Erin Bennett speaks earnestly about the life of comedian Elaine May, warning listeners that separating fact from fiction is difficult. But Bennett's ease with the microphone makes it a joy. Blessed with brains and beauty, May was easily bored. She told outrageous lies about almost every aspect of her life. Bennett delicately tells the story of her groundbreaking comedy with partner Mike Nichols. She went through life jumping from one project to another in a career that spanned from the 1950s to 2018, when she earned a Tony for the Broadway play THE WAVERLY GALLERY. She also directed the movies A NEW LEAF and the studio-sabotaged ISHTAR and shunned the limelight when she ghostwrote numerous other films, including TOOTSIE and HEAVEN CAN WAIT.
Pub Date: June 4, 2024
Duration: 14 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781666661262
Publisher: Dreamscape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
An inviting, reflective memoir that feels like Burton is speaking directly to the listener.
Celebrated actor and television host Burton narrates his heartfelt memoir approachably and with eloquence. Giving listeners a transparent look into the struggles, pain, and wisdom that have shaped his life, Burton speaks candidly and humbly. He reflects on a challenging childhood; his shortcomings as a parent; his experiences with racism, drug use, and mental health issues; as well as his deep connection with spirituality and advocacy for the freedom to read and the betterment of humanity. Weaving together experiences from Roots, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and Reading Rainbow, Burton masterfully blends personal storytelling with his thoughts on education and social justice.
An inviting, reflective memoir that feels like Burton is speaking directly to the listener.Pub Date: yesterday
Duration: 10 hrs, 32 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217015368
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Nov. 9, 2026
Shalhoub’s tone is thoughtful, expressive, and enjoyable right to the last recipe.
In a smooth and natural-sounding voice, actor Shalhoub invites listeners to the table to hear the story of his family’s annual reunions, which have taken place for decades during summers in Door County, Wisconsin. Brought up by Lebanese American parents as one of 10 children in Green Bay, Shalhoub reflects on his father’s survival of wartime hunger and the smells of bratwurst and stuffed grape leaves he grew up with in his mother’s kitchen. His daughter, Josie Adams, helps him fill this memoir with delicious recipes, lifelong remembrances, and the logistics of how dozens of relatives descend on one piece of property each year to enjoy countless card games and zany talent shows.
Shalhoub’s tone is thoughtful, expressive, and enjoyable right to the last recipe.Pub Date: Oct. 27, 2026
Duration: 9 hrs, 52 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668194560
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: yesterday
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2027
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
