This biography of playwright and poet August Wilson contains both narrative and brief passages from some of his plays. Thus, the narrator has to be both storyteller and actor. Dion Graham excels at both. His rich voice carries the biography along nicely, but it is when he recites lines from plays such as FENCES and quotations from figures in Wilson's past that Graham really shines. He alters his voice and delivery to reflect each person directly quoted. It's like listening to a full-cast production. The audiobook is an enlightening look at Wilson's life and the forces and people that shaped his plays. Listeners who have seen MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM might well be inspired to view it again with a deeper understanding.
Pub Date: Jan. 9, 2024
Duration: 16 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781797178691
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
An entertaining memoir by a true all-American of popular culture.
Bradshaw's football career ended in the 1980s, and these days he's probably most widely known for his ubiquitous cultural presence in movies, commercials, and reality television. Bradshaw takes a long and detailed look back at his consequential life decisions. He's a gifted narrator and storyteller, the kind of guy who can instantly build rapport with his audience. It's no surprise this audiobook is entertaining and occasionally moving. As Bradshaw reflects on the characters he's played over the years, essentially simple variations of himself, his voice reflects a self-effacing humility. Bradshaw has been able to build his extended second career with this warm approachability.
An entertaining memoir by a true all-American of popular culture.Pub Date: Oct. 13, 2026
Duration: 7 hrs, 51 mins
DD ISBN: 9781400260294
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Sept. 22, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2026
A must-listen, especially for anyone who enjoys film, television, and the creative process.
Listeners will find a subtle combination of candor and discretion in this career-spanning memoir. Actor and producer Douglas faces the shadow of his father, Kirk Douglas, head-on. His narration is intimate and charming, and he warmly exhibits his skills as a fine actor, first entertaining, then informing. Parts of the performance sound like Douglas’ speech has been affected by his mouth cancer, which is now in remission. However, most sections are articulated clearly. Behind-the-scenes Hollywood insights abound, and it’s all here, including his partnership with his wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones. Ultimately, we find a family man who had both abundant luck and talent.
A must-listen, especially for anyone who enjoys film, television, and the creative process.Pub Date: Oct. 6, 2026
Duration: 19 hrs, 16 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668658505
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Oct. 21, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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