B&N Reads, Best Nonfiction of 2025, The Best Books of 2025

The Best Biographies & Memoirs of 2025

Meet the music legends, cultural icons and inspiring rebels whose stories made the list of the best biographies and memoirs we’ve read this year. Dive into true stories that grip like fictional tales and get to know your favorite artists like never before. From striking reflections and hard-earned words of wisdom to newly discovered post-houmous writing and behind-the-scenes insights into historical moments, these are the best biographies and memoirs of 2025.

Wings: The Story of a Band on the Run

Hardcover $40.00 $45.00

Wings: The Story of a Band on the Run

Wings: The Story of a Band on the Run

By Paul McCartney
Editor Ted Widmer

In Stock Online

Hardcover $40.00 $45.00

Music legend Paul McCartney tells the complete story of Wings, a band that helped define a generation, through interviews, behind-the-scenes content, photography and so much more. If you’re a fan of McCartney, this is essential reading.

Music legend Paul McCartney tells the complete story of Wings, a band that helped define a generation, through interviews, behind-the-scenes content, photography and so much more. If you’re a fan of McCartney, this is essential reading.

Mother Mary Comes to Me

Hardcover $30.00

Mother Mary Comes to Me

Mother Mary Comes to Me

By Arundhati Roy

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Hardcover $30.00

A triumphant memoir chronicling Arundhati Roy’s journey to becoming an award-winning author. Written after the death of her mother, Roy delicately pieces together how their powerful relationship helped shape her into the celebrated writer she is today.

A triumphant memoir chronicling Arundhati Roy’s journey to becoming an award-winning author. Written after the death of her mother, Roy delicately pieces together how their powerful relationship helped shape her into the celebrated writer she is today.

Awake: A Memoir

Hardcover $27.00 $30.00

Awake: A Memoir

Awake: A Memoir

By Jen Hatmaker

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Hardcover $27.00 $30.00

Reflecting on difficult topics like betrayal, divorce and losing friends, author Jen Hatmaker shares the powerful lessons she learned after the end of her marriage in this heartfelt memoir full of hope, loss and paving a new path.

Reflecting on difficult topics like betrayal, divorce and losing friends, author Jen Hatmaker shares the powerful lessons she learned after the end of her marriage in this heartfelt memoir full of hope, loss and paving a new path.

Poems & Prayers

Hardcover $24.00 $29.00

Poems & Prayers

Poems & Prayers

By Matthew McConaughey

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Hardcover $24.00 $29.00

Words to inspire hope and creativity from a Hollywood icon. The actor and author offers personal stories, poems and wisdom from years both in and out of the spotlight. With plenty of humor, heart and wit, this is a collection crafted for today’s collective spirit.

Words to inspire hope and creativity from a Hollywood icon. The actor and author offers personal stories, poems and wisdom from years both in and out of the spotlight. With plenty of humor, heart and wit, this is a collection crafted for today’s collective spirit.

Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts

Hardcover $30.00 $35.00

Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts

Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts

By Margaret Atwood

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Hardcover $30.00 $35.00

An icon of literary achievement and author of eerily prophetic writing finally tells us about herself. It’s pretty much a superhero origin story, told in vibrant detail, making it a shining feat of storytelling on its own merit.

An icon of literary achievement and author of eerily prophetic writing finally tells us about herself. It’s pretty much a superhero origin story, told in vibrant detail, making it a shining feat of storytelling on its own merit.

Finding My Way: A Memoir

Hardcover $25.00 $30.00

Finding My Way: A Memoir

Finding My Way: A Memoir

By Malala Yousafzai

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Hardcover $25.00 $30.00

A powerful voice of courage and symbol of resistance and hope, Malala Yousafzai reintroduces herself to the world in her memoir, Finding May Way. Opening up about everything from coming-of-age moments to college years, friendships and finding the love of her life, she follows her own compass and rises above her darkest moments.

A powerful voice of courage and symbol of resistance and hope, Malala Yousafzai reintroduces herself to the world in her memoir, Finding May Way. Opening up about everything from coming-of-age moments to college years, friendships and finding the love of her life, she follows her own compass and rises above her darkest moments.

Bread of Angels: A Memoir

Hardcover $27.00 $30.00

Bread of Angels: A Memoir

Bread of Angels: A Memoir

By Patti Smith

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Hardcover $27.00 $30.00

Patti Smith offers another glimpse into her miraculous world by heading all the way back to the beginning. The writer reflects on her early years of art, exploration and creativity that helped her become the literary icon she is today.

Patti Smith offers another glimpse into her miraculous world by heading all the way back to the beginning. The writer reflects on her early years of art, exploration and creativity that helped her become the literary icon she is today.

The Uncool: A Memoir

Hardcover $32.00 $35.00

The Uncool: A Memoir

The Uncool: A Memoir

By Cameron Crowe

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Hardcover $32.00 $35.00

An unprecedented tour of the heyday of rock and roll, paired with the heartfelt personal narrative of Cameron Crowe, who lived and breathed music while rising to remarkable heights himself. If you’ve ever wished you could have scored backstage passes to your favorite rock concert, this is the book for you.

An unprecedented tour of the heyday of rock and roll, paired with the heartfelt personal narrative of Cameron Crowe, who lived and breathed music while rising to remarkable heights himself. If you’ve ever wished you could have scored backstage passes to your favorite rock concert, this is the book for you.

Truly

Hardcover $33.00 $36.00

Truly

Truly

By Lionel Richie

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Hardcover $33.00 $36.00

The complete story of Lionel Richie, told by the man himself, with the signature charm that makes him such a treasure. This is a comprehensive look at the human behind the cultural icon.

The complete story of Lionel Richie, told by the man himself, with the signature charm that makes him such a treasure. This is a comprehensive look at the human behind the cultural icon.

Joyride: A Memoir

Hardcover $32.00

Joyride: A Memoir

Joyride: A Memoir

By Susan Orlean

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Hardcover $32.00

Vibrant, bold and full of life, Susan Orlean’s memoir highlights the creative ups, downs and even higher ups the beloved writer has faced over her prolific and inspiring career.

Vibrant, bold and full of life, Susan Orlean’s memoir highlights the creative ups, downs and even higher ups the beloved writer has faced over her prolific and inspiring career.

The Anthony Bourdain Reader: New, Classic, and Rediscovered Writing

Hardcover $35.00 $40.00

The Anthony Bourdain Reader: New, Classic, and Rediscovered Writing

The Anthony Bourdain Reader: New, Classic, and Rediscovered Writing

By Anthony Bourdain
Introduction Patrick Radden Keefe

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Hardcover $35.00 $40.00

A collection of his travels, reviews, reflections and musings, this is an essential guide to Anthony Bourdain’s remarkable life and work. Delving into the many sides of the chef, traveler and storyteller, this collection includes newly discovered writing.

A collection of his travels, reviews, reflections and musings, this is an essential guide to Anthony Bourdain’s remarkable life and work. Delving into the many sides of the chef, traveler and storyteller, this collection includes newly discovered writing.

Heart Life Music

Hardcover $29.50 $32.50

Heart Life Music

Heart Life Music

By Kenny Chesney , Holly Gleason

In Stock Online

Hardcover $29.50 $32.50

From small bar gigs to playing stadiums, country music legend Kenny Chesney shares his most personal stories from his time on the road and beyond. Get to know the people and places that influenced his passions.

From small bar gigs to playing stadiums, country music legend Kenny Chesney shares his most personal stories from his time on the road and beyond. Get to know the people and places that influenced his passions.

Vagabond: A Memoir

Hardcover $29.00 $32.00

Vagabond: A Memoir

Vagabond: A Memoir

By Tim Curry

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Hardcover $29.00 $32.00

Known for playing the demonic clown Pennywise, the flashy Dr. Frank-N-Furter and countless other fan-favorite characters, Tim Curry has portrayed a plethora of iconic characters across a variety of genres. But who is the man behind the clown? This memoir shares a glimpse into the intriguing life and career of the acting legend.

Known for playing the demonic clown Pennywise, the flashy Dr. Frank-N-Furter and countless other fan-favorite characters, Tim Curry has portrayed a plethora of iconic characters across a variety of genres. But who is the man behind the clown? This memoir shares a glimpse into the intriguing life and career of the acting legend.

107 Days

Hardcover $27.00 $30.00

107 Days

107 Days

By Kamala Harris

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Hardcover $27.00 $30.00

Under immense pressure and in the face of great uncertainty, Vice President Harris answered her party’s call. Now she shares behind-the-scenes insights about the whirlwind candidacy that made history.

Under immense pressure and in the face of great uncertainty, Vice President Harris answered her party’s call. Now she shares behind-the-scenes insights about the whirlwind candidacy that made history.

I Regret Almost Everything: A Memoir

Hardcover $26.99 $29.99

I Regret Almost Everything: A Memoir

I Regret Almost Everything: A Memoir

By Keith McNally

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Hardcover $26.99 $29.99

At times irreverent, at other times insightful, but at all times entertaining, Keith McNally’s entire life is laid bare on the page, from his career triumphs to the dark corners of his personal life.

At times irreverent, at other times insightful, but at all times entertaining, Keith McNally’s entire life is laid bare on the page, from his career triumphs to the dark corners of his personal life.

The Look

Hardcover $40.00 $50.00

The Look

The Look

By Michelle Obama
Editor Meredith Koop
Foreword by Farah Jasmine Griffin

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Hardcover $40.00 $50.00

As a cultural icon known for redefining traditional style, Michelle Obama makes another fashion statement with her new book, The Look. The highly anticipated illustrated volume features her most memorable looks and never–before–seen images. Bold yet relatable, strong yet feminine and formal yet playful, the First Lady grants us an intimate lens into her personal style evolution.

As a cultural icon known for redefining traditional style, Michelle Obama makes another fashion statement with her new book, The Look. The highly anticipated illustrated volume features her most memorable looks and never–before–seen images. Bold yet relatable, strong yet feminine and formal yet playful, the First Lady grants us an intimate lens into her personal style evolution.

Last Rites

Hardcover $25.00 $30.00

Last Rites

Last Rites

By Ozzy Osbourne
With Chris Ayres

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Hardcover $25.00 $30.00

In this revealing new memoir, music legend Ozzy Osbourne does not hold back. The icon shares his unfiltered thoughts on his monumental life and career, detailing everything from his time in Black Sabbath to his explosive marriage and life in the public eye.

In this revealing new memoir, music legend Ozzy Osbourne does not hold back. The icon shares his unfiltered thoughts on his monumental life and career, detailing everything from his time in Black Sabbath to his explosive marriage and life in the public eye.

Simply More: A Book for Anyone Who Has Been Told They're Too Much

Hardcover $25.99 $28.99

Simply More: A Book for Anyone Who Has Been Told They're Too Much

Simply More: A Book for Anyone Who Has Been Told They're Too Much

By Cynthia Erivo

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Hardcover $25.99 $28.99

Cynthia Erivo shares her story encouraging readers to embrace their individuality. The award-winning actress, singer and producer looks back on her path to stardom and the wisdom she gathered along her journey.

Cynthia Erivo shares her story encouraging readers to embrace their individuality. The award-winning actress, singer and producer looks back on her path to stardom and the wisdom she gathered along her journey.

Nobody's Girl: A Memoir of Surviving Abuse and Fighting for Justice

Hardcover $32.00 $35.00

Nobody's Girl: A Memoir of Surviving Abuse and Fighting for Justice

Nobody's Girl: A Memoir of Surviving Abuse and Fighting for Justice

By Virginia Roberts Giuffre

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Hardcover $32.00 $35.00

In this brave and remarkable memoir, Virginia Roberts Giuffre shares her harrowing story in her own words, detailing the years of abuse she endured and her subsequent fight for justice.

In this brave and remarkable memoir, Virginia Roberts Giuffre shares her harrowing story in her own words, detailing the years of abuse she endured and her subsequent fight for justice.

We Did OK, Kid: A Memoir

Hardcover $30.00 $35.00

We Did OK, Kid: A Memoir

We Did OK, Kid: A Memoir

By Anthony Hopkins

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Going beyond his iconic roles, We Did OK, Kid is more than just a behind-the-scenes look at all your favorite Anthony Hopkin’s movies. Its a deep dive into the dark corners of his life, his growth as a human being and artist and a complete picture of the man he is.

Going beyond his iconic roles, We Did OK, Kid is more than just a behind-the-scenes look at all your favorite Anthony Hopkin’s movies. Its a deep dive into the dark corners of his life, his growth as a human being and artist and a complete picture of the man he is.

Baldwin: A Love Story

Hardcover $33.00 $36.00

Baldwin: A Love Story

Baldwin: A Love Story

By Nicholas Boggs

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Hardcover $33.00 $36.00

Employing vivid storytelling and meticulous research, this richly immersive biography not only breaks new ground when it comes to James Baldwin’s literary work but tenderly explores matters of the heart that permeated the fabric of his life.

Employing vivid storytelling and meticulous research, this richly immersive biography not only breaks new ground when it comes to James Baldwin’s literary work but tenderly explores matters of the heart that permeated the fabric of his life.

A Marriage at Sea: A True Story of Love, Obsession, and Shipwreck

Hardcover $25.00 $28.00

A Marriage at Sea: A True Story of Love, Obsession, and Shipwreck

A Marriage at Sea: A True Story of Love, Obsession, and Shipwreck

By Sophie Elmhirst

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Hardcover $25.00 $28.00

Part love story, part peril on the high seas, this is a harrowing true story of near-tragedy and discovering what it really means to find yourself in another.

Part love story, part peril on the high seas, this is a harrowing true story of near-tragedy and discovering what it really means to find yourself in another.

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