Discover Most Popular Audiobooks in Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

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Title: The Sex Lives of Cannibals

Subtitle: Adrift in the Equatorial Pacific

Author: J. Maarten Troost

Narrator: Simon Vance

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 35 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-23-07

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1001 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

This is the hilarious story of what happens when he discovers that the island is not the paradise he dreamed of. Falling into one amusing misadventure after another, Troost struggles with stifling heat, deadly bacteria, polluted seas, and toxic fish, in a country where the only music to be heard is "La Macarena". He and his stalwart girlfriend, Sylvia, contend with alarmingly large critters, a paucity of food options (including the Great Beer Crisis), and such bizarre local characters as "Half-Dead Fred" and the Poet Laureate of Tarawa, a British drunkard who's never written a poem in his life.

Critic Reviews:

"A comic masterwork of travel writing." (Publishers Weekly)

"Troost has a command of place and narrative that puts his debut in company with some of today's best travel writers." (Elle)

"A delightful, self-depreciating, extremely sly account of life in a place so wretched it gives new, terrible meaning to getting away from it all." (National Geographic Adventure)

Members Reviews:

HILARIOUS

I listen to audio books at night in part to lull me to sleep. This book, however, caused the opposite problem: I laughed so hard during the entire book that it kept me awake. The merriment issuing from my side of the bed had to be a trial for my poor, sleep-deprived husband. The author is a Brit, which may provide a cultural explanation for some reviewers' complaints, but it's difficult to imagine anyone not appreciating his wit--or the narrator's excellent performance.

Fantastic

This was my first audible book and I loved it. The visual descriptions were fantastic, it made me laugh out loud. I was so into it I listened even when I wasn't in the car! The narrator was great and easy to hear and understand. There weren't a lot of voices or accents which I appreciated.

A hilarious surprise

Sometimes you just take a chance on a book.. The title isn't one you'd normally reach for, it's in a different genre than you usually read but something just catches your attention and you take a chance.

I did just that with Sex Lives of Cannibals and it tuned out to be one of the funniest books I've had in awhile. I found myself chuckling and laughing throughout it.

While the author does exaggerate and fictionalizes at times, who cares? This is a tongue in cheek book not a critical travel piece on the Pacific.

The narrator is terrific (though I never did get the logic of having an Englishman read for a New Yorker) and funny.

Take this book as offered, don't analyze it just enjoy it and you're bound to be entertained.

Funny stuff

I really enjoyed the dry humor of this book and the funny spin the author could put on just about any situation. I laughed out loud quite often, and even more the second time I listened to it about 7 months later. I also found his observations on island life candid and informative. Having traveled a bit myself in 'out of the way places' I understand that the fantasy of "getting away from it all" is just that, and I enjoyed hearing the trials and tribulations of daily life on an island on the equator. Somewhat graphic at times, but that is what made the story so vivid. I highly recommend this book if you like offbeat humor. I enjoy Anthony Bourdain as well.

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Title: We Were One

Subtitle: Shoulder-to-Shoulder with the Marines Who Took Fallujah

Author: Patrick K. O'Donnell

Narrator: Paul Michael Garcia

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 40 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-09-07

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 231 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

Five months after being deployed to Iraq, Lima Company's 1st Platoon became one of the first American forces to enter Fallujah, where they encountered some of the most intense hand-to-hand combat since World War II. Civilians were used as human shields or as bait to lure soldiers into buildings rigged with explosives; suicide bombers approached from every corner hoping to die and take Americans with them; radical insurgents, high on adrenaline, fought to the death.

Award-winning author and historian Patrick O'Donnell stood shoulder to shoulder with Lima Company's 1st Platoon as they fought through the streets of Fallujah, their casualties mounting. This is their story.

Critic Reviews:

"Clearly reflects valor and courage." (Kirkus Reviews)

"This is, being real, a more than harrowing tale." (Roanoke Times)

"[O'Donnell's] most important accomplishment among many is to put a human face on the troops....[An] excellent book." (New York Post)

Members Reviews:

An important story

At first I felt as though this was an overly long 'newsweek' article.

I soon grew attached to the men who were going through an expereince I can't even imagine.

This book has stuck with me and has reminded me of the importance of the fight these men are engaged in.

It has also reminded me of how lucky I am to live in the United States and how important it is to 'live well'.

Some of the accents the reader attempts are terrible. It would have been better if he had just read the words. It would have been great if Blackstone audio could have produced it with a full cast.

If you're interested in a first hand account (by an author who was actually with the soldiers he writes about) then I can't recommend this book highly enough.

I learned as much from this as I did from 'One Bullet Away'.

Very Proud

A very moving account of the incredible job that our troops are doing in Iraq. I had no idea about how well the guys are trained and the level of dedication, self sacrifice, and brotherhood in the marines. It made me very proud of the incredible job that our troops are doing under almost impossible odds. It also make me even more proud to be an American.

The Greatest Generation you don't hear about....

I've read almost all the other books on the subject, and my only mistake is that I should have started with this one. It's well written, serious, and unblinking. It deliveres what it promises....you'll go shoulder to shoulder with REAL guys who go into a hellish and bizarro world we want to disbelieve. It's like the U.S. Marines against the international All-Stars of terrorism. This book and others like it show me that bad politics has left these guys oddly supported by the general public, but somehow unrecognized. We know they're out there, we see the yellow ribbon decals, but then you read this and you get claustrophobic with the insanity of Anti-American insurgents. These aren't armed citizens our soldiers are up against....the enemy comes highly trained, hopped up on adrenaline, armed to the teeth, and enthusiastically suicidal. These insurgents believe human life is cheap and disposable.....a U.S. Marines does not.

FINALLY

I consider myself aware.

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Title: Grace (Eventually)

Subtitle: Thoughts on Faith

Author: Anne Lamott

Narrator: Anne Lamott

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 24 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-08-07

Publisher: Penguin Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 214 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

In Grace (Eventually): Thoughts on Faith, Lamott examines the ways we're caught in life's most daunting predicaments: love, mothering, work, politics, and maybe toughest of all, evolving from who we are to who we were meant to be. This is a complicated process for most of us, and Lamott turns her wit and honesty inward to describe her own intimate, bumpy, and unconventional road to grace and faith.

"I wish grace and healing were more abracadabra kinds of things," she writes in one of her essays, "that delicate silver bells would ring to announce grace's arrival. But no, it's clog and slog and scootch, on the floor, in silence, in the dark."

Whether she's writing about her unsuccessful efforts to get her money back from an obstinate carpet salesman, grappling with the tectonic shifts in her relationship with her son as he matures, trying to maintain her faith and humor during politically challenging times, or helping a close friend die with dignity, Lamott seeks out both the divinity and the humanity in herself and everything around her. Throughout these essays, she writes of her struggle to find the essence of her faith, which she uncovers in the unlikeliest places. By turns insightful and hilarious, pointed and poignant, Grace (Eventually) is Anne Lamott at her perceptive and irreverent best.

Critic Reviews:

"With gentle wisdom refining her signature humor, Lamott explores helpfulness, decency, love and especially forgiveness." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Highly recommend!

I love this book. Anne is so real. She's made mistakes, she doesn't try to hide. She talks about life just as it is, without masking anything. Most of the stories made me laugh till I cried! She is not preachy - she just presents it as she sees it. Since it is read by her also, I think it helps deliver the book in the tone that it was intended. By the time I finished hearing the book I felt like I had a new best friend! Thanks Anne!!!!

entire book slams non-liberals, dwells on politics

I love AL's writing to no end, and tho I don't agree with many of her political stances, I have enjoyed many of her other books. This one, however, is particularly heavy into politics and controversial issues (esp justifying her abortions and involvement in euthanasia and her hatred of political figures). She takes angry, strong left approaches in a way that is not quite merciful or graceful, but rather, is resentful/demeaning to other views. I was disappointed in the hypocrisy of this book

Loved Some of This

I'm a Huge Lamott fan. I flat out loved some of this and was just neutral on other parts. But I'm still a big fan.

More!

Annie repeats herself and thank God for that.

Disapointed

The book may have a great story but I could not get past the narrators voice and tone. I dowloaded it because I read the authors previous book- Plan B and loved it but I didn't even finish this book because the narration was just too depressing

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Title: Born on a Blue Day

Subtitle: A Memoir

Author: Daniel Tammet

Narrator: Simon Vance

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 37 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-26-07

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 647 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

Worldwide, there are fewer than 50 living savants, those autistic individuals who can perform miraculous mental calculations or artistic feats. (Think Dustin Hoffman's character in Rain Man.) Until now, none of them has been able to discuss his or her thought processes, much less write a book. Daniel Tammet is the first.

Tammet's problems were apparent from childhood. He was shunned by his classmates and often resorted to rocking and humming quietly. Yet he could memorize almost anything, and his math and language skills were astonishing. By high school, Daniel was diagnosed as autistic, and he began to discover his own superhuman abilities: calculating huge sums in his head in seconds, learning new languages in one week, and memorizing more than 22,000 digits of pi.

With heart-melting simplicity and astonishing self-awareness, Born on a Blue Day tells Daniel's story: from his childhood frustrations to adult triumphs, while explaining how his mind works. He thinks in pictures. He sees numbers as complex shapes: 37 is lumpy like porridge; 89 reminds him of falling snow. Today, Daniel has emerged as one of the world's most fascinating minds and inspiring stories. His brain has amazed scientists for years, and everyone will be moved by his remarkable life story.

Critic Reviews:

"[Tanmet's] ability to express himself clearly and with a surprisingly engaging tone (given his symptoms) makes for an account that will intrigue." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Ordinary Life Through Unordinary Eyes

Yes, Daniel's childhood is ordinary (if having 8 siblings is ordinary) but the way he experiences his childhood is unique. This was a book that I hated to see end. I listen to 2 or 3 books a month and this one ranks as one of the best. The narrator is excellent and does a great job being Daniel's voice. I did wish I could have seen illustrations in the book as I'd like to know how the numbers look to Daniel, but my imagination filled in the gaps. I highly recommend the book for all who want a deeper understanding of those on the autism spectrum. It provides good fodder for thinking about how our brains work.

This is an Important Book

I understand why others may not have found this book to be of great interest other than from the superficial level of the author's great number and language abilities. But as a parent of an autistic child I can tell you that it is an eye opening and important book. I learned so much about how my child learns and thinks from listening to this memoir. To me this was less about the savant abilities and more about all the people along the way that helped Daniel to become a fully functioning and productive person and how they loved him for who he was and gave him room to just grow as an individual. It makes me want to be a stronger person and a more supportive and better parent. Because this was a highly personal book for me I wouldn't expect that people who can't directly relate to the effects of life on the autistic spectrum to be as interested but I am grateful to have listened to it and have bought the hard copy book as well.

An interesting life

The autistic spectrum is apparent in Daniel's extreme recall of detail-- some judicious editing might have eliminated some of the tedious bits. But, self involvement is part of the spectrum as well as the astounding gifts of the savant.

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Title: Love Is a Mix Tape

Subtitle: Life and Love, One Song at a Time

Author: Rob Sheffield

Narrator: Rob Sheffield

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 45 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-13-06

Publisher: Random House Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 175 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

In the 1990s, when "alternative" was suddenly mainstream, bands like Pearl Jam and Pavement, Nirvana and R.E.M. - bands that a year before would have been too weird for MTV - were MTV. It was also a time when a shy music geek named Rob Sheffield met a hell-raising Appalachian punk-rock girl named Renee, who was way too cool for him but fell in love with him anyway. They had nothing in common, except that they both loved music. Music brought them together and kept them together. And it was music that would help Rob through a sudden, unfathomable loss.

In Love is a Mix Tape, Rob, now a writer for Rolling Stone, uses the songs on 15 mix tapes to tell the story of his brief time with Renee. From Elvis to Missy Elliott, the Rolling Stones to Yo La Tengo, the songs on these tapes make up the soundtrack to their lives. This is Rob's tribute to music, to the decade that shaped him, but most of all to one unforgettable woman.

Critic Reviews:

"This is a lightly handed, skillful, and sincere celebration of pop, of love, sad songs, bad songs, and the long, nearly unbearable ache of being a young widower. Witty and wise; a true candidate for the All-Time Desert Island Top 5 Books About Pop Music." (Kirkus)

Members Reviews:

A sad story in a happy wrapper.

I really enjoyed this book. Music is the way i relate to people or memories and this author just gets it. You follow his life through the mix tapes he made and even though it is a story of loss you cannot help, but smile. You fall in love with Renee and you feel Rob's emotions through out the story. You are in love when he is and you are at the point of tears when he is grieving. This is a must read/listen. Oh and for a similar book, for you fellow audiophiles I recommend Juliet, Naked by Nick Hornby.

Best love story I've ever read

This book is a must have for anyone who has ever been in love. I don't typically read and couldn't stop listening. I listened to the whole book in one night! Check out more reviews for the book don't just take my word for it.

Performance

While I understand the prestige of having the author read, and sometimes it does work like Toni Morrison reading Beloved, this was a terrible idea for this book. Rob is a fantastic writer, but him reading ruins this book.

Get this book!

This book is full of the magic that music brings to your life. The good things, the bad things, and the things we wish we could forget all have playlist attached to them. I've read this book in paperback at least twice a year since I bought it years ago and it hasn't lost any of its magic. There is something special about listening to Rob read this very personal book to you. Get this book, you won't regret it.

Mixing it with lots of sweet love

I finished this audio last night and already told 2 friends to read/listen to this book. It's heart felt and heart breaking. It is a country song, a ranchera - it's a story full of emotions that will send you running towards a Kleenex box. Rob Sheffield's wife dies before his eyes, literally dies in less than 1 minute and this is the story of them. His reverence, and story telling through music gives you a glimpse of their lives together and how much he truly adored her. It's heart wrenching because it is real.

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Title: Three Cups of Tea

Subtitle: One Man's Mission to Fight Terrorism and Build Nations

Author: Greg Mortenson, David Oliver Relin

Narrator: Patrick Lawlor

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 33 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-01-06

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 2536 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

Award-winning journalist David Oliver Relin has collaborated on this spellbinding account of Mortenson's incredible accomplishments in a region where Americans are often feared and hated. In pursuit of his goal, Mortenson has survived kidnapping, fatwas issued by enraged mullahs, repeated death threats, and wrenching separations from his wife and children. But his success speaks for itself. At last count, his Central Asia Institute had built 55 schools. Three Cups of Tea is at once an unforgettable adventure and the inspiring true story of how one man really is changing the world, one school at a time.

Critic Reviews:

"Three Cups of Tea is one of the most remarkable adventure stories of our time....Not only a thrilling read, it's proof that one ordinary person, with the right combination of character and determination, really can change the world." (Tom Brokaw)

Members Reviews:

A Fraud

Before you waste a penny on this book google the current news about both of the authors. Relin committed suicide and Mortenson is trying to stage a comeback after his disgrace. Most of the stories from this "nonfiction" book are reported to be lies and much of the money donated to the charity started by the authors is believed to have been misused for personal gain.

I am horrified that I wasted a minute listening to this title and that I supported these men by buying this book. It is too late for me to return the book and get a refund of my credit--but it isn't too late for others to avoid buying this book. I wish Audible and the publisher would withdraw the book from the market.

Disappointing to Learn of its Falsehoods

A 60 Minutes investigation challenges Mortenson's integrity.

I *want* Mortenson's stories to be true, and I enjoyed listening to this book. But after learning that he has most likely fabricated many of his stories, I now have no confidence in which parts of his stories are true, and which are false.

Truth or fiction?

Would you try another book from Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin and/or Patrick Lawlor?

Now knowing that Mortenson likely made up key portions of the book I'm sad that I wasted a credit on this 'nonfiction' title. I think Audible should give credit back to anyone who wasted it on this. Too bad, too, because it's a really good story...if only it were true.

Has Three Cups of Tea turned you off from other books in this genre?

I'll do more research before I take someone at their word that the work is nonfiction.

What about Patrick Lawlors performance did you like?

He was good. No complaints with the narration/performance.

Do you think Three Cups of Tea needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Yes. Greg Mortenson needs to come clean and tell the millions of people who read Three Cups of Tea what is and isn't true.

Can't get past the first chapter

Maybe it gets better, but I'm not in the mood to listen to another 10 minutes of how wonderful Greg Mortensen is. Maybe I'd agree that he's great, if I could actually make it to the story.

An education and inspiration

Ive read a lot of books from Audible. Few have hit me in the gut like this book does. Greg Mortenson is really an amazing person and the story in this book, I think, will make even the most outgoing and philanthropic person feel humble.

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Title: Heat

Author: Bill Buford

Narrator: Michael Kramer

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 17 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-25-06

Publisher: Books on Tape

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 515 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

Expanding on his James Beard Award-winning New Yorker article, Bill Buford gives us a richly evocative chronicle of his experience as "slave" to Mario Batali in the kitchen of Batali's three-star New York restaurant, Babbo.

In a fast-paced, candid narrative, Buford describes three frenetic years of trials and errors, disappointments and triumphs, as he worked his way up the Babbo ladder from "kitchen bitch" to line cook, his relationship with the larger-than-life Batali, whose story he learns as their friendship grows through (and sometimes despite) kitchen encounters and after-work all-nighters, and his immersion in the arts of butchery in Northern Italy, of preparing game in London, and making handmade pasta at an Italian hillside trattoria.

Heat is a marvelous hybrid: a memoir of Buford's kitchen adventure, the story of Batali's amazing rise to culinary (and extra-culinary) fame, a dazzling behind-the-scenes look at a famous restaurant, and an illuminating exploration of why food matters. It is a book to delight in, and to savor.

Critic Reviews:

"Terrific culinary writing....A wonderfully detailed and highly amusing book." (Publishers Weekly)

"Buford's mastery of the stove is exceeded only by his deft handling of English prose." (Booklist)

Members Reviews:

If you're a foodie - you must read this book.

Would you consider the audio edition of Heat to be better than the print version?

This is a unique story from extended research from the author. It is very educational and entertaining. It'll keep you interested. I read the book and then later listened to the audiobook. The audiobook, as usual, was a much richer experience. Story telling is so much more entertaining.

What did you like best about this story?

The adventures in Italy were very interesting and enlightening.

Any additional comments?

Highly recommended and certainly worth the time and credit.

Enthralled

I loved this book. The subject, about the ins and outs of restaurants, and a voyage to Italy to learn butchering among other things kept me glued to this audiobook. I think it's very good quality and will re-listen to it again I'm sure. Probably one of my favorite audible downloads so far.

One of my favorite food books to date.

The stories in this book, as well as the food/restaurant insights, are fascinating. Thoroughly enjoyable.

A Foodie's Delight

Any additional comments?

Foodies will find Bill Buford's story of working in Mario Batali's New York restaurant kitchen as a journalist "tourist", to be very entertaining. He clearly becomes entranced by what he experiences and spends much more time learning the craft than was needed for a magazine article. The story of the time he spends in Italy, in particular, learning how to make pasta and how to be a butcher is both touching and entertaining, and the entire book contains just the right amount of wry humor. If you enjoyed Anthony Bourdain's Kitchen Confidential you will find Heat to be an enjoyable companion piece.

I agree with other reviewers that the narrator could have been better. He does attempt to convey emotion as needed, and does a fairly good job of it. He has difficulty with foreign pronunciations, though, and even a few words in English are mispronounced.

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Title: Casanova

Author: Giacomo Casanova

Narrator: Benedict Cumberbatch

Format: Abridged

Length: 5 hrs and 5 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-02-06

Publisher: CSA Word

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 318 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

The first part of the Memoirs of Giacomo Casanova, a special film tie-in version. The film, starring Heath Ledger as Casanova with Jeremy Irons and Sienna Miller, will be released in UK February 2006.

© & (P)2006 CSA Telltapes Ltd.

Members Reviews:

Abridged?! No!

I broke my rule and bought an abridged book, because Benedict Cumberbatch was the narrator... and now I need to go and find the rest of this book... I wonder if Benedict Cumberbatch would narrate them...?

Just buy this book, enjoy the experience of Casanova's words and experiences read by Benedict Cumberbatch... "sigh"

But be prepared for the 5 hours to end far too quickly...

A voice that makes the room tremble.

What made the experience of listening to Casanova the most enjoyable?

Let's be honest, if you are a fan of Ben, part of the allure is his voice. Does it really matter what he is reading? But the combination of the floral language and Ben's voice is perfect.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Casanova?

I am a wordsmiths at heart and poetic language is my weakness.

What about Benedict Cumberbatchs performance did you like?

Ummm.....everything.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. This is my soaking in a warm bubble bath audio book. It is a sensual delight to the ears.

Any additional comments?

Just allow yourself the pleasure of drifting into the story and his voice. You will not regret it. Do not use while driving.

And of course it is not the compleat memoirs. Just enjoy the experience.

SIGH

I could listen to BC read ANYTHING---the ceral box, a help wanted sign, vows. You name it. Beautifully read and acted. Truly amazing

Abridged, ending on a cliffhanger

I compromised my usual position on abridged volumes because of the reader -- only to find once it ended that I wanted to read the complete memoirs. I've made it up to 1744, with 53 years and thousands of pages to go, and it's all fascinating. Wish Benedict Cumberbatch could have read the whole thing, but he has other gigs.

One of the worst books I ever finished

Has Casanova turned you off from other books in this genre?

yes

Have you listened to any of Benedict Cumberbatchs other performances before? How does this one compare?

It was the first book I had heard him narrate. loved his performance, its the only reason the book didn't get an over all score of 1. I would love to hear him narrate again

You didnt love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

only Benedict Cumberbatch

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Title: One Ranger

Subtitle: A Memoir

Author: David Marion Wilkinson, H. Joaquin Jackson

Narrator: Rex Linn

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 15 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-07-05

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 238 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

Legend says that one Ranger is all it takes to put down lawlessness and restore the peace: one riot, one Ranger. In this adventure-filled memoir, Joaquin Jackson recalls what it was like to be the Ranger who responded when riots threatened, violence erupted, and criminals needed to be brought to justice across a wide swath of the Texas-Mexico border from 1966 to 1993.

Critic Reviews:

"Joaquin Jackson's frank and colorful account of his long career as a modern-day Texas Ranger thrills like an action novel....I could hardly put the book down....The writing is superb." (Elmer Kelton, award-winning author of The Good Old Boys)

Members Reviews:

Texana

This is a memoir of H. Joaquin Jackson, Texas Ranger. It is a collection of stories and recollections about his career as a Ranger. The book is entertaining, humorous, exciting, and heartbreaking Texana. It traces a career spanning several decades of Texas/Mexican conflict, changing mores and political realities and much technological advances in law enforcement. It would be interesting to hear what Ranger Jackson would have said in his own words, but his co-author, David Wilkinson, makes the prose sing. Perhaps the reader catches most clearly Ranger Jacksons true voice in the chapter on his son who is serving a life sentence in prison. This is a man-book. The reading of Rex Linn is superb.

Outstanding

I am a native South Texan, so part of my enjoyment for this book was the local flavor. With that disclaimer out of the way, I am going to ask my wife (a native New Yorker) to read this book. Then, I know, she will finally understand this culture. I have never come across a piece of prose that so poignantly describes what it means to be connected to the places and people of the Texas borderlands. The authors do an amazing job of capturing the Texas mystique. In the case of South Texas, what they capture of the deep ethnic identify shared by that special mixture of people from Mexican and European roots. The story has an ethos both deep and disturbingly dark. The world of Joaquin Jackson during the 1950s, 60s and 70s was a mean place filled with mean and sometimes sadistic people. It was a world where One Ranger really could make a difference. A riveting read. I hope he shares more of these classic tales in the future.

A fascinating recital of an amazing career

The pleasant Spanish guitar tune that played briefly at the opening of the Audiobook hinted to me that I was about to be transported to one of my favorite places on the entire earth: the rugged Trans-Pecos and southward along the Mexican border with Texas, where Texas Ranger Joaquin Jackson spent his career. To some, it is beautiful countryside and a place where survival doesnt come easy. Things that do survive and thrive here have tough skin, thorns, stingers, fangs, the innate focus on preserving precious water, the ability to hide themselves in plain sight, and always a knowledge of where the next water is. This land draws visitors who define beauty in terms of endless sky, stark and forbidding mountain vistas, and solitude. Distances and emptiness can be daunting to the unprepared and fatal to the careless, and one enjoys its treasures at their own risk. One particular type of risk and one particular kind of visitor has long been the business of the Texas Ranger.

In this part of Texas, some do what they think they can do and still walk away.

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Title: To Hell and Back

Author: Audie Murphy

Narrator: Tom Parker

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 4 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-07-05

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 324 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

Four years later he was living in Hollywood trying to get an acting career off the ground when he and a friend decided to turn his story into a book. Instantly recognized for its grim authenticity and its unblinking accounts of some of the most terrible fighting in the war, To Hell and Back became a best seller and, in 1955, the basis for one of the most successful WWII films ever made, with Murphy playing himself.

Critic Reviews:

"Audie Murphy hit the big time with this simple, compelling narrative....It is a book of raw honesty, clipped descriptions and simple courage." (AudioFile) "Tom Parker brings this terse yet vivid and articulate memoir to life....Parker's clear and well-paced reading is a joy." (Library Journal)

Members Reviews:

Puts you in the place & time along with him

Murphy didn't just write a dry narrative, he wrote a factual work complete with dialogue that bears a close resemblance to today's American grunt dialect. The story is straightforward, engaging, exciting, and insightful. Murphy's depiction of the honest and intimate banter between soldiers is reason enough to read this book. The way that men speak to one another during a time of war is something that most people never encounter, let alone understand. Murphy captures the camaraderie known to those who have shared combat and exhaustion. The men and their actions aren't glorified or demonized, just passed along as Murphy saw and experienced them.

Tom Parker (Grover Gardener) excels as a narrator and doesn't disappoint.

Recommended for fans of historical non-fiction, WW2 buffs, and those who find amazement in the Medal of Honor and other military citations.

An American Classic

This book reads well on the printed page, but reads even better with Tom Parker doing the reading for you. His voice captures the laconic mix of grit, horror, humor, stubborness, unheroic courage, and tragedy that characterized the American infantryman in WW II.

Great book by one of the true American heroes

Although the story is one of death and injury, this book is certainly one of the best war stories I have ever read. The narration by Tom Parker is absolutely the most enjoyable narration I have ever heard in an audible book. He absolutely makes the characters come alive and this book is the prime example of why I find audible books so enjoyable.

Very modest account from a true American Hero

The performance of the narrator was superb. He was able to bring Audie Murphy's words to life in a way that would almost make you think he was reading it himself. This book was wonderfully written with and honesty of emotion that is astounding.

A true story, fought in WWII, by a true man.

A heroic tale from the man who lived it, told with humility. Actually Audie went to war at 16 (not 18, as stated in the book). He didn't want to give the impression that it was okay to lie about his age.

(Not in the book)

It's truly sad how the war affected him after. PTSD, led to alcoholism, sleeping pill addiction, and a gambling habit. He fought that personal war too, and tried to be a better person till his death at age of 45.