Biographies share famous people's legacies—October 7, 2011
In your autobiography, what would you write? Could you share events in a life filled with success? Are you a benevolent individual who strives to make the lives of others better? Do you make people laugh? Everyone has a legacy to share.
Many biographies leave the reader with a feeling of empathy, such as Dave Pelzer’s A CHILD CALLED “IT”, one of his many titles, about a childhood of constant abuse from which there was no escape. It would be understandable if he had grown up to reflect the cruelty of his early years, but instead of becoming a “product of his environment”, he has used those painful memories to help others eliminate the negativism in their lives.
Think for a moment about the mentality of the 1800’s regarding women. Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Stanton must have been a pair of determined suffragettes. Not only did they push for women’s rights, like voting, but also strived to bring an end slavery. SUSAN B. ANTHONY: FIGHTER FOR FREEDOM AND EQUALITY by Suzanne Slade and ELIZABETH CADY STANTON: AN AMERICAN LIFE by Lori Ginzberg are biographies which may provide insight into the motivation behind the changes these two women sought.
E=mc^2 is synonymous with ALBERT EINSTEIN (biography by Kathleen Krull). His uncontrolled white mane and moustache framed the face of a genius whose curiosity was endless. He was determined to master an understanding of everything in the universe. Another goal, important to him, was a peaceful world.
Curious about Michael Jackson? With his enormous success and amazing talent, he appeared to be soft spoken and gentle, but still unhappy. MICHAEL JACKSON: ULTIMATE MUSIC LEGEND by Katherine Krohn may help fans understand his life.
FIRST MAN: THE LIFE OF NEIL ARMSTRONG by James Hansen is a biography filled with the accomplishments of a modest, but brave American. Imagine being the first person ever to set foot on the moon! Apprehension and excitement must have filled Armstrong’s mind as he took that first step on a surface the rest of the world sees only in pictures.
Has Betty White ever been seen without that dimpled grin? In her autobiography, IF YOU ASK ME AND OF COURSE YOU WON’T, maybe some of her secrets for 89 years with a permanent smile will inspire a feeling of contentment.
Don’t forget to share your life with your children and grandchildren. Sometime in the future, library patrons may be reaching for your biography on the shelves.
