Actor Viola Davis doesn't mince words. Her audiobook captures the voice of a woman with a fascinating, heartbreaking lived experience. Davis's performance here is essentially a one-woman show, bringing listeners in close from the first moments. While she was growing up in a condemned property, her family struggled with poverty. But her hard work and talent brought her to the Juilliard School. Davis describes how her true artistic connection came when she traveled to Africa. She's clear about how her focus on acting, and not stardom, has guided her throughout her career, and how success in the arts has a lot to do with luck. Davis is the consummate actor and storyteller, perfect for the audiobook medium. Her voice is vulnerable yet strong. The result is electric.
Pub Date: April 26, 2022
Duration: 9 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063037342
Publisher: Harper 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: today
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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