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BostonPL_Boston Memoirs: 18 Books Here in Beantown

By:

BostonPL_JordanD

Boston Public Library

Staff-created list

From Boston politics to undercover detectives, pop stars to rock stars, chefs and doctors, these memoirs describe what it means to be a Bostonian. Check one out today and meet your neighbors! These titles may be available in other formats or languages. Check our catalog for availability.

By:

BostonPL_JordanD

Boston Public Library

18 items

18 items

Sharp Needle

Sharp Needle

A Memoir

by Kelly, Jack

Book - 2018

An autobiographical account of Jack Kelly's tragic spiral into heroin addiction, recovery and running for office, in the cut throat world of Boston Politics. An autobiographical account of Jack Kelly's tragic spiral into heroin addiction, recovery and running for office, in the cut throat world of Boston Politics. Show less

An autobiographical account of Jack Kelly's tragic spiral into heroin addiction, recovery and running for office, in the cut throat world of Boston Politics. An autobiographical account of Jack Kelly's tragic spiral into heroin addiction, recovery and running for office, in the cut throat world of Boston Politics. Show less

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The Eden Express

The Eden Express

A Memoir of Insanity

by Vonnegut, Mark

eBook - 2011

Vonnegut describes his experience in the late '60s and early '70s--a recent college grad; in love; living communally on a farm, with a famous and doting f...Show more Vonnegut describes his experience in the late '60s and early '70s--a recent college grad; in love; living communally on a farm, with a famous and doting father, cherished dog, and prized jalopy--and then the nervous breakdowns in all their slow-motion intimacy, the taste of mortality and opportunity for humor they provided, and the grim despair they afforded as well. Show less

Vonnegut describes his experience in the late '60s and early '70s--a recent college grad; in love; living communally on a farm, with a famous and doting f...Show more Vonnegut describes his experience in the late '60s and early '70s--a recent college grad; in love; living communally on a farm, with a famous and doting father, cherished dog, and prized jalopy--and then the nervous breakdowns in all their slow-motion intimacy, the taste of mortality and opportunity for humor they provided, and the grim despair they afforded as well. Show less

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We All Have Fathers

We All Have Fathers

A Red Sox Memoir

by Hartshorn, Peter

Book - 2017

A moving reminder of the power of baseball to be an unconquerable tie that binds fathers and sons. A moving reminder of the power of baseball to be an unconquerable tie that binds fathers and sons. Show less

A moving reminder of the power of baseball to be an unconquerable tie that binds fathers and sons. A moving reminder of the power of baseball to be an unconquerable tie that binds fathers and sons. Show less

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Let's Take the Long Way Home

Let's Take the Long Way Home

A Memoir of Friendship

by Caldwell, Gail

eBook - 2010

In her signature exquisite prose, Caldwell mines the deepest levels of devotion and grief in this wise and affecting account about losing her best friend. In her signature exquisite prose, Caldwell mines the deepest levels of devotion and grief in this wise and affecting account about losing her best friend. Show less

In her signature exquisite prose, Caldwell mines the deepest levels of devotion and grief in this wise and affecting account about losing her best friend. In her signature exquisite prose, Caldwell mines the deepest levels of devotion and grief in this wise and affecting account about losing her best friend. Show less

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All Souls

All Souls

A Family Story from Southie

by MacDonald, Michael Patrick

eBook - 2010

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Ordinary Girl

Ordinary Girl

The Journey

by Summer, Donna

Book - 2003

Ordinary Girl is legendary singer-songwriter Donna Summer's delightfully candid memoir about her journey from signing in a Boston church to her unexpected reign as the Queen of Disco, and the tragedy and spiritual rebirth that followed. Ordinary Girl is legendary singer-songwriter Donna Summer's delightfully candid memoir about her journey from signing in a Boston church to her unexpected reign as the Queen of Disco, and the tragedy and spiritual rebirth that followed. Show less

Ordinary Girl is legendary singer-songwriter Donna Summer's delightfully candid memoir about her journey from signing in a Boston church to her unexpected reign as the Queen of Disco, and the tragedy and spiritual rebirth that followed. Ordinary Girl is legendary singer-songwriter Donna Summer's delightfully candid memoir about her journey from signing in a Boston church to her unexpected reign as the Queen of Disco, and the tragedy and spiritual rebirth that followed. Show less

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City Streets

City Streets

A Memoir

by Del Vecchio, Frank

Book - 2016

The story of a kid from the Depression era who wins a college scholarship, goes through Navy flight training, serves as a carrier pilot, and lands at Harvard Law School. The story of a kid from the Depression era who wins a college scholarship, goes through Navy flight training, serves as a carrier pilot, and lands at Harvard Law School. Show less

The story of a kid from the Depression era who wins a college scholarship, goes through Navy flight training, serves as a carrier pilot, and lands at Harvard Law School. The story of a kid from the Depression era who wins a college scholarship, goes through Navy flight training, serves as a carrier pilot, and lands at Harvard Law School. Show less

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Where Did You Sleep Last Night?

Where Did You Sleep Last Night?

A Personal History

by Senna, Danzy

Book - 2009

Senna traces the story of her parents' turbulent marriage and divorce, describing how their mixed-race union was originally seen as a barrier-breaking symbol of hope before its deterioration. Senna traces the story of her parents' turbulent marriage and divorce, describing how their mixed-race union was originally seen as a barrier-breaking symbol of hope before its deterioration. Show less

Senna traces the story of her parents' turbulent marriage and divorce, describing how their mixed-race union was originally seen as a barrier-breaking symbol of hope before its deterioration. Senna traces the story of her parents' turbulent marriage and divorce, describing how their mixed-race union was originally seen as a barrier-breaking symbol of hope before its deterioration. Show less

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Being Flynn

Being Flynn

A Memoir

by Flynn, Nick

Downloadable Audiobook - 2012

As a teenager Flynn received letters from his stranger father, a self-proclaimed poet and con man doing time in federal prison for bank robbery. He finally met his father while working as a caseworker in a Boston homeless shelter. As a teenager Flynn received letters from his stranger father, a self-proclaimed poet and con man doing time in federal prison for bank robbery. He finally met his father while working as a caseworker in a Boston homeless shelter. Show less

As a teenager Flynn received letters from his stranger father, a self-proclaimed poet and con man doing time in federal prison for bank robbery. He finally met his father while working as a caseworker in a Boston homeless shelter. As a teenager Flynn received letters from his stranger father, a self-proclaimed poet and con man doing time in federal prison for bank robbery. He finally met his father while working as a caseworker in a Boston homeless shelter. Show less

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Lovers, Muggers & Thieves

Lovers, Muggers & Thieves

A Boston Memoir

by Tudan, Jonathan Alan

Book - 2015

In 1969, an eighteen-year-old college freshman accepted the job of a building superintendent inside Boston's notorious Combat Zone. He believed he had bee...Show more In 1969, an eighteen-year-old college freshman accepted the job of a building superintendent inside Boston's notorious Combat Zone. He believed he had been given a free ride to independence and prosperity, but within a very short time discovered the ride was anything but free. Show less

In 1969, an eighteen-year-old college freshman accepted the job of a building superintendent inside Boston's notorious Combat Zone. He believed he had bee...Show more In 1969, an eighteen-year-old college freshman accepted the job of a building superintendent inside Boston's notorious Combat Zone. He believed he had been given a free ride to independence and prosperity, but within a very short time discovered the ride was anything but free. Show less

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The Beginning (2nd Edition)

The Beginning (2nd Edition)

by Scondras, David

Book -

Book One: 1946 to 1984 Scondras was the first openly-gay elected Boston City Councilor and this book explores his origins, how he became political, and how he came out as a gay man in Boston over the period of the 1960s through the 1980s. Book One: 1946 to 1984 Scondras was the first openly-gay elected Boston City Councilor and this book explores his origins, how he became political, and how he came out as a gay man in Boston over the period of the 1960s through the 1980s. Show less

Book One: 1946 to 1984 Scondras was the first openly-gay elected Boston City Councilor and this book explores his origins, how he became political, and how he came out as a gay man in Boston over the period of the 1960s through the 1980s. Book One: 1946 to 1984 Scondras was the first openly-gay elected Boston City Councilor and this book explores his origins, how he became political, and how he came out as a gay man in Boston over the period of the 1960s through the 1980s. Show less

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Savin Hill

Savin Hill

A Redheaded Kid's Memoir

by Dr. Edward McKenney

eBook - 2016

Edward McKenney looks back to another era with entertaining stories from Savin Hill, an Irish Catholic neighborhood, in this entertaining and heartfelt memoir highlighting the period from 1969 to 1979. Edward McKenney looks back to another era with entertaining stories from Savin Hill, an Irish Catholic neighborhood, in this entertaining and heartfelt memoir highlighting the period from 1969 to 1979. Show less

Edward McKenney looks back to another era with entertaining stories from Savin Hill, an Irish Catholic neighborhood, in this entertaining and heartfelt memoir highlighting the period from 1969 to 1979. Edward McKenney looks back to another era with entertaining stories from Savin Hill, an Irish Catholic neighborhood, in this entertaining and heartfelt memoir highlighting the period from 1969 to 1979. Show less

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Turmoil and Transition in Boston

Turmoil and Transition in Boston

A Political Memoir from the Busing Era

by Dicara, Lawrence S.

eBook - 2013

The personal and political story of Larry DiCara, the youngest person ever elected to the Boston City Council. In this memoir, he offers an insider's pers...Show more The personal and political story of Larry DiCara, the youngest person ever elected to the Boston City Council. In this memoir, he offers an insider's perspective on the decade of turmoil of the 1970s surrounding the federal court order mandating busing to integrate Boston Public Schools. Show less

The personal and political story of Larry DiCara, the youngest person ever elected to the Boston City Council. In this memoir, he offers an insider's pers...Show more The personal and political story of Larry DiCara, the youngest person ever elected to the Boston City Council. In this memoir, he offers an insider's perspective on the decade of turmoil of the 1970s surrounding the federal court order mandating busing to integrate Boston Public Schools. Show less

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Out of Line

Out of Line

The Unexpected Education of An Improbable Chef

by Lynch, Barbara

eBook - 2017

A memoir by the James Beard Award-winning Top Chef judge traces her rise from a hard-knocks south Boston childhood to culinary stardom, reflecting on her ...Show more A memoir by the James Beard Award-winning Top Chef judge traces her rise from a hard-knocks south Boston childhood to culinary stardom, reflecting on her experiences with petty crime, drugs and trauma before finding healing and purpose in the kitchens of her Irish Catholic heritage. Show less

A memoir by the James Beard Award-winning Top Chef judge traces her rise from a hard-knocks south Boston childhood to culinary stardom, reflecting on her ...Show more A memoir by the James Beard Award-winning Top Chef judge traces her rise from a hard-knocks south Boston childhood to culinary stardom, reflecting on her experiences with petty crime, drugs and trauma before finding healing and purpose in the kitchens of her Irish Catholic heritage. Show less

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Alfalfa to Ivy

Alfalfa to Ivy

Memoir of a Harvard Medical School Dean

by Martin, Joseph B.

eBook - 2011

Joseph B. Martin traces his climb from a Mennonite farm in the village of Duchess, Alberta to Dean of Harvard Medical School. Joseph B. Martin traces his climb from a Mennonite farm in the village of Duchess, Alberta to Dean of Harvard Medical School. Show less

Joseph B. Martin traces his climb from a Mennonite farm in the village of Duchess, Alberta to Dean of Harvard Medical School. Joseph B. Martin traces his climb from a Mennonite farm in the village of Duchess, Alberta to Dean of Harvard Medical School. Show less

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The Passage

The Passage

Memoir of A Boston Undercover Cop in the '60s

by Vitti, Phillip M.

Book - 2012

Journey through the labyrinth of Boston’s once infamous Combat Zone, peer into the inner workings of organized crime, and trace the rudimentary beginnings...Show more Journey through the labyrinth of Boston’s once infamous Combat Zone, peer into the inner workings of organized crime, and trace the rudimentary beginnings of Vitti's undercover personality known as Mike Russo, whose persona would last an entire decade. Show less

Journey through the labyrinth of Boston’s once infamous Combat Zone, peer into the inner workings of organized crime, and trace the rudimentary beginnings...Show more Journey through the labyrinth of Boston’s once infamous Combat Zone, peer into the inner workings of organized crime, and trace the rudimentary beginnings of Vitti's undercover personality known as Mike Russo, whose persona would last an entire decade. Show less

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Life in the Balance

Life in the Balance

A Physician's Memoir of Life, Love, and Loss With Parkinson's Disease and Dementia

by Graboys, Thomas B.

Book - 2008

Dr. Thomas Graboys was a nationally renowned Boston cardiologist popular for his attention to the hearts and souls of his patients, until he could no long...Show more Dr. Thomas Graboys was a nationally renowned Boston cardiologist popular for his attention to the hearts and souls of his patients, until he could no longer see patients or give rounds due to his battle with a particularly aggressive form of Parkinson’s disease and progressive dementia. Show less

Dr. Thomas Graboys was a nationally renowned Boston cardiologist popular for his attention to the hearts and souls of his patients, until he could no long...Show more Dr. Thomas Graboys was a nationally renowned Boston cardiologist popular for his attention to the hearts and souls of his patients, until he could no longer see patients or give rounds due to his battle with a particularly aggressive form of Parkinson’s disease and progressive dementia. Show less

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Walk This Way

Walk This Way

The Autobiography of Aerosmith

by Aerosmith (Musical group)

Book - 1997

An almost day-by-day account of the high and low life of a true rock 'n' roll monster, in the words of the guys who made it happen: Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Tom Hamilton, Brad Whitford and Joey Kramer. An almost day-by-day account of the high and low life of a true rock 'n' roll monster, in the words of the guys who made it happen: Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Tom Hamilton, Brad Whitford and Joey Kramer. Show less

An almost day-by-day account of the high and low life of a true rock 'n' roll monster, in the words of the guys who made it happen: Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Tom Hamilton, Brad Whitford and Joey Kramer. An almost day-by-day account of the high and low life of a true rock 'n' roll monster, in the words of the guys who made it happen: Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Tom Hamilton, Brad Whitford and Joey Kramer. Show less

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