Secondhand Biography & Memoir Bargain Book Box SP2156

Secondhand Biography & Memoir Bargain Book Box

Step into the lives of extraordinary individuals with this curated collection of memoirs and biographies. This box brings together the inspiring, the controversial, and the deeply personal stories of leaders, artists, athletes, and survivors from around the globe. From the corridors of power and the epic stages of sport and theatre to the quiet battlefields of personal struggle and the frontiers of social change, these books offer a profound and intimate look at the real lives behind the public faces. Prepare to be moved, inspired, and challenged by these unforgettable true stories.

1. Never Say Die by Chris O'Brien
   This is the powerful and inspiring memoir from a top surgeon who finds himself on the other side of the diagnosis. After a career dedicated to saving others, Dr. Chris O'Brien confronts his own life-threatening brain tumour. He shares his incredible journey from doctor to patient with profound honesty, offering wisdom on medicine, hope, and living life to the fullest.

2. Jack: What I've Learned Leading a Great Company and Great People by Jack Welch
   From one of the most famous and controversial CEOs of all time comes a candid masterclass in business and leadership. Jack Welch chronicles his remarkable career at the helm of General Electric, detailing his revolutionary management philosophies and "Neutron Jack" reputation. It's an unfiltered look at what it takes to drive success and lead a corporate giant.

3. Hazel: My Mother's Story by Sue Pieters-Hawke
   This is an intimate and loving portrait of Hazel Hawke, one of Australia's most beloved public figures and the former wife of Prime Minister Bob Hawke. Written by her daughter, the book goes beyond the headlines to reveal a woman of incredible strength, intelligence, and grace. It’s a moving account of both her public life and her private battles.

4. The Road From Coorain by Jill Ker Conway
   This internationally bestselling memoir is a stunning account of an Australian childhood spent in the harsh and isolated beauty of the outback. Jill Ker Conway writes of a life of drought and hardship, of profound family tragedy, and of her remarkable journey away from the land she loved. It is a powerful story of resilience, grief, and the pursuit of knowledge.

5. Cosgrove: Portrait of a Leader by Patrick Lindsay
   This comprehensive biography details the life and career of General Peter Cosgrove, one of Australia’s most respected military leaders and a former Governor-General. The book covers his decisive leadership in the East Timor intervention and his compassionate response to national disasters. It is an insightful portrait of duty, integrity, and modern leadership.

6. Kevin Sheedy: Stand Your Ground by Kevin Sheedy
   Step into the mind of a true legend of Australian Rules Football in this candid autobiography. Kevin Sheedy, one of the game's most innovative and successful coaches, reflects on his epic career as both player and mentor. He shares insights into his revolutionary tactics, his passion for the sport, and the controversies that followed him.

7. Reckoning by Magda Szubanski
   In this extraordinary and award-winning memoir, beloved Australian comedian Magda Szubanski uncovers a hidden family history. She grapples with the legacy of her father, a wartime assassin in the Polish resistance, and explores how his story has shaped her own. It is a profound, moving, and beautifully written book about identity, memory, and inheritence.

8. The Truth Hurts by Wayne Carey
   One of the most brilliant and controversial players in AFL history tells his side of the story in this unflinching autobiography. Wayne Carey confronts the scandals and personal demons that overshadowed his incredible on-field genius. It is a raw and honest account of a life lived at the extremes of sporting adoration and public condemnation.

9. A Monk Swimming by Malachy McCourt
   The boisterous and hilarious sequel to his brother Frank’s Angela's Ashes, this memoir follows Malachy McCourt's arrival in America. He vividly recounts his life as a raconteur, actor, and notorious saloon-keeper in New York City. This is a rollicking tale of drinking, storytelling, and an Irishman's chaotic search for a new life.

10. The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama
    Written before his historic presidency, this book outlines Barack Obama's vision for a new kind of politics rooted in faith, inclusivity, and common sense. He diagnoses the sources of division in American society and calls for a return to the core principles of the American Dream. It is a thoughtful and powerful argument for finding unity in a fractured world.

11. A Woman of Independence by Kirsty Sword Gusmão
    This is the incredible true story of an Australian activist who led a double life as a secret agent for the East Timorese resistance. Kirsty Sword Gusmão recounts her dangerous missions, her love affair with future president Xanana Gusmão, and her role as First Lady in the birth of a new nation. It is a remarkable tale of love, courage, and political conviction.

12. Ruth Cracknell: A Biased Memoir
    The beloved Australian stage and screen actress reflects on her long and celebrated career with her signature wit and intelligence. Ruth Cracknell shares anecdotes from a life in the theatre and on television, offering sharp insights into her craft and the people she worked with. It is a warm, elegant, and engaging memoir from a true national treasure.

13. Chris Judd: Inside
    This is the autobiography of one of the most decorated and respected champions of modern Australian Rules Football. Dual Brownlow medallist Chris Judd provides an inside look at his celebrated career, known for its professionalism and on-field brilliance. He offers a thoughtful and articulate perspective on the dedication required to succeed at the elite level.

14. The Real Life of Laurence Olivier by Roger Lewis
    This biography delves deep into the life of one of the greatest actors of the 20th century. Roger Lewis explores the dazzling talent and monstrous ego of Sir Laurence Olivier, examining his legendary performances, his tumultuous relationships, and the complex personality behind the theatrical genius. It's a compelling look at the light and dark sides of a cultural icon.

15. Tumble Turns by Shane Gould
    At age 15, Shane Gould was a global swimming superstar, a triple Olympic gold medallist who held every world record. Then, she walked away. This is her fascinating story of dealing with sudden, immense fame, the reasons behind her shocking retirement, and the rich, unconventional life she chose to lead outside of the pool.

16. How Far Can You Go? by John Maclean
    This is the profoundly inspiring story of an elite athlete whose life was shattered when he was hit by a truck, leaving him a paraplegic. John Maclean recounts his incredible journey of recovery, becoming the first wheelchair athlete to complete the Hawaiian Ironman and starting a quest to walk again. It is an unbelievable testament to human resilience.

17. Binge by Tyler Oakley
    One of YouTube's pioneering stars shares a collection of hilarious, candid, and often embarrassing personal essays. Tyler Oakley dives into everything from celebrity encounters and coming out to his most mortifying moments. This book is a funny and heartfelt look at the life of a digital-age celebrity, written with the same wit that made him famous.

18. Ray Barrett: An Autobiography with Peter Corris
    The veteran Australian actor, known for his distinctive gravelly voice, looks back on a long and storied career in this candid memoir. Ray Barrett shares tales from his decades of work in Australian and British film and television. He reflects on a life filled with colourful characters, hard work, and the ups and downs of life as a jobbing actor.