Listening to this posthumous collection of commentary by chef Anthony Bourdain on his favorite places is like joining him for one final adventure. From Argentina to Vietnam, each brief chapter starts with a quick but detailed overview of airports, transportation, and hotels, narrated by Bourdain's assistant, Laurie Woolever. This is followed by Bourdain's thoughts about the area's people, locale, and food, narrated by Shep Gordon. Gordon's casual, friendly tone, reminiscent of Bourdain's own personal style, makes it easy for listeners to imagine traveling the world with him. Interspersed throughout are essays by some of those who knew him, each narrated by its author. The affection expressed for the late travel show host and writer is one of the most memorable features of this listening experience.
Pub Date: 2021
Duration: 12 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063055568
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Somewhat Dickensian and somewhat Shakespearean, Anthony Hopkins' memoir is a fascinating, articulate, and deeply moving listen. Actor Kenneth Branagh, Hopkins' close friend, movingly performs the memoir, sounding in timbre, tone, and nuanced pacing very much like the listener might imagine Hopkins to sound today. In this loosely chronological effort, Branagh brings listeners to Hopkins' Welsh birthplace and shares memories of his parents. While huge swaths of his life as a skilled actor may be omitted, candid observations of his own strengths and weaknesses abound. He celebrates his conquering of alcoholism and the success of his marriage to Stella Arroyave. Hopkins himself voices the conclusion and favorite poems, primarily Yeats. This audiobook is a treasure, perhaps a work of art.
Pub Date: 2025
Duration: 9 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781668142608
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Roderick Sewell II--Paralympic athlete and Iron Man champion, motivational speaker, and disability advocate--shares his resilience and joy in his impactful memoir. Sewell's performance exudes calm strength as he talks about the myriad challenges he and his mother faced during his childhood in San Diego and Alabama in the 1990s. Their difficulties included struggling to afford the prosthetic legs he needed as a double above-the-knee amputee, as well as experiencing frequent housing insecurity. He also expresses appreciation for the support he received and the empowerment he learned from extended family and sports mentors as he charted his path to adulthood. Sewell shares valuable lessons with listeners, including the importance of getting out of your own way and not allowing others to define your success.
Pub Date: 2025
Duration: 6 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668650080
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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