Public Figures
For other biographies, see:
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
Unbroken is a great example of a biography that is more extreme than any fiction I have ever read. Louie is a fascinating character and Laura draws him in such an engaging way, especially his escapades as a youth who is the town terror, that you begin to feel like he is one of the kids in your neighborhood. His surprising entrance into long-distance racing in high school and astonishing success demonstrate how much can be hidden inside the most troublesome teenager. World War II brings and end to Louis’ Olympic medal dreams as he joins the many other young men and women protecting his country. I love the way Laura weaves broader American history throughout the description of events in Louis’ life. Not only did I get to know Louis as a fascinating person but I also got to know much more about the history of America and that generation he belonged to that sacrificed so much to protect America.
Louis fought many different battles during the war, the most difficult being the battle with his bitterness when the war was over. Louis eventually meets the only person who has fought that battle successfully and who by grace lets us enter into His victory: Jesus Christ. In summary, this is a great story told by a great story teller that appeals on many different levels. Amazon…
Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery by Eric Metaxax
Wilberforce emerged at a critical point in history to express the heart of God toward the opressed and change the direction of nations. This biography is engaging, readable and will leave you praying for God to raise up more men like Wilberforce to lead this generation into freedom. Amazon… Also consider John Piper’s biographical sketch.
C.S. Lewis: Eccentric Genius, Reluctant Prophet by Allistair McGrath
C.S. Lewis is one of my favorite authors. I love the way he makes truth fresh and vivid and cuts through the fog surrounding so much writing. This is a great biography of Lewis if you really love him and want to understand the influence on the his life and the context of his writing. If you want a more simple introduction, you can listen to this sermon by John Piper on Lewis’s life and how it influenced him. Amazon, John Piper’s Sermon