Recently arrived memoirs and biographies
Down with the System by Serj Tankian
System Of A Down, an unlikely blend of metal, folk, and socio-political lyrics, resonated globally and Serj Tankian's journey, from war-torn Beirut to rock stardom, fueled their success. His engaging and heartfelt story, a blend of activism, spirituality, and immigrant experience, explores music, art, and self-discovery.
One Sinha Lifetime by Paul Sinha
A humorous and genuine memoir tracing Sinha's journey from a Bengali childhood to a multifaceted career as a comedian and panel show regular. Exploring themes of identity, sexuality, and the comforting constancy of general knowledge, Sinha candidly shares his personal struggles, including his Parkinson's diagnosis and his cultural identity alongside his triumphs in comedy and television. Blending wit with vulnerability it offers a compelling look at a unique life.
Despite loving her family and close friends, Gagne struggled as a young person, with harmful impulses, escalating from theft to stalking. Recognizing her condition, she sought to reconcile her nature with a desire for a normal life. The book questions if sociopaths can integrate into society, as Gagne battles her darker impulses while trying to maintain relationships and avoid further harm.
Your Time Starts Now by Julie Goodwin
From the highest of highs as the first Australian Masterchef winner, to the lows of a mental health unit, Julie Goodwin candidly chronicles her 'bumpy and circuitous' journey. Though seemingly successful, she battled inner turmoil during the crises of bushfires and pandemic. Goodwin's memoir candidly recounts her mental health struggles and recovery journey as she seeks healing, weaving her story with food, humor, and raw honesty. It's a tale of resilience, revealing the hidden battles behind a public persona, and her determined pursuit of a fulfilling life.
Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts by Crystal Wilkinson
A unique blend of memoir, cookbook, and historical exploration, illuminating the often-overlooked culinary traditions of Black Appalachians, Wilkinson challenges the common perception of Appalachia as a homogenous region, bringing to light the vibrant and resilient culture of its Black inhabitants. Including beloved family recipes, this is a rich celebration of history and culinary heritage.
During the Syrian Civil War, Dr. Amani managed an underground hospital, "the Cave," in Eastern Ghouta. Practicing medicine and surviving during relentless bombardments and chemical attacks by the Assad regime, Dr. Ballour's resilience and leadership as a female doctor in a patriarchal society is a testament to courage and the human spirit amidst devastation.
Stranger in the Desert by Jordan Salama
After discovering a collection of his family's history, Salama becomes intrigued by the stories of his great grandfather Selim Salama, a Syrian-born, Arabic-speaking Jewish immigrant who became a traveling salesman in Argentina during the 1920s. Driven by family lore and a desire to understand his heritage, Jordan embarks on a journey through the Argentine Andes, a vivid account of diverse landscapes and culture, creating a modern day travelogue mixed with family memoir.
Memorial Days by Geraldine Brooks
In 2019, author Geraldine Brooks abruptly lost her partner of 35 years. Instead of traditional mourning, she faced immediate practical demands of death, the red tape, the bureaucracy. Three years later, seeking solace, she retreats to Flinders Island, Tasmania, where, in isolation, she confronts her grief, exploring diverse cultural mourning practices. The memoir reflects on their shared life, from war zones to family on Martha's Vineyard, and the sudden void left by his death. It's a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the search for healing.
