Billie Eilish by Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish by Billie Eilish-336 pages

 

I am not a fan of Billie Eilish's music, but this seemed like an interesting read for this month's biography challenge. It is mostly filled with photos with commentary by Eilish. I learned that she is a car enthusiast and loves photography, even if she's not a great photographer. She views photos as a way of remembering moments in life and reliving those moments (which I would tend to agree). The book contains some cute and cool photos of Eilish and her family. I also learned that she is close with her brother, Finneas. It was cool to learn a few things about her even though I'm not a fan of her music. It's a pretty good read. 

Saint Louis Seen and Unseen by Michael Kilfoy

Saint Louis Seen and Unseen by Michael Kilfoy, 160 pages

This is a beautifully illustrated book with all the sights one thinks of when it comes to St. Louis.  Whether you are a resident of St. Louis or a tourist, you will enjoy this book.  Published in 2006, this book contains photos of the old Busch Stadium as well as the building of the new stadium.  From the Arch to the Jewel Box to the Fabulous Fox, this book will remind you why you love St. Louis.  Not only are the photographs fantastic, each page contains a few facts about the photos.

The Beatles: Unseen Archives by Tim Hill and Marie Clayton

The Beatles: Unseen Archives by Tim Hill and Marie Clayton, 373 pages

This was an awesome book filled with hundreds of black and white photos that tell the story of the Beatles.  From their beginning in Liverpool, England, this book follows the famous four through all stages of their careers and personal lives.  With pictures of their girlfriends, wives, and children, the book also shows the softer side of the Beatles.  A detailed chronology follows each chapter up until the year 2000 and the time of George's death from cancer.  This is a must read for every Beatles fan.

Madonna, The Illustrated Biography by Marie Clayton

Madonna, The Illustrated Biography by Marie Clayton, 223 pages

Given that Madonna has been in the national news in the past few weeks, it seemed like an appropriate time to read up on Madonna. Madonna Louise Ciccone was born August 16, 1958 in Bay City, Michigan.  Her mother died of cancer when Madonna was only five.  This may be an event that lead her to pursue dance and music in New York City.  Madonna has always seemed to lead a controversial life from her marriages (one to actor Sean Penn) and her conception of her first child out of wedlock and then the recent custody battle over her teenage son in addition to the children she has adopted from foreign countries.  I have always been a fan of her music throughout her career, but maybe not always her political beliefs.  The pictures in this book are magnificent, highlighting her many tours, movies, and songs.  This book covers her life up until the year 2009.  One fact I had not known about Madonna, is that she has written a few children's books.  I believe Madonna will always be a major part of pop culture.

Marilyn Monroe: Unseen Archives by Marie Clayton

Marilyn Monroe: Unseen Archives Marie Clayton,  383 pages

This is the third Unseen Archives book I have read and the second one I have read by Marie Clayton.  I really enjoys these books.  I always enjoy a good biography, but these books are really nice because each chapter contains a summary of that particular time in their life and the pictures follow.  There were hundreds of pictures, many from her personal life, as well as many from her career. Marilyn Monroe had such a tragic life from the moment she was born, throughout her childhood and well through her adult life.  She lost many pregnancies and had a history of depression. Her life ended much to soon after her 36th birthday in 1962. The circumstances behind Marilyn's death have remained one of life's greatest mysteries.  She truly is an American icon.

JFK & Jackie: Unseen Archives by Tim Hill

JFK & Jackie: Unseen Archives by Tim Hill, 381 pages

What better time to read a presidential biography then a few days before the Presidential Inauguration.  Not much was in this book that I did not already know about Kennedy.  Although,  I did not know he had some serious health issues that I had not been aware of and had been administered last rites.  And, I had not remembered that the couple had lost three babies.  Jackie had one miscarriage, one stillborn, and then a child who survived a few days.  Regardless of the fact that I was familiar with most information in this book,  I still found it a fascinating read.  The pictures were also a plus about this book.  I also liked that this book followed up with a few pages of Jackie's life after JFK.

Elvis Presley: Unseen Archives by Marie Clayton

Elvis Presley: Unseen Archives by Marie Clayton, 383 pages

Elvis Presley would have celebrated his 82nd birthday on January 8th, 2017, so it seems rather appropriate to read an Elvis book to remember his turbulent life.  This book was fascinating and filled with over 400 pictures of his life; including, the time he spent in the Army, photos of his family, members of the Memphis Mafia, and many of his famous costars.  Each chapter starts with a summary of that particular time of his life.  The book begins with his birth.  Although, I am sure I knew this, but had forgotten, Elvis had a twin who was stillborn.  The book touches on how close he was with his parents especially his mother.  It details many of his films and his not so healthy lifestyle in the 1970s.  Elvis had a wonderful life that ended tragically too soon.

Chicago Edited by Suzanne Lander

Chicago Edited by Suzanne Lander, 539 pages

Chicago, a brick book (because it is the size of a brick) contains hundreds of beautiful photographs of sites and landmarks around the city along with trivia facts and quotes by famous people.  This book was a very informative and fun book to read.  It is funny that the last picture in the book is the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile!

Humans of New York Stories by Brandon Stanton

Humans of New York Stories by Brandon Stanton, 428 pages

I highly recommend picking up this book.  Before this was a bestselling book, Brandon Stanton had written a blog in the same fashion.  In this book, Brandon takes some amazing pictures of thousands of people on the streets of New York.  Some photographs are accompanied by one sentence or phrase.  Other pictures are accompanied by life stories and advice and opinions on living life. This book will touch your heart.  Humans of New York is also a very appropriate read for this time of year as we give thanks for things we have in our lives.

Library of Souls by Ransom Riggs

Library of Souls by Ransom Riggs  458 pages

Time is running out for the Peculiar Children. With a dangerous madman on the loose and their beloved Miss Peregrine still in danger, Jacob Portman and Emma Bloom are forced to stage the most daring of rescue missions. They'll travel through a war-torn landscape, meet new allies, and face greater dangers than ever...Will Jacob come into his own as the hero his fellow Peculiars know him to be?

The Public Library: A Photographic Essay by Robert Dawson

The Public Library: A Photographic Essay by Robert Dawson, 191 pages

If I had a coffee table, this book would be on it.  I love this book!!  If you love the public library, you must read this book!!  This book was 18 years in the making and was a family affair.  The author spent 18 years traveling the United States and visiting hundreds of public libraries.  The book contains a brief history of the American Public Library.  Did you know there are about 17,000 libraries in the United States?  And, that the first tax supported public library was founded in New Hampshire in 1833?  This book does not discriminate. It includes pictures of the poorest and smallest libraries in the United States, as well as architecturally beautiful buildings in more wealthier areas.  The pictures in this book are phenomenal!  Each picture tells a heart felt story of a public library.  Some of the descriptions of the libraries are as fascinating as the pictures.  From rural America to urban America, the author takes us on an adventure across the country in search of America's Public Libraries.