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Biography Books

Whether you’re curious about the lives of your favorite celebrities or want to get to know a president, discover biographies and memoirs of the people who shaped history and made headlines. From Abraham Lincoln to Bob Dylan and Rosa Parks, fascinating life stories await.

Princess Diana, Through the Eyes of Her Brother - Swan Song by Charles Spencer - Shop Now
Princess Diana, Through the Eyes of Her Brother - Swan Song by Charles Spencer - Shop Now
Discover Stallone's World, One Step at a Time - The Steps by Sylvester Stallone - Shop Now
Discover Stallone's World, One Step at a Time - The Steps by Sylvester Stallone - Shop Now
From '80s Child Star to Oscar-Winning Actory - Never Say Die by Ke Huy Quan - Shop Now
From '80s Child Star to Oscar-Winning Actory - Never Say Die by Ke Huy Quan - Shop Now
The Extraordinary True Bond Between a Man and a Fawn - Penelope a Love Story by Paul Bochner - Shop Now
The Extraordinary True Bond Between a Man and a Fawn - Penelope a Love Story by Paul Bochner - Shop Now
Haruki Murakami's Moving Meditation on Family - Abandoning a Cat by Haruki Murakami - Shop Now
Haruki Murakami's Moving Meditation on Family - Abandoning a Cat by Haruki Murakami - Shop Now

Gloria Steinem: 1934 - 2026

An Unexpected Life: A Memoir

An Unexpected Life: A Memoir

By Gloria Steinem

In her inspiring new memoir, Gloria Steinem reflects on the pivotal moments of her life and career, from childhood memories to trailblazing human rights advocacy.

$27.00
$30.00
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The Girl Who Taught Herself to Exist

Educated: A Memoir

Educated: A Memoir

By Tara Westover

At times harrowing but always hopeful, this memoir follows a young woman from an off-the-grid upbringing who embarks on a resilient journey of self-discovery.

$20.00
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Beautiful, Brutal, and Often Banned

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

By Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey

This modern classic gives an unflinching view of a childhood rooted in pain that flowers into a tale of redemption and hope.

$19.00
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A Heartbreakingly Funny Story of Fame & Survival

I'm Glad My Mom Died

I'm Glad My Mom Died

By Jennette McCurdy

A direct, honest and hilarious memoir that, despite it all, delivers an inspiring story of resilience and recovery.

$19.99
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Biography

Best Memoirs & Biographies

Find the world’s bestselling biographies, autobiographies and memoirs at Barnes & Noble. Whether you’re looking for the latest intriguing celebrity memoir or a captivating biography of an American president, we are your source for the best memoir and biography book recommendations.

Get to know Abraham Lincoln from a new angle in John Meacham’s And There Was Light and dive into Princess Diana’s life through the lens of her younger brother in Swan Song. Walk side by side with larger-than-life historical figures like Frederick Douglass, Sacagawea or Queen Elizabeth I, or revel in the wonder of travel memoirs like All That’s Unseen and First Light. Sports biographies take you into the locker room and off the playing field with the likes of Tom Brady, Rory McIlroy and Kobe Bryant. Artist biographies run the gamut from Vermeer to Frida Kahlo. And political biographies like American Scoundrel and Going Further offer a behind-the-scenes look at power and ambition.

From inspiring women’s biographies and memoirs like Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and Joan Didion’s A Year of Magical Thinking to popular celebrity memoirs like Jennette McCurdy’s I’m Glad My Mom Died and Trevor Noah’s Born a Crime, journey through the lives and experiences of people who have inspired you, sparked your curiosity or left a lasting impression.

Explore our list of the best biography books and memoirs of 2026, featuring captivating stories about actors, musicians, historians and other cultural figures to add to your TBR list or share as gifts. Looking for a new biography to read today? Download the latest biography eBook for your smartphone, tablet or NOOK device and start reading now.

What is the difference between biography, autobiography and memoir?

Biography, autobiography and memoir are three different types of books that revolve around true life stories. A biography is a person’s life story written by someone other than the subject of the book. An autobiography is a person’s life story written by the subject themselves. A memoir is a book that focuses on a specific time period or event in the author’s life.

Best Memoirs & Biography Books to Add to Your Reading List