Ok, I've fallen behind in my promised series on great books for holiday giving so we're going to do a quick catch up with a diverse group of biographies:

Queen Mother by William Shawcross - For the Anglophile's in your life what could be more perfect that this extensive look at the life of the Queen "Mum".

Last Founding Father by Harlow Giles Unger - James Monroe is presented as a man of initiative and independence rather than a lackluster follower of Jefferson and Madison.

Abigail Adams by Woody Holton - The best friend and wife of husband John, Abigail Adams was an independent thinker, a business woman and an astute political observer.

Education of a British-Protected Child by Chinua Achebe - One of the first popular African authors, Achebe is best known for his classic "Things Fall Apart".  Here he presents a nuanced view of growing up in Nigeria and the realities of colonial rule.

True Compass by Edward Kennedy - Written as he was dying, Kennedy recounts a remarkable life with deep humility and self-awareness.  A treasure.

Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba - A fourteen year old boy in rural Malawai uses discarded motor parts, PVC pipe and an old bicycle to power his dreams of a windmill with an indomitable spirit that refused to bend to doubt or circumstance.

Highest Duty by Chesley B. Sullenberger - The "Hero of the Hudson", Sullenberger embraces those virtues that we have come to think of as quintessential American - leadership, commitment to others, responsibility and service to others and reminds us that ordinary virtues can prepare us to perform extraordinary acts.

Next up, gift books.