Scott Dikkers, former editor and owner of "The Onion," narrates his history of the beloved humor magazine. Fans will enjoy the classic headlines and backstory. With its anecdotes of childhood secrets (the time he crawled to school); family mental illness; employment experiences, including the jobs he didn't get; complex medical conditions; and the years spent away from the publication--this audiobook would have been better titled "Area Man Writes Memoir." Whether it's biographical or historical wouldn't be an issue if it weren't for the fact that the material--except for engaging segments dealing with defamation, free speech, and copyright disputes--is surprisingly dry. Despite the affable narration, this audiobook sounds more like a memoir than an origin story.
Pub Date: 2025
Duration: 8 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781511355100
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
The readers can't compensate for the unbearably pompous prose style of this extended parable about corporate politics and strategy.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Media powerhouse Barry Diller, at 83, offers an articulate, humble, and utterly honest account of his varied life. Dillard's narration is workmanlike, moving the narrative forward in a somewhat monotonous manner. That unvaried tone sharply contrasts with the fascinating story of a young, not very aggressive personality who nonetheless became highly influential in the entertainment industry. It's all presented without much fanfare: the Paramount years, QVC, and HSN leadership roles, among others. Diller attributes his own cowardice and the societal norms of the 1950s and 1960s for staying silent on his homosexuality. He discusses the matter briefly, along with his successful marriage to fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg. His greatest assets were flexibility and good luck. This is a fascinating life story that requires patient listening.
Pub Date: 2025
Duration: 12 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668134993
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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