Jenifer Lewis, actress, activist, and unabashed author, narrates her no-nonsense essays with the confidence of a true icon who is embracing her "wisdom years." Brimming with politics, purpose, self-love, and Trump-hate, this raw account reveals her struggles with bipolar disorder, the painful loss of loved ones, and romantic betrayal, juxtaposed with hilarious tales of friendship, adventure, and living life to the fullest. With its heavy-hitting topics, the memoir isn't always overflowing with joy; instead, it is filled with the adversities that gave rise to her self-acceptance and personal growth. Those familiar with Lewis won't be surprised by this born entertainer's overly dramatic performance, but her powerful delivery is filled with so much love that listeners will find themselves happy to be walking alongside her.
Pub Date: 2022
Duration: 7 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063079663
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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