Elise Arsenault expertly delivers a truly excellent and detailed look at singer Madonna's life. From her humble beginnings, Madonna has become an icon for her music, as well as the causes she has championed over the years, such as AIDS awareness. Despite her success, she, like many celebrities, has also endured criticism for her choices of artistic expression. Arsenault offers a clear delivery of the narrative and provides emotional depth when depicting important conversations or thoughts from Madonna and the people in her life. Though this is a lengthy audiobook, Arsenault's smooth transitions through the stages of Madonna's life create a well-paced journey throughout all of her highs and lows.
Pub Date: Oct. 10, 2023
Duration: 41 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781549149320
Publisher: Hachette 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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