Laurie Woolever, a former assistant to Anthony Bourdain, gathered a lot of voices—the list takes up seven pages—to create this “oral biography,” voiced by some of those who knew the chef and TV travel host, who took his own life in 2018. The most memorable voice is that of Bourdain’s brother, Christopher, whose affection and wry humor show in his recollections. A tone of bluntness is not surprising when chefs who worked with Bourdain talk about the drug and alcohol abuse that helped shape his “bad boy” image; he acknowledged his own past in KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL. Listeners may be surprised as Bourdain’s story becomes darker through his TV years. People who worked with him express concern and regret about the spiral they saw during his relationship with director Asia Argento. J.A.S. 2022 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine
Pub Date: Sept. 28, 2021
Duration: 11 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063138704
Publisher: Harper 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: yesterday
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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