Recommendations based on Edie: American Girlby Jean Stein

* statistically, based on millions of data-points provided by fellow humans

  1. Zelda

    by Nancy Milford
    Biography of Zelda Fitzgerald, exploring the tumultuous life and times of the iconic figure.

    Zelda Sayre began as a Southern beauty, became an international wonder, and died by fire in a madhouse. With her husband, F. Scott Fitzgerald, she moved in a golden aura of excitement, romance, and ... (Goodreads)

  2. Just Kids

    by Patti Smith
    Chronicles of two young artists in New York City, finding friendship and inspiration in each other.

    In Just Kids , Patti Smith's first book of prose, the legendary American artist offers a never-before-seen glimpse of her remarkable relationship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe in the epochal ... (Goodreads)

  3. Slouching Towards Bethlehem

    by Joan Didion
    Collection of essays exploring the cultural landscape of 1960s America.

    The first nonfiction work by one of the most distinctive prose stylists of our era, Joan Didion's Slouching Towards Bethlehem remains, decades after its first publication, the essential portrait of ... (Goodreads)

  4. The Philosophy of Andy Warhol

    by Andy Warhol
    An exploration of the life, works, and philosophy of the iconic Pop-Art figure.

    A loosely formed autobiography by Andy Warhol, told with his trademark blend of irony and detachment In The Philosophy of Andy Warhol —which, with the subtitle "(From A to B and Back Again)," is less ... (Goodreads)

  5. A Moveable Feast

    by Ernest Hemingway
    A memoir of Hemingway's life in 1920s Paris, exploring its rich bohemian culture.

    Hemingway's memories of his life as an unknown writer living in Paris in the twenties are deeply personal, warmly affectionate, and full of wit. Looking back not only at his own much younger self, ... (Goodreads)

  6. I'm with the Band: Confessions of a Groupie

    by Pamela Des Barres
    Memoir of a rock groupie in the 1960s and 70s, detailing her experiences with famous musicians and the wild lifestyle of the era.

    The stylish, exuberant, and remarkably sweet confession of one of the most famous groupies of the 1960s and 70s is back in print in this new edition that includes an afterword on the author's last 15 ... (Goodreads)

  7. Chronicles: Volume One

    by Bob Dylan
    A memoir tracking Bob Dylan's musical journey from humble beginnings to iconic status.

    WINNER OF THE NOBEL PRIZE IN LITERATURE The celebrated first memoir from arguably the most influential singer-songwriter in the country, Bob Dylan. “I’d come from a long ways off and had started a ... (Barnes & Noble)

  8. Magical Thinking: True Stories

    by Augusten Burroughs
    A collection of autobiographical essays exploring the author's experiences with magical thinking and mental illness.

    From the #1 bestselling author of Running with Scissors and Dry–a contagiously funny, heartwarming, shocking, twisted, and absolutely magical collection. True stories that give voice to the thoughts ... (Goodreads)

  9. How to Murder Your Life

    by Cat Marnell
    A memoir of a young woman's descent into addiction and self-destruction while working in the fashion industry.

    At the age of 15, Cat Marnell unknowingly set out to murder her life. After a privileged yet emotionally-starved childhood in Washington, she became hooked on ADHD medication provided by her ... (Goodreads)

  10. Please Kill Me: The Uncensored Oral History of Punk

    by Legs McNeil
    An exploration of the punk rock movement through interviews with its pioneers and participants.

    A, Time Out, and, Daily News, Top Ten Book of the Year upon its initial release,, Please Kill Me, is the first oral history of the most nihilist of all pop movements. Iggy Pop, Danny Fields, Dee Dee ... (Goodreads)

  11. Live from New York: An Oral History of Saturday Night Live

    by Tom Shales
    A behind-the-scenes look at the iconic sketch comedy show, featuring interviews with cast members and collaborators.

    James Andrew Miller and Tom Shales's definitive oral history of, Saturday Night Live, hailed as "incredible" (,Vulture,) and "required reading" (,People,). When first published to celebrate the 30th ... (Barnes & Noble)

  12. The Dirt: Confessions of the World's Most Notorious Rock Band

    by Neil Strauss
    The wild and debaucherous story of Mötley Crüe, from their rise to fame to their darkest moments.

    Whiskey and porn stars, hot reds and car crashes, black leather and high heels, overdoses and death. This is the life of Mötley Crüe, the heaviest drinking, hardest fighting, most oversexed and ... (Goodreads)

  13. Girl, Interrupted

    by Susanna Kaysen
    A memoir of a woman's struggle with mental illness, her fight for survival, and her journey of self-discovery.

    In April 1967, 18-year-old Susanna Kaysen is admitted to McLean Hospital , in Belmont, Massachusetts , after attempting suicide by overdosing on pills. She denies that it was a suicide attempt to a ... (Wikipedia)

  14. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft

    by Stephen King
    A series of personal reflections on the art of writing, and the power of story-telling.

    "Long live the King" hailed Entertainment Weekly upon the publication of Stephen King's On Writing. Part memoir, part master class by one of the bestselling authors of all time, this superb volume is ... (Goodreads)

  15. Diane Arbus: Monograph

    by Diane Arbus
    A collection of photographs by Diane Arbus, showcasing her unique and controversial style of capturing the marginalized and unconventional.

    New technology has made possible this lustrous new printing from all new film. These landmark images now have a clarity and depth not achievable in earlier editions. ... (Goodreads)

  16. The Elements of Style

    by William Strunk Jr.
    A practical guide to written English, providing guidance on grammar and style.

    This style manual offers practical advice on improving writing skills. Throughout, the emphasis is on promoting a plain English style. This little book can help you communicate more effectively by ... (Goodreads)

  17. Down and Out in Paris and London

    by George Orwell
    An exploration of the dark side of two cities, and how life can be different for the privileged and the destitute.

    This unusual fictional memoir - in good part autobiographical - narrates without self-pity and often with humor the adventures of a penniless British writer among the down-and-outs of two great ... (Goodreads)

  18. Operating Instructions: A Journal of My Son's First Year

    by Anne Lamott
    An intimate diary of a mother's journey of joy and struggle raising her son.

    The most honest, wildly enjoyable book written about motherhood is surely Anne Lamott's account of her son Sam's first year. A gifted writer and teacher, Lamott ( Crooked Little Heart ) is a single ... (Goodreads)

  19. Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim

    by David Sedaris
    A humorous collection of autobiographical essays reflecting on family relationships.

    David Sedaris plays in the snow with his sisters. He goes on vacation with his family. He gets a job selling drinks. He attends his brother’s wedding. He mops his sister’s floor. He gives directions ... (Goodreads)

  20. The Road to Jonestown: Jim Jones and Peoples Temple

    by Jeff Guinn
    A deep dive into the history of the Peoples Temple and the life of its leader, Jim Jones.

    2018 Edgar Award Finalist—Best Fact Crime “A thoroughly readable, thoroughly chilling account of a brilliant con man and his all-too vulnerable prey” ( The Boston Globe )—the definitive story of ... (Barnes & Noble)

  21. The Executioner's Song

    by Norman Mailer
    The true story of Gary Gilmore, a convicted murderer who became the first person executed in the US after the death penalty was reinstated.

    In what is arguably his greatest work, America's most heroically ambitious writer follows the short, blighted career of Gary Gilmore, an intractably violent product of America's prisons who became ... (Goodreads)

  22. Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong

    by James W. Loewen
    Exposing the inaccuracies in American history textbooks and exploring the forces that shaped them.

    “Every teacher, every student of history, every citizen should read this book. It is both a refreshing antidote to what has passed for history in our educational system and a one-volume education in ... (Barnes & Noble)

  23. Robin

    by Dave Itzkoff
    A comprehensive biography of Robin Williams, exploring his life, career, and struggles with addiction and mental health.

    A, NEW YORK TIMES, BESTSELLER A, NEW YORK TIMES,, BOOK REVIEW, EDITOR'S CHOICE A, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE, BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR A, VULTURE, BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR "A generous, appreciative biography ... (Barnes & Noble)

  24. The Beauty Myth

    by Naomi Wolf
    A critical analysis of the societal pressure on women to conform to beauty standards and its impact on their lives.

    The bestselling classic that redefined our view of the relationship between beauty and female identity. In today's world, women have more power, legal recognition, and professional success than ever ... (Goodreads)

  25. The Secret Art of Dr. Seuss

    by Dr. Seuss
    An exploration of the imaginative works of Dr. Seuss, from sketches to paintings.

    These fabulous, whimsical paintings, created for his own pleasure and never shown to the public, show Geisel (a.k.a. Dr. Seuss ) in a whole new light. Depicting outlandish creatures in otherworldly ... (Goodreads)

  26. Naked

    by David Sedaris
    Collection of humorous essays exploring the absurdities of everyday life.

    Welcome to the hilarious, strange, elegiac, outrageous world of David Sedaris. In Naked , Sedaris turns the mania for memoir on its proverbial ear, mining the exceedingly rich terrain of his life, ... (Goodreads)

  27. The Diary of Frida Kahlo: An Intimate Self-Portrait

    by Frida Kahlo
    A collection of personal diary entries and sketches by the iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, providing insight into her life and art.

    Published here in its entirety, Frida Kahlo's amazing illustrated journal documents the last ten years of her turbulent life. This passionate, often surprising, intimate record, kept under lock and ... (Goodreads)

  28. Prozac Nation

    by Elizabeth Wurtzel
    A young woman's personal account of her struggles with depression and her recovery journey.

    A harrowing story of breakdowns, suicide attempts, drug therapy, and an eventual journey back to living, this poignant and often hilarious book gives voice to the high incidence of depression among ... (Goodreads)

  29. A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again: Essays and Arguments

    by David Foster Wallace
    Collection of essays and arguments, exploring the absurdities of contemporary culture.

    In this exuberantly praised book — a collection of seven pieces on subjects ranging from television to tennis, from the Illinois State Fair to the films of David Lynch, from postmodern literary ... (Goodreads)

  30. Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight: An African Childhood

    by Alexandra Fuller
    An autobiographical account of a white family in Rhodesia, struggling to survive in a war-torn land.

    Alexandra Fuller's book tells the story of her family of white Zimbabwean tenant farmers in the years before and after Independence. These are not the wealthy landowners demonised by the present ... (Wikipedia)