To close out our week of inspirational New Year beginnings, I thought I would share a quote from a book I just finished reading:
“My dear children, I send you my best wishes for a happy New Year – that is to say, a year of good health, good humor and good work, a year in which you will have pleasure in living every day, without waiting for the days to be gone before finding charm in them, and without putting all hope of pleasure in the days to come. The older one gets the more one feels that the present must be enjoyed: it is a precious gift, comparable to a state of grace.”
The above was written in a letter from the renowned scientist Marie Curie to her daughter, Irene, and son-in-law, Frederic. I’ve been reading the biography of this amazing woman, written by her daughter, Eve Curie, and have been so inspired by her devotion to her work and her generous spirit. It has been incredibly enriching to enter the world of science through the pages of this engaging story. I’ve always loved reading biographies, but I am more compelled than ever to read those of people outside my usual sphere of involvement. For in so doing I am reminded that while we all operate in subcultures to some degree, there is a cohesiveness in the world as a whole that makes the life and legacy of each person relevant in myriad ways to all of us. Just see how Madame Curie’s above quote echos the same sentiment expressed thousands of years earlier by King Solomon:
“Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God.”
With these things in mind, I’ve been compiling a list of biography suggestions and would love to add any that you all would recommend. I’m looking for ones that are inspiring, engaging, and well-written. Anyone have any suggestions?
I love that quote… it makes me think of “Tuesday’s with Morrie!”
The biography section is my favorite at the library.
One of my favorites is “The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin”. I am especially inspired by the section of the book where he outlines his plans for self improvement by aspiring to obtain 13 virtues including temperance, industry, tranquility, humility.
Another compelling but lesser known biographical book, “Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World” by Jennifer Armstrong tells the story of Ernest Shackleton, Robert Scott and their expedition to cross Antarctica. It is an intriguing story full of lessons on leadership, hope, endurance and selflessness.
I also love the “The Hiding Place” by Corrie ten Boom and
“The Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt” which is available to read online at this site http://jared.pratt-family.org/old/histories/ppp-autobiography/
The “Little Britches” Series by Ralph Moody may not be considered strictly biographical, but its a great selection suitable for younger readers. It is sort of like a “male” version of Little House on the Prairie.
I look forward to viewing your list… I always love a good book and prefer the library over the mall
What a wonderful quote! That really made me stop and think! As for biographies, I’m rubbing my hands together in sheer delight at the thought of recommending some. I’m a nerd. (-:
A Biographical Portrait by Anton Reiser is a fascinating, engaging biography of Albert Einstein by his son-in-law.
Evidence Not Seen is the page-turning autobiography of Darlene Deibler Rose, missionary to New Guinea who spent four years in a Japanese prison camp
Trapp Family Singers is the often hilarious autobiography of Maria von Trapp, inspiration for Sound of Music.
You may very well have already read these, but they are definitely among my favorites!
I would highly recommend David McCullough’s John Adams which was made into a special by HBO. I’ve never seen the special but the book read like a piece of fiction — just fabulous. Also, a little biography on Winston Churchill by Paul Johnson — it contains all of the chronology of Churchill’s life but isn’t too hefty that it puts you off — in fact it keeps you reading and fills you with the inspiration that when all are against you, if you go with your gut/instinct, etc., you win the day! I’ve also heard that this newest bio on Cleopatra is very substantial and a good read as well. Happy New Year and thanks for all you for us piano teachers out here. Love reading your site info.
How about “Hiding in the Spotlight” by Greg Dawson (http://www.amazon.com/Hiding-Spotlight-Prodigys-Survival-1941-1946/dp/1605980455). It’s a story about 2 Jewish sisters, both musical prodigies, who hid their true identities from the Nazis during WWII by performing on the piano for them. I loved the story.