Isn’t it fascinating to read about the lives of others to learn about what makes us human? These memoirs and biographies feature authors who were famous (Stephen Sondheim, Marilyn Monroe, Michael Rosen, Alan Bennett) and not-so-famous (a graphic artist, a Chinese delivery worker). Many of these titles were released in 2026. Each account digs deep into someone’s talent and provides honest revelations of thoughts and feelings. Each account helps us bring insights and empathetic understanding of how people behave, relate with others, and thrive,
BOOKS GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU: The Storied Life of Ursula Nordstrom, Editor of Extraordinary Children’s Books by Nancy Hudgins
Ast he subtitle suggest, this biography surveys ‘the storied life of Urusula Nordstrom, Editor of Extraordinary Children’s Books. Nordstrom was a trailblazing book editor who’s taste, tenacity and talent helped to champion such authors as E.B. White, Margaret Wise Brown, Maurice Sendak and Louise Fitzhugh. Each short chapter provides anecdotal information about how some iconic books such as Where The Wild Things Are, Goodnight Moon, Charlotte’s Web, Harold and the Purple Crayon, A Hole is to Dig, Bronzville Boys and Girls came to be. Often facing criticism and opposition, Nordstrom fought back, defending her authors, knowing that they were offering young readers original and honest literature that reflected their worlds and opened their worlds to others. Ursula Nordstrom was a fascinating business woman and Nancy Hughes conveys her accomplishments in this autobiography written for young readers. I’m not sure how many of these young readers would be familiar or interested in the Nordstrom’s achievements but anyone, young or old, who picks up this book will gain understanding of the challenges and rumpus of publishing books. “Not good enough for you.’ (NGEFY) was a common phrase Nordstom offered authors who hoped to get their work published. It is apparent that Ursula Nordstrom encouraged and fought for the best from writers and illustrators and she did indeed give the world of children’s literature the best – the very best – during her forty year caree.
CARRYING THE ELEPHANT: A Memoir of Love and Loss / 2002
In this slim volume of anecdotes, Michael Rosen ponders and preservers episodes from his past in 72 prose-poems. Each piece is a snapshot of remembrances from childhood, travels, relationships, and grief, Together, these short pieces add up to tell a story of the author’s life up until the year 2002. Recording these memories with honesty provided Rosen the opportunity to observe, to remember, to reflect on moments of significance as well as offer readers insights into a very special author’s biography.
Sample
My dead boy once made a clock. Instead of numbers, he put 12 letters that spelled: How Time Flies. It fell off the wall and broke into pieces
– Hey, how time flies, he said.
Here are the pieces. I’ll stick them back together sometime.
Two additional Memoirs by Michael Rosen : GETTING BETTER and MANY KINDS OF LOVE
ENOUGH SAID by Alan Bennett / 2026
I am a fan of Alan Bennett’s writing. Though I’ve not seen all his plays, I particularly enjoyed The History Boys. The Habit of Art, The Lady in the Van, The Madness of George III) I’ve also enjoyed his movies The Lady in the Van with Maggie Smith most recently The Choral with Ralph Fiennes (wonderful film). His short books, The Uncommon Reader, Killing Time, are gems. He has also published autobiographical works (Writing Home, Untold Stories, House Arrest). Enough Said is Bennett’s collection diary entries written between 2016 and 2024 and as Bennett writes in the introduction, “It’s just jotting, the things that occur, the stuff that happens. I’ve not always found people easy to talk to. But I’ve found it easy to talk to myself, which is what a diary is.” (p. xiv). Bennett’s recordings illuminate the elements of his life, inviting readers to eavesdrop on the people, places and things that shape his daily routines: His garden, his friendships, his community, his clothing, his bicycle rides, his encounters with birds, his visits to galleries, his travels, his rehearsals, f, his speaking engagements, his devoted husband, his health, funerals, the pandemic and of course the craft of his writing. The final section of the book ae essays that pay tribute to people in Alan Bennett’s life (e.g., The Telegram Boy, Uncle Clarence, The Queen)
Some tidbits:
23 May (2017) Poetry best because you can do more in less.
6 March (2019) / A play – a play of mine anyway – is just a Christmas tree on which I hang ornaments, jokes, pithy remarks and bits of philosophy.”
28 April (2020) / The most one can hope from a reader is that he or she should ‘Here is somebody who knows what it is like to be me.’
4 September (2020) / What your work does is ‘tell people you’ve been alive.” (Lucian Freud).
FUNNY THING, GETTING OLDER by Michael Morpurgo / 2025
I am a Michael Morpurgo fan. So are hundreds of thousands of others. I haven’t read the 100+ titles by the award-winning, British Children’s Laureate author, but after being knocked out by War Horse, i sought out many other titles by this remarkable author. His new book is a gathering of essays, public speeches and reflections from a lifetime of writing. This book is a collection of thoughts about nature, childhood and old age, writing and reading, peace and war. The collection includes essays, poems, a play and stories that shine a shine a light on Morpurgo’s personal, political and life as an author. The book is divided into five sections: Childhood, Peace and War, Telling Tales, Searching for Wonder. The following quote is one to savour – and act upon.
“To give up on books is to give up on education, and if you give up on education then you can easily give up on hope, give up on your future. This way, you can so easily urn children away from books and feading, and that can be a life sentence, a life without books. So many avenues are barred, so many possibilities never imagined, so many discoveries never made, so much understanding of yourself, of others stunted for ever. “(p. 201)
I DELIVER PARCELS IN BEIJING by Hu Anyhan, 2022 / Translated by Jack Hargreaves / 2025
I’ve been to Beijing a number of times and seeing the name of the city in a book title caught my attention. That this book was about a working hard in a giant city plus the T that this book was a sensation in China (selling over 2 million copies)intrigued me. This memoir is an account of one man’s extensive experiences with jobs that were mostly kept for short periods of time. In fact, Hu Anyhan held 19 different jobs within two decades (a waiter, a convenience store clerk, a baker, a small business owner). A large portion of the book (120 pages) outlines his experiences delivering parcels in Beijing and the challenges he had with managers, customers, his shabby tricycle, and poor pay. Hu Anyan moved from place to place in different parts of China hoping to settle in to find employment that would satisfy him, would give him a good sense of self, would gain confidence to interact with others and would give him a decent life outside of gruelling working conditions. To say the least, this man was tenacious and deserves ”A’ for effort’ a for never giving up when he was abused by shrewd managers, faced competition no matter what business he was involved in and how he struggled, like millions of other workers throughout the world to make ends meet from day to day. This was a fascinating read about a man surviving against all odds. However, whether it was the English translation or Hu Anhyan’s rather mundane writing style,I felt that Icould have abandoned reading this book at any time but I did persevere and I do sing his praises for eventually getting published and gaining recognition and success with this written story. The writing comes from a patchwork of essay reflections on the author’s blog. I Deliver Parcels in Beijing needed some rigorous editing to make the story for a more engaging read (e.g chronology of events). That the author constantly questions what it is that makes him scrupulous, worthy and human in a world that alienates individuals because of their status.
Excerpts
“At this point I had already started to notice how my work situation was changing me, little by little, making me irritable, prone to anger, unconcerned by my responsibilities.” (p. 68)
“I worked eleven hours a day, spending one hour unloading the truck, sorting the parcels, and loading my trike, then another hour altogether on the road traveling between various neighbourhoods. Those were my fixed costs. They dictated that, in the remaining nine hours I spent making deliveries, I had to earn 30 yuan every hour to reach my desired wage.” (p 105)
“People like to say that our character determines our fate, but I ay that words like fate and destiny feel too big for the times we live in, whereas character plays a not inconsiderable role in determing the course of a person’s life.” (p. 213)
THE LAST DAYS OF MARILYN MONROE: A True Crime Thriller by James Patterson & Imogen Edward Jones / 2026
James Patterson is probably the most published author in recent years. He has written over 270 books that include fiction, nonfiction and young adult novels. He has co-authored books with the likes of Bill Clinton, Viola Davie, Dolly Parton etc. The guy is prolific. In tribute to Marilyn Monroe’s 100th birthday (June 1st 2026) the book The Last Days of Marilyn Monroe is Patterson’s tribute the acclaimed sex goddess.This book is a biographical account of Marilyn’s life as an orphan, her struggles towards achieving success, her fame, her three marriages and love affairs,, her work on films, her struggle with drugs and overdosing, her glamour, her photo shoots, her friendships, her relationships with business associates and mentors, her business acumen, and her fierce determination to be highly regarded and quest to gain reputation as the intelligent, talented, loving person she was.
This is a book all about Marilyn Monroe contained within a Prologue of 4 chapters about the nigh t of her death, 70 chapters that reveal personal stories, plus short epilogue that tells a bit about her funeral and a few written tributes. Much is written about her reputation for often being late for appointments and filming. Her choice not to wear underwear is frequently mentioned. We also learn about her therapy, her dedication to training to become a better actress. We join in her bi-coastal travels between Hollywood and New York as well as some trips to countries around the world. This book is a biography. What this book is NOT about, is the last days of her life. It is about all the days of Monroe’s life that lead to her death. The title is a cheat/a lie. How did Patterson get away with this? How did the editor/publisher decide on this intriguing title where readers are ‘expected to learn more about her death on August 4 1962). “Was it an accidental overdose? Or was it deliberate? And is so was it suicide or murder? (p.385). These questions are raised in the final pages of the book but he authors do not dissect if and how this was a ‘true crime thriller’ (another false pretence of what this book is about). Those questions are a good place to start to for a book about Monroe’s death. So much has been written about Marilyn Monroe, her undisputed beauty, and the unsettling troubles she experienced. There are over two hundred sources listed of books, articles, television appearances that seem to have provide the authors with insights into the career of this icon who changed Hollywood history as well as the conversations she had with those who she was acquainted with. She did indeed live a life ‘like a candle in the wind’. (Elton John / Bernie Taupin), I love Marilyn Monroe
Shout Out! See MARILYN AND HER BOOKS: The Literary LIfe of Marilyn Monroe by Gail Crowther/2026
LEG: The Story of a Limb and he Boy Who Grew From it by Greg Marshall / 2023
The cover of the book captivates: A memoir entitled ‘LEG’, what’s that all about? An image of a naked man full frontal (privates obscured by fuchsia lettering of the letter “G” in Leg. (we get rear-view image of naked man on back cover). LEG is Greg Marshall’s story living in a somewhat wonky, and growing rather comfortably into a life as a game man. Greg, however has a physical disability and walks with a limb. His parents assured him that this problem was the result of tight tendons. It wasn’t until he applied for insurance just before he turned 30l, that Greg learns that had cerebral palsy, a secret kept from him since birth. The jacket blurb tells us that this biography ‘is a unique examination of what it means to transform when there are parts of yourself you cannot change, a moving portraiy of a family in crisis, and a tale of resilience of spirit. Marshall’s mother had been diagnosed with cancer and has undergone treatments for years and years. Marshall’s father is diagnosed with ALS. One of his sister’s, passionate about being a dancer, seems to be on the spectrum. Each chapter takes readers on a journey of Greg Marshall’s life: sexual early escapades with his mother’s vibrating back massager; performances in a school musicals; a school trip to France; a relationship with a handsome guy who kept he fact that he had AIDS hidden from Greg; the unique lesbian relationship his mother has with Alice; the dedicated care Greg given to his father as his health quickly declines; sexual ups and downs; the. love and marriage with a man who is the perfect soulmate. Marshall has it seems lived a happy life and seems to have coped with any shit that has come his way. Early in the book we learn that Greg is now happily married, and we know (from the publication of this book) that he has fulfilled a dream to become a successful writer. Greg Marshall is a funny, wry writer. His commitment to recording the events and observances he experiences in his journal have paid off. The result is an honest, observant, entertaining chronicle of a life of a boy who grew into a resilient man comfortable with his gay life, his disability and his problematic LEG. Greg Marshall’s story is a story, love of family, love of self and love of life. I really really liked Greg Marshall and I really really liked this beautiful memoir. Greg Marshall is a terrific storyteller.
Excerpt
“it all goes back to my leg,” I scratched in my journal. “I feel like I’m lugging it around, like a secret. When it comes to being a homosexual, I call he shots. I can choose when people know, which people know. My leg is jus there, staring you in the face.” (P. 111)
STEPHEN SONDHEIM: Art Isn’t Easy by Daniel Okrent /2026
I’m a Stephen Sondheim fan so I often look forward to reading new publications that talk about the life and work of this genius composer and lyricist. Okrent’s book did not disappoint and is a worthy addtion to my Stephen Sondheim bookshelf.. Okrent guides us through each of the creation of Sondheim’s, work, each filled with stress, insecurities – and rewards – that Sondheim experienced in putting shows together. Okrent also paints a vivid picture of Sondheim’s complicated emotional life, unsettling self-c0nfidance, alcoholism, and passions. He often was angry (furious) with critics and creative partners who didn’t agree with him. The book also provides insights into the personal correspondences with creative partners (Harold Prince, Leonard Bernstein, Arthur Laurents.) Stories of his tumultuous relationship with his mother, Foxy, are filtered throughout the book. The book emphasizes the complexities of living a life of alienation and connection and where the twain do meet. This biography is honest, gossipy and helps to expose the inner life of complicated genius making and delivering brilliant art. It isn’t easy.
Excerpts
Asked by a friendly interview what he’d like to see “LGBT-wise” in the coming years, he said “I”d like to see the tem LGBT disappear from the English language.” (p. 216)
Sondheim once said, “I really do miss not having had a family.” But he’d added, “I suppose if I hd one I wouldn’t have had anything to write about.” (p. 224)
When discussing Sweeney Todd by Laurie Wine, Oscar Hammestein’s biographer, Sondheim was asked about his connection to the show’s central character. “The difference between Sweeney and me,” he said, “is that I turned it into art.” (p. 230)
TANGLES: A story about ALzehimer’s, my mother and me by Sarah Leavitt / Graphic memoir / 2010
I recently read about the Canadian animated biographical film that was presented at the 2026 Cannes film festival. The movie prompted ‘a chorus of tears’ from the audience who attended and some who ‘turned into mush’ by the harrowing experience. This review motivated me to check out the author’s graphic memoir which was published in 2010. When she learns that her mother’s vibrant life was being stripped away by the onset of Alzheimer’s, Sarah Leavitt was forced to often return from Vancouver to her family living in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Accepting the reality of the disease, and recognizing how she needed to be needed and strong make for a harrowing story indeed. Leavitt recorded events and words on her mother’s declining six year journey with the disease and by creating Tangles she is able to confront and reflect on the downfall of a mother whose memory, language and independency was vanishing. For Leavitt, this makes for a poignant account of sadness and grief and her honest observations helps readers to share her sadness and come to some understanding about the realities of those whose Alzheimer patients that are disappearing. Tangles was a significant archival document for the author to create. (“I kept thinking about all the time I spent trying to soak her up when she was alive. How every second had been important”). Whether or not there are people in our lives who have experiences with Alzheimer’s patients, Leavitt’s book helps us to think about how we cope and function when we are needed to help those who can’t cope and function. The graphic format is an ideal way for Leavitt to tell her family’s story. Pages are filled with 12 -15 rectangular panels and the black and white images provide a moving account of loss. This is a staggering memoir and i look forward to seeing film.
Some heart-squeezing moments of mother’s decline:
>She walked into the hall with no pants on.
>Even when she only meant to pull weeds, she pulled up lots of other plants too.
>Mom was furiously brushing her teeth with a dry toothbrush.
>There were gaps in her speech. She pursed her lips and breathed out hard as she searched for words.
>She could not smell garlic or apples or tomatoes that had warmed in the summer sun.
>There was a grease mark on the mirror where she’d press her nose against it and talk to her reflection. It was so funny.
Some heart-squeezing utterances of mother’s decline:
>”No, I’m trying to get home and I can’t”
>”Doesn’t the grass feel lovely and green today?”
> “I’ve lost all my sweetness.”
> “This is a hard thing to say. I’m not a real person.”
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SHOUT OUT !!!!
MARILYN AND HER BOOKS: The Literary LIfe of Marilyn Monroe by Gail Crowther/2026
June 1st, 2026 would have been Marilyn Monroe’s 100the birthday. Her life and work has forever been celebrated and examined before and since her death in . TCM featuring her movies. Two weeks ago I watched Some Like It Hot (the funniest movie ever made, says I) and I watched it again this week. Two new publications about the actress caught my attention, The Last Days of Marilyn Monroe by James Patterson and Imogen Edward Jones and this book by researcher Gail Crowther debunks Monroes dumb blonde reputation by exposing her bookshelves and examines the MarilynMonroe’s life as a reader. . This book analyzes the literary life of the iconic Hollywood actor, delving into her personal collection of multi-genre titles, and the 400+ books from her collection that were sold at Christies’ auction. Crowther describes Monroe’s association with writers, her life of living with a writer, and describes the significance of books on her craft, her intellectual development and her friendships. The book is cleverly framed on intriguing questions that are answered in each chapter. Did Marilyn read all her books? Did Marilyn’s reading link to her acting? Why is Marilyn’s reading ability doubted? Did Marilyn suffer from imposter syndrome?
It is believed that Marilyn spent so much of her free time reading, always having a book on the go when she was on film sets. She spent time in book stores, was gifted books and was surrounded by books in her homes (she always took her books with her whenever she moved.) She read widely. The books that are featured in the end pages provide a glimpse of her interests (e.g., The Joy of Cooking, From Russia With Love, Of Human Bondage, On the Road, The Sun Also Rises, Napolean). Note: A list of Marilyn’s personal library, by genre, of the 400 book presented in Christie’s Catalogue, 1999 is featured in an appendix to the book. In one of the final chapters, recognition is given to the picture book The Little Engine that Could by Wally Piper (1930), a book Marilyn owned since childhood. The heme of bravery optimism and hard work serves as a symbol of the “I think I can.., I think I can…” mantra that Monroe lived with.
Novelist, Walter Mosley once claimed, “you can learn everything you need to know about a person by looking at their bookshelves.”Thorough research and recounts of events in Monroe’s life that were centred on books, books books, Gail Crowther uncovers Monroes bookshelves painting a vivid picture of her literary journey, her identity and her legacy This title is certain to be listed as one of my favourites at year’s end. What an astonishing, complex, misunderstood, dynamic, talented, smart woman Marilyn Monroe was. What an astonishing document Marilyn and Her Books is!
Excerpt
“What is forming here is a picture of Marilyn as reader, writer, and critic. Her lack of formal education perhaps excludes her from being regarded as a traditional intellectual. And her lack of social and cultural capital, combined with her studio-created sexpot image, did nothing but cement the myth of her as ‘the dumb blonde’. But myths are not facts, they are usually socially constructed, and anything that is constructed can be changed. Marilyn was misunderstood and spent much of her life engaged in intellectual pursuits. This is another reason why she needs to be recast and reimagined: not the late, not the ditzy, not the bombshell, not the difficult, but the intelligent Marilyn Monroe. (p. 229-230).
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TEN PREVIOUSLY RECOMMENDED MEMOIR TITLES
ACTRESS OF A CERTAIN AGE by Jeff Hiller
ALL THE LITTLE MONSTERS by David A. Robertson (also: BLACK WATER: Family, Legacy and Blood Memory
DEPARTURE(S) by Julian Barnes
DUCKS: Two years in the oil sands by Kate Beaton (graphic memoir)
HOW TO SHARE AN EGG by Bonny Reichert
I’M GLAD MY MOM DIED by Jennette McCurdy
KNIFE by Salman Rushdie
LEAVING HOME by Mark Haddon
LOW-HANGING FRUIT by Randy Rainbow (also: PLAYING WITH YOURSELF)
SHATTERED by Hanif Kureishi