Best Journalist Biographies Books of 2025

The Glass Castle is a memoir of Jeannette Walls that tells the story of her resilient and dysfunctional family. Her brilliant and charismatic father, when sober, taught them physics, geology, and how to embrace life fearlessly. Her mother was a free spirit who didn't want the responsibility of raising a family. The Walls children learned to take care of themselves and eventually found their way to New York, while their parents chose to be homeless. The Glass Castle is a remarkable memoir of love, resilience, and redemption that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. It's a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the complexities of family dynamics.

American Ramble is a captivating memoir about Neil King Jr.'s 26-day walk from Washington, D.C. to New York City. The journey takes him through historic battlefields, cemeteries, farms, and trash mounds, revealing forgotten pockets and overlooked people. King shares his personal story, making the narrative both personal and political. The writing is beautiful, and the book offers an exquisite account of personal and national renewal. American Ramble is a must-read for anyone seeking to rediscover what matters in life and see our national story with new eyes.

The Best Strangers in the World is a memoir-in-essays that takes readers around the globe to reveal the stories behind narratives that are sometimes heartwarming, sometimes heartbreaking, but always poignant. Ari Shapiro, the beloved host of NPR's All Things Considered, details his time traveling on Air Force One with President Obama, following the path of Syrian refugees fleeing war, and learning from those fighting for social justice both at home and abroad. This book is a testament to one journalist's passion for Considering All Things—and sharing what he finds with the rest of us. Overall, it is a witty, poignant, and insightful read that highlights the importance of listening and connecting with others.

"Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer is a gripping account of the disastrous storm on the summit of Mt. Everest that claimed five lives, including the author's. Krakauer provides a balanced picture of the events and people involved, giving credit to the tireless Sherpas and avoiding easy targets. However, he also delves deeply into his own perceived failures and haunting guilt. The updated trade paperback edition includes a postscript that sheds light on the acrimonious debate between Krakauer and Everest guide Anatoli Boukreev. Overall, "Into Thin Air" is a harrowing and insightful read that offers a unique perspective on the perils of high-altitude climbing."

We Don't Know Ourselves: A Personal History of Modern Ireland by Fintan O'Toole is a remarkable book that chronicles the transformation of Ireland from a reactionary “backwater” to an almost totally open society in just one lifetime. O'Toole, a celebrated Irish writer, weaves his own experiences into Irish social, cultural, and economic change, showing how the country has changed over the years. The book is a feast for readers who are interested in Irish history and culture. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand how Ireland has evolved into the modern world.

The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober is an inspiring and insightful book that takes readers on a journey through the author's personal struggles with alcohol addiction and the joys of living an alcohol-free life. Catherine Gray shares her experiences with humor and honesty, providing a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of sobriety. The book also explores the science behind alcohol addiction and its effects on the brain and body, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the impact of alcohol on their lives. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in personal transformation and self-improvement.

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream by Hunter S. Thompson is a cult classic of gonzo journalism that chronicles a wild, drug-fueled road trip through Las Vegas. The book follows the author, writing under the pseudonym Raoul Duke, and his Samoan attorney, Dr. Gonzo, as they consume a staggering amount of drugs and alcohol while chasing the elusive American Dream. Despite the controversial subject matter, Thompson's writing is both clear and humorous, making it a must-read for fans of counterculture literature.

Exhumed: Experiments in Memory is a collection of nonfiction short stories that revolve around 17 photographs found and told by a group of Columbia Journalism students. The stories are a celebration of individuality, community, and the beauty of diverse perspectives. The book is a brilliant survey of emerging voices and a must-read for anyone interested in the power of photography and the richness of human stories. The urgency of the journey pulls readers right along from the first line to the last, making it a reference point for writers whose work you will surely follow from here.

Dilla Time by Dan Charnas is a captivating biography of James DeWitt Yancey, aka J Dilla, a musical prodigy who revolutionized popular music with his innovative beats. Despite never having a pop hit during his lifetime, J Dilla's influence on modern music is immeasurable. Charnas chronicles his life, from his upbringing in Detroit to his rise as a Grammy-nominated producer, and the rare blood disease that caused his untimely death. Dilla Time is a unique book that combines biography, musicology, and cultural history, and is a must-read for anyone interested in the idea of unexplainable genius.

George Mills' biography of Luke Russert, an Emmy award-winning American broadcast news correspondent, is a captivating read. The book delves into Russert's life, including his upbringing as the son of respected journalist Tim Russert, his coping with the loss of his father, and his resignation from NBC. It also includes details about his travel memoir, "Look For Me There," which is set to be published in 2023. This book is a must-read for those interested in the life of a truly exceptional man who is changing the world in his unique way.