Autobiographies australians
Best biographies to add to your reading list
If you’re a fan of compelling life stories that inspire, educate, and captivate, then this list of the best biographies to read is for you.
From tales of resilience and survival to narratives of innovation and discovery, biographies offer a window into the lives of extraordinary individuals who have left a mark on history. Whether you’re interested in Australian heritage, technological pioneers, or incredible journeys of hope, these books provide rich and diverse perspectives.
Dive into our carefully curated selection and find your next great read among the best biographies that promise to enlighten and entertain.
Sally Morgan’s My Place is a poignant exploration of her Aboriginal heritage. This autobiography delves into her journey of self-discovery and the uncovering of her family’s hidden history. Morgan’s narrative reveals the struggles and triumphs of her ancestors, providing a powerful insight into the lives of Indigenous Australians. The book is both a personal memoir and a broader social commentary, highlighting themes of identity, family, and belonging. My Place is an essential read for understanding the complex and often painful history of Australia’s First Nations peoples.
Steve Jobs
Walter Issacson
Walter Isaacson’s Steve Jobs offers an in-depth look into the life of Apple’s co-founder, Steve Jobs. Based on over forty interviews with Jobs and conversations with more than a hundred family members, friends, adversaries, and colleagues, this biography paints a comprehensive picture of a complex individual. Isaacson explores Jobs’ innovation, drive, and sometimes volatile personality, providing insights into his role in shaping the modern technological landscape. The book is a fascinating read for those interested in technology, business, and the intricacies of a visionary mind.
The Happiest Refugee
Ahn Do
Anh Do’s The Happiest Refugee is an inspiring memoir that recounts his journey from a perilous escape from war-torn Vietnam to becoming one of Australia’s most beloved comedians. Do’s narrative is filled with humour, resilience, and gratitude, as he reflects on his family’s struggles and triumphs in their new homeland. The book is a heart-warming and uplifting read, showcasing the power of optimism and determination. Through his story, Do highlights the challenges faced by refugees and the incredible strength of the human spirit.
A Fortunate Life
A.B. Facey
A Fortunate Life is a quintessential Australian autobiography that chronicles the incredible journey of Albert Facey. Born into hardship, Facey worked from a young age, faced the horrors of World War I, and experienced the Great Depression. Despite the adversities, he recounts his life with gratitude and resilience. The narrative is a testament to the human spirit, capturing the essence of Australian history and culture. This compelling story is not just a personal account but a reflection of an era, making it a must-read for anyone interested in Australia’s past.
The Piano Player of Budapest
Roxanne de Bastion
The Piano Player of Budapest by Roxanne de Bastion is a family story of survival, hope, and music. When Roxanne inherited a piano after her father’s death, she discovered a cassette recording of her grandfather, Stephen, playing one of his compositions. This discovery unravelled the extraordinary history of the piano, her grandfather, and her family. Stephen was a renowned musician who survived the horrors of WWII concentration camps. By piecing together cassette recordings, unpublished memoirs, letters, and documents, Roxanne tells a moving story of music and hope that echoes through generations. Fans of The Pianist and The Cut Out Girl will find this biography particularly compelling.
Jayde Malifa studied a Bachelor of Media (Public Relations & Advertising) at the University of New South Wales before starting her career in marketing and communications. Looking to move into media, she joined women's lifestyle publisher Sitchu. Over six years, she made her way from Content Producer to National Editor, where she wrote articles about food, travel, lifestyle, homes, beauty, health and shopping, while leading the editorial strategy for the brand, across print and digital. She joined The Weekly as the Digital Managing Editor and is now the Head of Digital. She loves providing readers with the best in lifestyle inspiration. When she is not writing about her favourite shopping finds (and adding to her sunglasses collection in the process), she is either at the beach, kicking back with her ragdoll cat Sybil, or long lunching with her friends.
LinkedinInstagram
Sign up for our newsletter
Want 15% off at ADORE BEAUTY? Sign-up to the latest news from Australian Women’s Weekly
Disclaimer: By joining, you agree to our Privacy Policy & Terms of Use
Best grant biography Captain Sam Grant by Lloyd Lewis. This biography covers Grant’s youth and young manhood from 1822 to 1861. The narrative examines Grant’s birth, his days at West Point; his courtship and marriage, his experiences during the Mexican War, and his subsequent time as a civilian before his comeback as a soldier during the Civil War.