It’s an enviable record no other listed company can match. For more than 120 years, through major conflicts and economic upheaval, this diversified investment house has always kept shareholders top of mind, not missing a beat on the dividend front since listing in 1903.
APRA-regulated funds, especially profit-for-member funds, have had a good innings during the accumulation phase. It’s proving a different story in the decumulation phase with a growing number of members demanding a far more nuanced service.
Autobiographies that open a window into eight fascinating lives
The stories of others can offer profound insights, inspiration and a sense of connection – and it doesn’t matter what age we discover them. Memoirs and autobiographies provide a window into the lives of remarkable individuals, allowing us to learn from their experiences, triumphs and challenges. It can even change our views on issues.
Read the right biography and you might feel inspired to take up politics, volunteer or simply whet your appetite to read about other lives. You might even be inspired to sit down and start writing your own.
With that in mind, here are eight autobiographies that are almost guaranteed to connect with you at some level.
My Place by Sally Morgan: It’s a powerful memoir that explores the implications of her discovery of her Aboriginal heritage. Growing up in Perth, Morgan was unaware of her indigenous roots until her teenage years. Her journey to uncover her family’s history is moving and enlightening, and it will help you understand and appreciate the full weight of Aboriginal history and identity in Australia.
Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela: Surely one of the remarkable people in history, his autobiography is a compelling account of his life, from his early years in rural South Africa to his 27 years in prison and eventual presidency. Mandela is a name that is synonymous with personal sacrifice, determination and a total commitment to justice and equality, and yet many people are unaware of just how deep and moving his story is.
The Happiest Refugee by Anh Do: Closer to home, this memoir is a heartwarming and humorous account of his family’s journey from war-torn Vietnam to Australia. Despite facing numerous challenges, including poverty and discrimination, Do’s resilience and optimism shine through. A book like this is a strong reminder of just what migrants contribute to this country, and why we should celebrate them.
I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai: It’s the remarkable story of a young Pakistani girl who stood up for education and was shot by the Taliban. Her courage and determination to fight for girls’ education, even in the face of grave danger, have made her a global symbol of resilience and advocacy, and is sadly as relevant today in Afghanistan as it has been for years.
A Fortunate Life by A.B. Facey: This autobiography is a classic Australian memoir that chronicles his life from a childhood of hardship and poverty to his experiences as a soldier in World War I and his later years as a farmer. Facey’s straightforward and honest storytelling captures the essence of the Australian spirit, and the resilience required to overcome adversity. Those that are looking for the core Australian spirit will find it in the pages of this book.
Becoming by Michelle Obama: In this tome, the wife of former US President Barack Obama shares the journey from her childhood in Chicago to her role as the First Lady. Her memoir is an intimate and inspiring account of her personal and professional life, highlighting the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way. It’s easy to overlook the contribution to the nation that a First Lady has (and in Obama’s case has continued to have after her husband stepped down from political life). This book will remind you of it.
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls: It’s a gripping and poignant account of her unconventional and often tumultuous childhood. Growing up in a dysfunctional family, Walls’ determination to create a better life for herself is truly inspiring. This book spent more than seven years on The New York Times bestseller list, has been translated into 31 languages and had sold millions of copies, particularly in the wake of the film adaptation in 2017.
Mao’s Last Dancer by Li Cunxin: It’s the extraordinary memoir of Li Cunxin, who rose from a life of poverty in rural China to become an internationally acclaimed ballet dancer. Born into a peasant family during the Cultural Revolution (1966-76), Li’s life took a dramatic turn when he was selected to attend Madame Mao’s Beijing Dance Academy at 11. His story from there, and his eventual defection to the US (and finally ending up in Australia), is a truly gripping story that few of us could conceive.
This is, of course, just a shortlist. Whether you’re looking to learn more about history, culture or personal resilience, there is a biography or memoir out there that will inspire, delight and even move you to tears. Please enjoy many happy hours of reading.
