Much has been written about the trailblazing of Jackie Robinson, the first Black man to play Major League baseball. Author Kostya Kennedy adds his biographical touch to a rich subject. Kevin Kenerly narrates with a dramatic voice, which works because it is aligned with the emotional tone of Kennedy's writing. The author follows Robinson through his life and career, focusing on personal moments more than statistical achievements. Kenerly's narration is a good example of voice marrying words. There was a loneliness about Robinson, and Kenerly captures that especially well. Such theatrical emphasis doesn't always work with audiobook narration, but it does so here--beautifully.
Pub Date: July 26, 2022
Duration: 9 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798212185752
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A TikTok phenom, Olsen studied musical theater, and his love of performance comes through.
Olsen’s memoir knits together two threads of his young life. His audiobook is at once a cleareyed look at his addiction to alcohol and cocaine as well as his coming-of-age as a gay man. He grew up within a dysfunctional family. His mother, who is initially portrayed as an organized supermom, goes through rehab numerous times for alcohol use. Rehab is a theme: Olsen spends nearly a year in a Florida institution. A long, fraught romantic relationship is recounted in too much detail, while listeners hope instead for more about his meteoric rise as a social media celebrity.
A TikTok phenom, Olsen studied musical theater, and his love of performance comes through.Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 42 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668132401
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: yesterday
A different kind of rock star memoir, rooted in astrology and conveyed with gentle grace and intelligence.
Orzabal relates his history as a rock star with a conscience. Orzabal is a member of Tears for Fears, the 1980s pop duo that continues to record and perform. Their early ubiquitous hits remain staples on streaming services and movie soundtracks. Orzabal relates his unique path to stardom and shares the difficult story of his life of artistry and tragedy in a weathered British lilt. While his artistic compatriots may have enjoyed the usual spoils of pop stardom, Orzabal sought primal scream therapy. Orzabal's performance here is engaging and therapeutic.
A different kind of rock star memoir, rooted in astrology and conveyed with gentle grace and intelligence.Pub Date: Aug. 4, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 18 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063455153
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Aug. 21, 2026
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