Books are an incredible resource for inspiration and insight, especially when they give you a glimpse into someone else’s real-life triumphs and tragedies.

A good autobiography about the incredible story of a well-known person who you admire and respect, will take you through all of the highs and lows of their journey, and show you what molded them into the people they are today.

These stories make such a great impact because they are genuine, and through them we learn so many lessons about strength, honour and determination.

Here, in no particular order, are five autobiographies in the Yello Book Club which you should definitely consider adding to your reading list.

‘Long Walk to Freedom’ – Nelson Mandela

In 2018, South Africa celebrated 100 years since the birth of their inspirational leader Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.

‘Long Walk to Freedom’, which was first published in 1994, recalls Mandela’s journey from prison to President. It gives a detailed, and sometimes painful account of Mandela’s life, including the 18 years he spent incarcerated on Robben Island until he was eventually freed from custody in February 1990 and led black South Africans to equality.

Mandela was one of the most popular and influential moral and political leaders the world has ever seen, and through this book readers get to understand the monumental experiences that shaped his life and legacy.

‘Born to Run’ – Bruce Springsteen

Released in September 2016, ‘Born to Run’ tells the story of one of the most iconic music figures on the planet.

Beginning in 2009, when Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band played the Super Bowl half-time show, the story travels back and forth into the singer’s personal and musical history from his Catholic upbringing in Jersey through to super-stardom.

Named after his third studio album, this autobiography is a must for music fans, and anyone who wants to know exactly what it takes to make it in the industry.

‘Losing My Virginity: How I Survived, Had Fun, and Made a Fortune Doing Business My Way’ – Richard Branson

Richard Branson is one of the most successful entrepreneurs of his generation.

In his autobiography, he shares his stated philosophy of “Oh, screw it, let’s do it” and some other personal pearls of wisdom which have been the keys to his impressive success.

This book is a must-read for anyone who’s planning to start their own company and wants to learn from one of the most innovative business leaders in the world.

‘The Autobiography of Malcolm X’ as told by Alex Haley – Malcolm X

Malcolm X’s autobiography was named one of the ten most important non-fiction books of the 20^th century by TIME magazine.

First published in 1965, as the result of a collaboration between Malcolm X himself and journalist Alex Haley, the book is based on a series of in-depth interviews Haley conducted between 1963 and Malcolm’s assassination in 1965.

Released after his death, this autobiography gives readers a close-up look at the thoughts and feelings of one of the most important figures during the civil rights struggle in America.

‘I am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and was Shot by the Taliban’ – Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb

Malala Yousafzai was just a teenager when her life was changed forever by a Taliban gunman who targeted her because she’d campaigned for girls in her village to be educated.

She survived the attack, despite horrific injuries, and went on to become the youngest ever winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Malala’s book, released in 2013, tells her story from Pakistan’s Swat Valley to the world stage, as a powerful advocate for change and an enduring symbol of the strength of the human spirit.

Source: UK Business Insider