Model, actress, and entrepreneur Emily Ratajkowski narrates her own essays, highlighting their powerful honesty. She begins with childhood memories, noting that her mother's beauty commentary made an impression on her at 3 years old. Ratajkowski explores the confusing time of her adolescence, which was complicated by a modeling career that began at 14. Explaining how she disassociates from her body during nude photo shoots, Ratajkowski uses a flat tone to convey her mental state. It's only in the "Buying Myself Back" essay that Ratajkowski shows real emotion, along with projecting her determination to persevere after being assaulted by a fraudulent photographer. Ratajkowski shares thoughts on sexuality, feminism, and power dynamics in a nuanced way that will have listeners looking for more from her.
Pub Date: Nov. 9, 2021
Duration: 5 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250825612
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Gibbs’ life is an inspiration, a reminder that as long as you’re alive, “If you believe it, you can...
More than the beloved TV star of The Jeffersons and 227, Gibbs in her memoir reveals a woman who broke ground for Black artists, becoming a force to be reckoned with in the very white theatrical industry. A delightful opening greeting from Gibbs provides the prelude to an engaging listening experience. After a heartfelt introduction by Regina King, Gibbs introduces each chapter in a voice that is authentic, strong, and full of humor. The bulk of Gibbs’ moving story is delivered in a whispery, emotion-filled voice by Tisha Campbell. Campbell offers unforgettable portraits of this ageless icon’s rocky childhood, struggles with marital abuse, bravery, and eventual success.
Gibbs’ life is an inspiration, a reminder that as long as you’re alive, “If you believe it, you can achieve it.”Pub Date: Feb. 24, 2026
Duration: 8 hrs, 35 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063356665
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: March 3, 2026
This insightful work of American history is well researched, well written, and very well told.
This audiobook is much more than a biography of two Black celebrities, baseball legend Jackie Robinson and entertainer Paul Robeson. It’s an in-depth look at racism, an intrinsic part of American life in the mid-20th century. Listeners hear the deep, melodious voice of narrator JD Jackson describing Robinson’s successes as well as the discrimination and racial antagonism that dogged his career. Robeson was once a popular football star, actor, and singer, but his advocacy for communism led to his downfall. A key point in this chronicle is Robinson's 1949 appearance at the House Un-American Activities Committee hearings, when he became a symbol of the patriotic Black man, as opposed to Robeson.
This insightful work of American history is well researched, well written, and very well told.Pub Date: Jan. 20, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 9 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063308183
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Feb. 24, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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