If you're the type of reader who enjoys memoirs and biographies the following are some titles you may want to explore after a summer of lighter reading pursuits.  

(Click on the book cover or title to link to library holdings information.)

The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid; a memoir
By Bill Bryson
Also available in Audio Book format

Bill Bryson is one of those writers who have been able to able to keep his observational perspective fresh whenever approaching a new subject matter for a book. Whether his work is centered on the autobiographical, travels around his native country (the U.S.) and abroad, or more academic topics such as language and science, Bryson knows how to engage the reader with his insightful and uniquely humorous way of framing events and circumstances. His latest book is a memoir about growing up in America in the 1950s.

The Pursuit of Happyness
By Chris Gardner with Quincy Troup
Also available in Large Print and DVD

This memoir tells the story of Chris Gardner's amazing journey from homelessness to his rise as a successful businessman and philanthropist. Throughout the period in his life marked by numerous pitfalls and adversity, Gardner remained committed to raising his son and to maintaining a clear vision of how to build a better life. This book served as the basis for the movie of the same name that received accolades from film critics and made Chris Gardner an inspiration to his countless fans.

To the Castle and Back
By Vaclav Havel

Vaclav Havel became widely known to Americans in 1989 when he was elected president of Czechoslovakia. He emerged as a notable figure in history as the Eastern Block fell apart and assumed a role helping to shape the future of Central Europe as the elected president of the newly created Czech Republic in 1993. Many Americans are not aware that Havel was a well known and highly regarded playwright and part of intellectual circles before becoming his nation's leader. This book is also significant in that Havel discusses for the first time his battle with lung cancer.

Kate: the woman who was Hepburn
By William J. Mann

Before it became commonplace that certain celebrities were known by only there first names there was Kate. Mann compiled various interviews with close friends and family of this iconic Hollywood legend to create a clear and accurate portrait of who Katherine Hepburn really was.  
 

Everything I Needed to Know About Being a Girl I Learned From Judy Blume
Edited by Jennifer O'Connell

This book is comprised of an illuminating collection of essays from 24 women writers and what they describe as their "Judy Blume moment" -- their own coming-of-age tales. Judy Blume helped millions of her young readers know that they were not alone in experiencing the awkwardness and frustrations that are part of making the transition from girlhood to adolescence and beyond.  This book pays tribute to the uniqueness of Judy Blume.