635769135
Availability: In Stock-Click Title to See Store Inventory
Published: Diversion Books - August 31st, 2021

I loved the way Tooze describes the sultry musical landscape of Levon Helm’s formative years in the Mississippi Delta and his life beyond The Band. A well-researched account of Helm’s musical style and personal journey for both new and die-hard fans.

Kate M

Oscar Lives Next Door

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Oscar Lives Next Door: A Story Inspired by Oscar Peterson's Childhood Cover Image

Oscar Lives Next Door: A Story Inspired by Oscar Peterson's Childhood (Hardcover)

By Bonnie Farmer, Marie Lafrance (Illustrator)
$16.95
ISBN: 9781771471046
Availability: In Stock-Click Title to See Store Inventory
Published: Owlkids - September 15th, 2015

This delightful book tells the childhood story of the great Oscar Peterson.  He is famously known as a jazz pianist, but his first love was the trumpet. What changed? Peterson’s early days in old Montreal unwind, like the magic of his playing, in the lyrical flow of Marie Lafrance’s beautiful illustrations.

Robin

Orwell's Roses

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Orwell's Roses (Hardcover)

By Rebecca Solnit
$28.00
ISBN: 9780593083369
Availability: In Stock-Click Title to See Store Inventory
Published: Viking - October 19th, 2021

That Orwell was a gardener may come as a surprise to many. Even more so the idea, as Solnit so clearly and elegantly shows, his close observation of the natural world and the beauty he found there was central to his humanistic vision and was reflected in all he wrote.

Dale

Beyonce: Shine Your Light

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Beyoncé: Shine Your Light (Hardcover)

By Sarah Warren, Geneva Bowers (Illustrator)
$16.99
ISBN: 9781328585165
Availability: In Stock-Click Title to See Store Inventory
Published: Clarion Books - June 4th, 2019

Celebrate the queen, Beyonce’s, September birthday with this bright, brilliant biography! We get to sing and dance with Beyonce from her childhood to her adulthood, realizing what drove her to who she is today. A lovely and inspiring book that recognizes the story behind such a powerful musical icon. 

Kai

Mike Nichols: A Life

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Mike Nichols: A Life (Hardcover)

By Mark Harris
$35.00
ISBN: 9780399562242
Availability: Available at Wholesaler
Published: Penguin Press - February 2nd, 2021

Those who enjoy reading Show Biz biographies are in for a treat. Mike Nichols: A Life by Mark Harris is a well-written, researched and engaging biography of a colorful, unique and fascinating character.  Winner of an Oscar, eight Tony Awards, two Emmys, Mike Nichols was a man of many talents – acting, producing, directing; he was a consummate professional and beloved by those he worked with including: Meryl Streep, Jack Nicholson, Elaine May, Elizabeth Taylor, Dustin Hoffman, Whoopi Goldberg, et al.

Nathan

Cary Grant: A Brilliant Disguise

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Cary Grant: A Brilliant Disguise (Hardcover)

By Scott Eyman
$35.00
ISBN: 9781501192111
Availability: Available at Wholesaler
Published: Simon & Schuster - October 20th, 2020

Cary Grant (1904 – 1986) – born Archie Leach in Bristol, England was a charming, talented actor who was the embodiment of a Hollywood MOVIE STAR during the Golden Age. However, he was a complicated man – married five times – insecure - parsimonious. Author Scott Eyman’s new biography gives us the charming, stylish, successful and self-invented Cary Grant, as well as the emotionally complex man filled with self-doubt, despite his iconic status as one of the most beloved stars ever.

Nathan

Odetta

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Odetta: A Life in Music and Protest Cover Image

Odetta: A Life in Music and Protest (Hardcover)

By Ian Zack
$28.95
ISBN: 9780807035320
Availability: Available at Wholesaler
Published: Beacon Press - April 14th, 2020

 

The folk revival of the 1950s and 60s didn't just stem from Pete Seeger or Peter, Paul, and Mary. It was built on the back of one of the most famous folk singers of the day who I'd never heard of Odetta. In this thorough biography tells her story, which is fascinating and unfortunately familiar. 

 

Meaghan

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