Off the Shelf at the Swampscott Library

On those cold winter days when you are looking for a good book to read by the fire, consider biographies and memoirs. 

Here is a list of titles that you shouldn’t miss:

Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman by Robert Massie — Written by  the Pulitzer Prize winning author of Peter the Great, Nicholas and Alexandra and The Romanovs, Massie creates another extraordinary biography of a young German princess who came to Russia at age 14 and became one of the most powerful and remarkable woman in history.

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson — This book is a gripping journey through the life of an amazing creative entrepreneur.  In creating this biography, Isaacson worked closely with Jobs and interviewed more than 100 friends, family and colleagues. You won’t want to put this one down.

Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero by Christopher Matthews — This engaging biography helps us understand what Jack Kennedy was really like.  We see Kennedy as a man who never wanted to be alone, never wanted to be bored, loved courage, hated war, and lived each day as if it was his last.

Then Again by Diane Keaton — This book “feels” like Diane Keaton.  It is both funny and touching.  Ms Keaton shares her ideas on mothers, daughters, lovers, childhood, aging and mortality.  You become so more in touch with “Annie Hall” A delightful book on a delightful person.

Life by Keith Richards and James Fox — For you rockers who can’t get enough of the Rolling Stones, an autobiography that takes you through his life, the ups and the downs.  It’s as if he is sitting with you and telling his story.  A man who is the heart and soul of the Rolling Stones.

The Memory Palace by Mira Bartok — A powerful memoir of two sisters and their schizophrenic mother — Discussion of this book will take place at the Swampscott Library on Jan. 30, at 7 pm.  Come get a copy at the library.  Local psychiatrist, Dr. Howard Abrams will give us some insight into the world of the schizophrenic.

Hope you enjoy these selections!