The return of the subject in the social sciences reflects growing interest in the study of subjectivity. This refers to opportunities for individuals to make meaning of their lives within the institutions of society. MERRIL and WEST’s text serves as a reference for using biographical methods, as well as a reflection on the methodological and ethical issues inherent in doing this type of research.  This review examines the relationship between the book's content and its formal characteristics (didactic style, writing style and its interdisciplinary nature). This review also focuses on the advantages that this textbook may offer if used in  qualitative research courses in general and, specifically, in courses dealing with biographical research methods. URN: http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs1201104