Biography; from the Greek Bios - Life & Graphia - Writing; are books that chronicle the lives of real people.
The subject of a Biography can be a celebrity, athlete, politician, athlete, historical figure or ordinary person that has achieved something of note. Reading Biographies is a valuable and oftentimes rewarding experience, with many potential benefits to the reader.
Inspirational
Biographies often recount successes and struggles of those people who have, over the course of their lives, achieved something. In reading how they have overcome or survived the challenges in their lives; we can gain motivation to persevere through our own.
Empathy and Insight
Biographies let us 'walk a mile in another person's shoes' allowing the reader to glimpse the life experiences and perspectives of people from completely different backgrounds. This in turn allows the reader to empathise and understand worldviews, different than their own and how that can shape different beliefs. By understanding these struggles and challenges, we can become more open-minded and accepting of different perspectives.
Learning from mistakes
Many Biographies chronicle the failures and mistakes of the subject; The reader can learn vicariously and, hopefully, avoid experiencing the same situations.
Historical Context
Biographies can open a window into the past, providing historical context on the events of a particular historical period. Reading the experiences, particularly in an Autobiography, grants personal insight that can help to understand the social, cultural and/or political climate of an era or event.
If the idea of reading a biography appeals, try reading about someone who you find interesting or would like to know more about, or try one of the suggestions below.
Lion: A long way home
Saroo Brierley
When Saroo Brierley used Google Earth to find his long-lost home town half a world away, he made global headlines.
Saroo had become lost on a train in India at the age of five. Not knowing the name of his family or where he was from, he survived for weeks on the streets of Kolkata, before being taken into an orphanage and adopted by a couple in Australia.
Despite being happy in his new family, Saroo always wondered about his origins. He spent hours staring at the map of India on his bedroom wall. When he was a young man the advent of Google Earth led him to pore over satellite images of the country for landmarks he recognised. And one day, after years of searching, he miraculously found what he was looking for.
Then he set off on a journey to find his mother.
JT - Jonathon Thurston: The autobiography
Jonathon Thurston
This is a story that began in a Brisbane backyard. With a boy, a ball and a big, big dream. They all said he was too skinny, too slow, and too wild to succeed. Most would have quit. This is the story of how Johnathan Thurston transformed himself into a world champion - how he went from a kid with dreadlocks to a State of Origin star and Dally M Medal winner in just three years - and went on to become rugby league's greatest player.
In his autobiography, JT recounts the complete and remarkable story of his life. Of setbacks and scandals. Of agony and pain. Of love and hate. Of victories and losses. And of Clive Churchill Medals, Dally M Medals, State of Origin shields and of fairy tale premierships - and of a girl called Samantha and how love conquered all.
The Long Walk to Freedom
Nelson Mandela
The riveting memoirs of the outstanding moral and political leader of our time, LONG WALK TO FREEDOM brilliantly re-creates the drama of the experiences that helped shape Nelson Mandela's destiny. Emotive, compelling and uplifting, LONG WALK TO FREEDOM is the exhilarating story of an epic life; a story of hardship, resilience and ultimate triumph told with the clarity and eloquence of a born leader.
Diddly Squat: A year on the Farm
Jeremy Clarkson
Jeremy Clarkson takes us into the pitfalls (and pratfalls) of his new life as gentleman farmer in this thigh-slapping collection of stories from a year on Clarkson's Farm
Welcome to Clarkson's farm. It's an idyllic spot, offering picturesque views across the Cotswolds, bustling hedgerows, woodlands and natural springs. Jeremy always liked the idea being a farmer. But, while he was barrelling around the world having more fun with cars than was entirely reasonable, it seemed obvious that the actual, you know, farming was much better left to someone else
Then one day he decided he would do the farming himself.
After all, how hard could it be?
Well . . .
Latest Blog
The TGS Interact Club - the Reward for Work Well Done
The Interact Club successfully raised over $10,000 last year for charities and services on a local, statewide and international scale through the hard work and commitment of its members. With these funds, the Interact Club has donated Backpack Blankets to Toowoomba's homeless, helped AEIOU's efforts in supporting children with autism, contributed to the "Are You Bogged Mate?" campaign for rural mental health and raised funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. As well as many other individual…
A Question of Character
In an age bursting with technological innovations and an overwhelming abundance of information, the present era appears to be characterised by a swift and unrelenting pace of change. Our society, young and old alike, finds itself constantly bombarded with provocative and sensationalist narratives. The media floods our consciousness with constant streams of global dilemmas, highlighting the flaws of our leaders, uncovering corporate or political scandals, and bringing conflicts and tragedies…
Coping with Homesickness
Homesickness can be brutal for both your son and for parents. As a parent it can feel like your heart is being ripped out in some cases daily. It is extremely hard hearing how sad your boy may sound on the phone, and then you are left reeling for 24 hours until the next call – you are often left worried that they are feeling like this all day. Rest assured only vary rare cases are that bad and in most cases it’s temporary and things usually improve as your son settles in. The reality is that…
Introducing Gabe Robbie, the new Head of Curriculum
I am excited to be joining the staff here at Toowoomba Grammar School in the role of Head of Curriculum. I grew up in a small coastal town in NSW and attended the University of Sydney to complete my undergraduate degree. Please don’t hold my NSW origin against me (Go Blues!). Teaching, and education, has always been a passion of mine and ever since I was in high school, the plan was to be a teacher. I graduated from the University of Sydney with a double degree in Education and Arts, majoring…
What Old Boys Have Contributed to TGS Over Time
The Old Boys’ Association has played an integral role in the history and tradition of Toowoomba Grammar School. It was formed on December 29, 1888, when 25 Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys met at Long’s Imperial Hotel to create a new society. The Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys’ Association rules were drawn up, and office-bearers elected. The inaugural president was Mr Joesph Vincent Herbert Esq. (TGS 1877-80) From there, the TGSOBA has grown significantly, ensuring that the Blue and Gold…
TGS Strength and Conditioning Program
Toowoomba Grammar School has a unique approach to athlete development that focuses on providing students with the skills, tools and mindset required to succeed in sports and life. At TGS, the long-term athlete development (LTAD) philosophy is ingrained in every aspect of the School's approach to sport and fitness. The LTAD philosophy emphasises the importance of age-appropriate training and skill development over a long period of time. This approach recognises that athlete development is a…
We Knew Them Before They Were Stars
Our boys at Toowoomba Grammar School are fortunate that Performing Arts is as popular as sport and academics, thanks to our culture of respect and inclusivity. Boys are supported and encouraged to immerse themselves in music, drama and art and are not afraid to chase their dreams in these fields. The success of our performing arts students dates back decades, with our Old Boys performing all around the world in theatre, music, film and photography and are accomplished and well recognised in…
Country Roads Take Me Home
Toowoomba Grammar School boarding provides the ideal living environment for our boys while they develop the values that will define their character. Throughout the course of this year, I have been privileged to visit many of the towns and properties that our TGS boarders call home. When walking around those towns wearing a shirt with a TGS crest, it doesn’t take long to meet an Old Boy or to be asked about one of the boarders currently at the School. Our boarding staff pride themselves on…
TGS Corfe House - A Home for Young Boarders
In Toowoomba Grammar School’s Boarding Program, Years 5 to 7 students reside at Corfe House – a nurturing environment providing close pastoral support and guidance to the School’s youngest boarders. The skills, relationships and perspectives that boys develop here set them up for the rest of their boarding and school journey. Toowoomba Grammar School understands the challenges for young students transitioning into boarding. Leading the way in creating a ‘home away from home’ is the Corfe House…
