If you’re looking for a fascinating autobiography, start with these three books. Written by prolific authors with powerful stories to tell, all three are must-read masterpieces. I love to sit down with a good autobiography. When someone tells their own story, there’s an instant sense of reader-author intimacy that is hard to capture in other genres. It’s the authenticity and connection that make these books so special.
Late for the Buss: An Adoption Story by Lee Klose
When she was just a child in third grade, Lee Klose overheard her teachers mention that she was adopted. And so a lifetime of searching for answers began – only for her to realize that she is the eldest, biological daughter of Dr. Gerald Buss, the rich and powerful, legendary owner of the Los Angeles Lakers. Late for the Buss: An Adoption Story is an extraordinary memoir that explores a child’s emotions as she wondered why her wealthy father gave her away, and the questions she faced as an adult while seeking the truth.
As I read this book, I was at a loss for words as I did my best to wrap my head around Lee’s story. Discovering that you were adopted shakes you to your core – and then imagine discovering that the father who gave you up is a multi-millionaire who owns one of the most famous and iconic sports teams in the world. I was immediately drawn to the book, fascinated by the mystery, and inspired by Lee’s journey through childhood, teenage years, and adult life. I love the NBA and am a longtime Sixers fan so when I learned about this story, I was immediately hooked. The Buss family is iconic in the NBA, and I was glued to the pages through all of its twists and turns.
Fundamentally, human beings need to know who they are, where they’re from, and where they belong. And when you find out that most of that is a mystery, it changes everything. In this story of the Unknown Buss, you’ll follow along on a breathtaking journey that leads to one extraordinary woman finally discovering the truth at age sixty-four. You’ll have a hard time putting this down. You’ll feel everything – from confusion, to sadness, to anger – as she eventually discovers that there is no legal claim to the family wealth. The book will make you think about yourself, your family, the world, and your place in it. I can’t say enough good things about this compelling memoir.
Holy Cow: You Were Born for Significance by Michael Warner and Shelly Warner
This inspirational read will remind you that it isn’t a matter if we face obstacles. It’s how we face them. Life is going to bring immense challenges, and Holy Cow is a powerful story that shows not only how to overcome adversity, but also how to thrive because of it.
The book was written by Michael and Shelly Warner. It’s a deeply personal story of Michael’s struggle through illness and injury. Beyond that, it tells his endearing love story with his wife, Shelly. Holy Cow is a multi-dimensional memoir that exposes one man’s struggles and inspires readers to take on their own challenges with strength and confidence. Deeply personal and authentic, the book is for everyone. After reading this story, you’ll learn how to conquer the odds in your own life through love, hope, faith, and mental fortitude.
What touched me most about this book is that the stories contain details that have never been shared before. The book is a one-of-a-kind exploration of life and love that will stick with you for quite some time. After reading, you’ll be better equipped to handle whatever life throws at you with unwavering faith and strength. Believe me, that is so important. Life is going to hit extremely hard at times. Although it is a blessing to be alive, our days don’t come free from struggle. But in the struggle, you learn who you really are. You learn how strong you can be. So, if you need a reminder, start with this book. Join Michael and Shelly on a journey like no other and surrender to your purpose.
You can follow the authors on Instagram to stay up to date with their latest updates and work.
Your Feet Walk, Your Mind Travels by Bruno Di Carlo
Sometimes all it takes is one sentence from a doctor to change your life. For Bruno Di Carlo, this sentence was, “Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a very rare form of cancer”. This book shares his breathtaking fight against cancer as he ventures through the jungle of the disease.
After two years of misdiagnoses, Bruno learned that he had stage four cancer. He went through two surgeries, and thirty-three radiation treatments. With this, he suffered through indescribable pain, despair, and the fear that comes with losing everything. As an Italian immigrant, the monstrous disease threatened everything. For forty years, he and his wife fought to achieve the American Dream, and build a life and a small business. But cancer wreaks havoc on more than the body. It becomes an immense burden – financially, personally, and professionally. Despite the pain and darkness, he endured because of the strength of family and the power of love.
This is a soul-stirring memoir that should be on your bookshelf. If you are battling cancer, Bruno’s story is a must-read reminder that you can beat it. You can overcome the odds. When fighting something as ruthless as cancer, it’s easy to feel alone. But you never are by yourself. No matter who is in your corner, there are survivors like Bruno who have endured through the harshest days of sickness. Throughout this book, Bruno shows that although cancer attacks you and your loved ones, it doesn’t always get the last laugh. This book is one for fighters, and not only cancer patients. It’s a book for those who have to step into the ring every day and fight for their lives. It shows that although you end up bruised, you make it out as a survivor. Yes, this story shares a lot of the darkness and horror in life, but it also shares its powerful light. At its core, it’s a story of one man’s tremendous strength and courage, and some miracles along his journey.
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