In our latest “Editor’s Picks” podcast, we focus on Biographies & Memoirs. To celebrate America’s Independence Day, we’re showing our patriotism by highlighting famous Americans.

First, we recommend the biography Benjamin Franklin, An American Life by Walter Isaacson (2003). Franklin is known for a myriad of things, but here are just three:

1. He always acutely aware of his weaknesses but never too hard on himself. Nevertheless, using his now-famous 13 
2. He was a Renaissance man of great proportions but weak in math. 
3. He was the wise senior statesman of the Constitutional Convention. 

BUY Benjamin Franklin: An American Life 

Our next recommendation is Abigail Adams, Witness to a Revolution by Natalie S. Bober (1995).

We see Abigail is worth revering for many reasons. Here are just three:

1. She was a brave, independent thinker. 
2. Abigail was a fierce, informed champion of women’s rights. 
3. She was equally dedicated to both her familial and civic roles.

BUY Abigail Adams: Witness to a Revolution

Finally, we recommend Ladies of Liberty: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation by Cokie Roberts (2017).

In Roberts’ own words, these are “a few of the women who helped keep the brand-new United States together, working to make it a nation where everyone could pursue the happiness promised when America declared independence and proclaimed its freedom from tyranny.” Here are just three:

1. Judith Sargent Murray, activist and writer who fought publicly for women’s rights. 
2. Isabella Graham, creator of the Society for the Relief of Poor Widows with Small Children. 
3. Sacagawea, explorer and helper on the Lewis & Clark Expedition.

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