Read with MLC: By or About Someone You Admire

Welcome to February and the second month of the 2025 Read with MLC Reading Challenge! This month's goal is to read a book by or about someone you admire. The book industry produces an astounding number of biographies and memoirs each year. According to the Library and Book Trade Almanac, there were 4,887 biographies published in the first year of this millennium. Just over 20 years later, in 2022, that number remained just as high, at 4,949. Why do we enjoy reading about other people so much? A quote often misattributed to C.S.Lewis says that "we read to know we are not alone". Even though the quote comes from screenwriter William Nicholson instead of Lewis, it still rings true. Biographies and memoirs humanize the people we admire, showing us their foibles and faults as well as their heady accomplishments. They show that we are all out here in the world, living our lives and doing our best. Which biographies and memoirs have staff members of the Mississippi Library Commission enjoyed? Scroll down to find out!

Brother to a Dragonfly
Will D. Campbell
MLC
BARD
I've admired Will D. Campbell since I read about him in places like the Mississippi Encyclopedia. I'm looking forward to learning more about him and his ideas about Christian love and grace.
-Elisabeth Scott, Reference Librarian

My Own Two Feet
Beverly Cleary
hoopla at MLC
BARD
As always, this book by Beverly Cleary remains one of my favorite memoirs. Ramona Quimby is one of the characters that looms large in my childhood, and I still reread Cleary’s books when I need something cozy and familiar. Her memoir shines a light on the inspiration for many of her stories and the tales of her time as a librarian are a good reminder to all of us in the profession what profound good we can do. 
-Alex Brower, Information Services Director

I’m Glad My Mom Died
Jennette McCurdy
MLC
BARD
I thoroughly enjoyed this autobiography by Jennette McCurdy. I used to love iCarly and I remember watching Jennette on TV, so this was a really intriguing look into the behind-the-scenes shenanigans from the era of television that I remember best.
-Alex Brower, Information Services Director

I’m Glad My Mom Died
Jennette McCurdy
MLC
BARD
I just finished I’m Glad My Mom Died and I think the publisher's summary is accurate: "A heartbreaking and hilarious memoir by iCarly and Sam & Cat star Jennette McCurdy about her struggles as a former child actor - including eating disorders, addiction, and a complicated relationship with her overbearing mother - and how she retook control of her life."
-Betty Moore, Technical Services Librarian

The Woman in Me
Britney Spears
MLC
BARD
This was an excellent and compelling read. I loved Britney Spears, but I was too young during the height of the controversy that surrounded her to really understand what was going on and why. It was an eye-opening look into her life and the obstacles that she had to overcome.
-Alex Brower, Information Services Director

Still not sure what to read? Check out MLC's BookMatch service! Fill out our short form telling us about your reading likes and dislikes; we'll send you a list of recommended reads tailored to your tastes. Until next time, happy reading! 

Elisabeth Scott
Reference Librarian