📚 Books to Read After Historical Biography
Just finished historical biography? Here are 5 magical next reads curated just for you:
📘 The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
Rating: 4.07 / 5 (510,903 ratings), Published: 2010
When to read it: After delving into a historical biography and craving a narrative that delves deep into personal stories intertwined with science and ethics.
This blend of biography, science, and ethics follows the story of Henrietta Lacks, a woman whose cells were taken without her knowledge and became one of the most important tools in medicine. A poignant exploration of identity, race, and medical advancements, this book will captivate you with its emotional depth and historical significance.
Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Ethics, Biography
After reading: Readers will be left contemplating the impact of one individual’s story on the greater narrative of history, science, and ethical considerations.
📘 The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration by Isabel Wilkerson
Rating: 4.39 / 5 (57,924 ratings), Published: 2010
When to read it: When you want to continue exploring impactful stories from the past that shed light on broader historical movements.
Through the journeys of three individuals, this book chronicles the Great Migration of African Americans from the South to the North between 1915 and 1970. With meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Wilkerson beautifully illustrates the personal sacrifices and triumphs that shaped this pivotal period in American history.
Genres: History, Nonfiction, Social Issues, Race Relations
After reading: Readers will gain a profound understanding of the personal struggles and societal shifts that marked a significant chapter in American history, fostering empathy and insight into the complexities of migration and identity.
📘 Leonardo da Vinci by Walter Isaacson
Rating: 4.08 / 5 (103,151 ratings), Published: 2017
When to read it: During a quest for more insightful biographical narratives that delve into the lives of multifaceted historical figures.
Isaacson’s biography of Leonardo da Vinci offers a compelling exploration of the renowned artist's genius, creativity, and insatiable curiosity. Delving into da Vinci's art, science, and unparalleled intellect, this book paints a vivid portrait of a Renaissance polymath whose life continues to inspire awe and admiration.
Genres: Biography, History, Art, Science
After reading: Readers will be inspired by da Vinci’s boundless curiosity and creativity, and may find themselves viewing history, art, and innovation through a renewed lens of appreciation and wonder.
📘 The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women by Kate Moore
Rating: 4.27 / 5 (120,372 ratings), Published: 2016
When to read it: When you're intrigued by historical accounts that illuminate the often overlooked experiences of women in shaping significant events.
This gripping narrative uncovers the harrowing true story of the young women who worked in radium-dial factories during World War I, facing horrific workplace conditions and health consequences. Moore brings to light their resilience and fight for justice, shedding new light on the impact of their plight on labor rights and women's empowerment.
Genres: History, Nonfiction, Women's Studies, Science
After reading: Readers will be moved by the courage and determination of these women, gaining a deeper appreciation for the forgotten voices that contributed to pivotal moments in history and the struggles for justice and equality.
📘 Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine, and the Murder of a President by Candice Millard
Rating: 4.21 / 5 (47,758 ratings), Published: 2011
When to read it: As a historical biography enthusiast seeking a riveting account that intertwines politics, medicine, and gripping narratives from the past.
Millard's narrative skillfully weaves together the lives of President James A. Garfield, his assassin Charles Guiteau, and the pioneering surgeon Dr. Bliss in a story of ambition, tragedy, and medical innovation. This captivating tale of a forgotten president's untimely end sheds light on the complexities of power, fate, and the pursuit of progress in the Gilded Age.
Genres: History, Nonfiction, Politics, Medicine
After reading: Readers will be left contemplating the delicate balance between individual agency, societal forces, and the unpredictable hand of destiny that shapes pivotal historical events, leading to a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of political and medical history.