Acknowledging the relationship she formed with listeners with her first book, author and narrator Gabrielle Union dives into a place of vulnerability and openness. The actor shares her experience of having her daughter via a surrogate. Union's voice gets quieter during the toughest parts, but she unfailingly sees the comedic aspects of life. This trait is highlighted when she says in a cheery tone, "At least my embryos are rejecting someone else." From bathroom emergencies to a decades-long journey in self-healing, Union tells it all. Her fast, excited speech while talking about a dance-off between her friends and Bruno Mars's band emphasizes the competitive fun. The conviction in Union's strong voice when she says "We've got this." ends the audiobook on a powerful note and instills listeners with confidence.
Pub Date: Sept. 14, 2021
Duration: 8 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780062979964
Publisher: Harper Audio
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: today
Duration: 10 hrs, 32 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217015368
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: yesterday
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: today
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2027
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