Discover the Best Sellers Audiobooks in Arts & Entertainment, Celebrity Bios

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Title: Shanghai Tango

Author: Jin Xing

Narrator: Keith Brockett

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 59 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-31-08

Publisher: Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 5 votes

Genres: Arts & Entertainment, Celebrity Bios

Publisher's Summary:

As dramatic, graceful and deeply felt as a pas de deux, Shanghai Tango is a deeply personal and inspiring account of growing up in a body that feels alien and of braving pioneering surgery in communist China.

Editorial Reviews:

Australian actor Keith Brockett has an expressive, tender voice that sits so high on the vocal scale the listener might think the voice belongs to a woman. His voice, then, is perfectly suited to perform this memoir of gender identity, courage, and politics.

In 1967, Jin Xing was born in the Peoples Republic of China and assigned the gender "male". As a child, however, Jin experienced strong transsexual desires and believed she was a female trapped in the wrong body "Gods mistake", as she has called it. After rising to prominence as a ballet dancer and attaining the rank of colonel in the Chinese army, Jin underwent sex reassignment surgery and attained a rare official Chinese designation of "trans-woman". This is her story.

Members Reviews:

Five Stars

Fantastic story, especially since I met the dancer!

If you know the story of Mao's Last Dancer, then this story will seem rather boring

Bookshelves: dead-tree-books, historical-fiction, 2-star-review, m-m

Read from August 08 to 09, 2013

If you know the story of Mao's Last Dancer, then this story will seem rather boring. It is very similar in terms of the major plot points, but with a lot less detail and beauty in the written word.

I felt that the book does explore the emotional state of Jin Xing, but it barely scratches the surface of those emotions, which is quite a let down for the reader. It seems to gloss over a lot that happens in Jin's life at that time with little to no explanation of how Jin felt.

Each scene gave you but the briefest of glimpses of Jin's inner thoughts and feelings, I wanted so much more.

An Honest Tango

I enjoyed Shanghai Tango tremendously. Not because it's the best written memoir ever, but more because it's the truest voice I've read yet. If you're interested in the subject matter i.e. art, crossdressing, transgender issues and most importantly, a journey to self-discovery, I definitely recommend this book.

A lot of interesting stories, a mediocre memoir

My cousin sent me the book after watching the Jin Xing Dance Company's U.S. debut in Stanford. A fascinating personality and remarkable journey. The book is engaging and interesting, worth reading. The writing style is alright, the end is a bit rushy. Overall, an enjoyable quick read.

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Title: Knee Deep in Paradise

Author: Brett Butler

Format: Abridged

Length: 4 hrs and 11 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-26-08

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 17 votes

Genres: Arts & Entertainment, Celebrity Bios

Publisher's Summary:

So begins Brett Butler's extraordinary memoir, the story of a woman who has survived a gothic childhood in the Deep South, a bewildering adolescence, and an abusive first marriage with her sense of humor - and love of language - intact.

With a phoenix-like power to re-create herself from the ashes she had made of her life, Brett found comedy. As she found her own voice - a voice as forthright as the experiences it describes - she found success. But the popularity Brett now enjoys is rooted in the stuff of her past, and it is the past she describes here, not sparing herself along the way.

Much more than an autobiography from a celebrated personality, Knee Deep In Paradise is a portrait of the South, a moving document of one woman's hardship and renewal, and a testament from one of our most intelligent comic minds.

Members Reviews:

I LOVE BRETT.

Loved this book, I bought it years ago but never got around to reading it. I found it on here and LOVED that it was read by her!!

Love It!

This is a must read/listen! The story tells of her good & bad times & how she came past it.

Love her and her story

I was a little nervous about listening to this book as the reviews were not great. I watched Brett in Grace under fire and found myself drawn to her. My mother was an alcoholic and I alwayed hope she would sober up because when she was, she was funny like Brett and the sound of her voice was similar. I loved having a peak into Brett's past. thank you for sharing yourself with us.

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Title: John Lennon

Author: Alan Clayson

Narrator: Mike Read

Format: Abridged

Length: 3 hrs and 59 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-18-07

Publisher: Music Sales Corporation

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Arts & Entertainment, Celebrity Bios

Publisher's Summary:

After remaking pop in his own image with The Beatles, the erstwhile would-be artist and Liverpudlian reprobate went on to carve out a significant solo career, with the enigmatic Yoko Ono at his side. Following his murder in 1980, his work and life took on mythic status, his role as mentor to a musical generation assured.

In this abridged version of John Lennon, discover the truth behind the myth of this most controversial, antagonistic, yet publicly adored genius.

Members Reviews:

Shame, much better and balanced books available

I was very disappointed with this book for several reasons. Firstly, and most importantly, I don't think it shed any new perspectives on Lennon. It certainly didn't tell me why and how he became the man that he did and appeared to rush through lots of important early events in his childhood that I felt could have been illuminating. Secondly I found the book very disjointed. I found it hard to follow at times as the story jumps through the chronology of the band and introduces characters without giving them proper introduction. Finally I found Mike Read's narration irritating. Please spare us the impersonations and accents. They would have be justified if they made the story more interesting but they were at best third rate. I'd urge listeners to buy the Hunter Davies book which I feel is a far better representation of events.

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Title: George Harrison

Author: Alan Clayson

Narrator: Mike Read

Format: Abridged

Length: 3 hrs and 58 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-18-07

Publisher: Music Sales Corporation

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 6 votes

Genres: Arts & Entertainment, Celebrity Bios

Publisher's Summary:

This abridged version of George Harrison chronicles the life of "the quiet one" right up to his recent unsuccessful battle with cancer.

Members Reviews:

A LITTLE MORE INSITE INTO THIS FAMOUS MAN.

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

I DID NOT READ THE PRINT VERSION.

What was one of the most memorable moments of George Harrison?

THE STORIES OF GEORGE'S EARLY INTERACTIONS AND INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE OTHE 3 FABS.

Would you be willing to try another one of Mike Reads performances?

DEPENDS ON THE SUBJECT MATTER.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

THE DEATH OF MR. HARRISON.

Any additional comments?

READING BUY SOMEONE WITH SUCH A THICK BRITISH ACCENT ADDED AN AIR OF AUTHENTICITY BUT MADE IT SOMEWHAT DIFFICULT TO UNDER STAND AT TIMES.

This was a waste of time

Any additional comments?

Clayson seems to understand nothing about Harrison's unique musicality and approach to songwriting. He also doesn't seem to appreciate Harrison's role in the Beatles. If Clayson dislikes Harrison so much, why write a book about him? Money, perhaps? I learned nothing new about George Harrison, and feel ripped off.

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Title: Ringo Starr

Author: Alan Clayson

Narrator: Mike Read

Format: Abridged

Length: 3 hrs and 59 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-18-07

Publisher: Music Sales Corporation

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Arts & Entertainment, Celebrity Bios

Publisher's Summary:

This abridged version of Ringo Starr spotlights one of the most colorful personalities in rock 'n' roll.

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Title: Eric Clapton

Subtitle: The Autobiography

Author: Eric Clapton

Narrator: Bill Nighy

Format: Abridged

Length: 5 hrs and 25 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-02-07

Publisher: Random House AudioBooks

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 17 votes

Genres: Arts & Entertainment, Celebrity Bios

Publisher's Summary:

Eric was born illegitimate in 1945 and raised by his grandparents. He never knew his father, and until the age of nine believed his absentee mother to be his sister. In his teens his solace was the guitar and he soon became a cult hero in the club circuits of Britain. With the foundation of the world's first super group, Cream, in 1966, he became a world superstar.

But the rock star lifestyle has had a darker side. In more than 40 years at the forefront of his profession, Clapton has twice survived near fatal addictions to drugs and alcohol, the death of his four-year-old son, the deaths of friends such as Jimi Hendrix and John Lennon, the break-up of marriage and the disintegration of relationships with a succession of beautiful women.

These are the memoirs of a survivor, someone who has reached the pinnacle of success, who has had it all, but whose demons have never left him. At the age of 62, Eric is now ready to tell his story as it is, hiding nothing, with a directness and searing honesty that will make this audiobook one of the most compelling memoirs of our time.

Critic Reviews:

"Engrossing....some overwhelmingly poignant and wrenching personal meditations make the book a success." (Kirkus Reviews)

"Both the youthful excesses and the current calm state are narrated with an engaging tone that nudges Clapton's story ahead of other rock 'n' roll memoirs." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

compelling

I loved Bill s narration

very interesting life storey told in a very honest And understated way

Fascinating, Turbulent

Would you listen to Eric Clapton again? Why?

Yes, I love historical factual accounts of famous people no matter what the career, especially if it seems to be a balanced and real account, as this seems to be.

What did you like best about this story?

The journey, good and bad, it is a very interesting life, and as i listened, i was taken through a journey myself, of emotional responses to the good, bad, ugly, honest, etc.

Have you listened to any of Bill Nighys other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, he is fantastic, but needs to say Steve Lukather correctly.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Behind The Face

Any additional comments?

Loved it despite being shocked at some of the content. I shouldn't be amazed at the life of a Rock Star, with all the trappings, but i was.

Absolutely Brilliant!!!!

This is the greatest hands down rock bio I have ever listened too. I knew very little about the man and was blown away. Fans of his work, the man or just a great story will enjoy this. To be able to still go on after so much tragedy in his life is inspiring. PLUS Nighy's performance is wicked!

Do yourself a favour!

Amazing!

Would you listen to Eric Clapton again? Why?

Yes of course, being a huge Clapton fan myself. Found this book to be a wonderful insight into the mind of the master.

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Title: Barry

Author: Steve Parrish, Nick Harris

Narrator: uncredited

Format: Abridged

Length: 3 hrs and 17 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-01-07

Publisher: Hachette Audio UK

Genres: Arts & Entertainment, Celebrity Bios

Publisher's Summary:

In an era when sport and its personalities rarely made it off the back pages of newspapers, Barry Sheene crossed the bridge between sport and celebrity status in a style that only George Best had achieved previously.

Barry is an intimate and revealing account told by three people who knew him better than most. Steve Parrish, fellow bike racer and now BBC commentator; Nick Harris, who followed his career from the early days; and Barry's widow, Stephanie, who has collaborated fully and written a foreword.

Frank and fascinating, Barry is an exclusive look into the extraordinary life of a charming and complex man who became, quite simply, a 1970s sporting icon.

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Title: This Time, This Place

Subtitle: My Life in War, the White House, and Hollywood

Author: Jack Valenti

Narrator: Michael Douglas

Format: Abridged

Length: 6 hrs and 4 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-12-07

Publisher: Random House Audio

Ratings: 2.5 of 5 out of 3 votes

Genres: Arts & Entertainment, Celebrity Bios

Publisher's Summary:

Been there, done that, indeed. Texas-born and Harvard-educated, Valenti has led several lives, any one of which could have provided ample material for an unforgettable memoir. As it is, This Time, This Place is the gripping story of a man who saw the terrible face of war while fighting with skill and bravery for his country; who was in the room as political decisions were made that would benefit or devastate countless lives in this country and on the other side of the world; and who championed the interest of the vast and globally influential movie industry with tenacity and vision.

Members Reviews:

An amazing biography!

At the beginning of the book, the author asks if anyone would read his book. He actually debated whether to write his biography. I'm glad he did.

Like the Reagen Diaries, I had been putting off reading this book. I guess the cover was not appealing, or maybe because the book was not recommended to me. I had bought it because at the time I was interested in reading biographies. It just sat there on my bookshelf collecting dust for over three years.

With a lack of books to read, I picked it up. Wow! What an amazing guy! Jack Valenti really did it all! He was a World War II pilot, fought the Germans in daring air combats, was an advisor to both JFK and President Johnson, and was head of the Movie Industry, acquainting himself with the biggest stars in Hollywood. Yet throughout his biography you never get the sense of an egotistical person; rather you revel in this humble and down to earth character.

Valenti talks about the war with the Germans, and his daring air sorties. He describes vividly his training days as a pilot to actual combat in France. Loving anything related to aviation I was very captivated by his account. Several times became close to death over France and Germany, but not once was his aircraft downed.

Valenti also describes how after the war he had to cross the Atlantic to return his aircraft to the USA. That account was also thrilling and read like a novel.

I always thought that President Johnson was a weak president, gaining the presidency only because JFK was assassinated. I also believed in the conspiracy theory that Johnson was behind JFK's assassination. This book set the record straight. You can almost say that this book is also a biography of President Johnson. Valenti writes extensively about him, and portrays him for who he really is: a humble and intelligent man who only acted on America's best interest and not his own. For example, he refused to run for second term because he thought that this would end the Vietnam War.

According to Valentin, Johnson gave up on life after his presidency. He neglected his health and became obese. The thought of death always loomed over him, and he always believed he would die in his sixties. It was a tragedy reading this after I had high regards and respect for this truly humble and just man.

Valenti also describes the day JFK was assassinated, and the somber mood of the nation and his aides during that tragic moment. He really manages to bring the reader back in time to relive those moments. He is truly a great writer, and this biography, albeit two biographies in one, reads like a novel.

The biography then continues on with Valenti's life in Hollywood.

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Title: Laurence Olivier

Subtitle: A Biography

Author: Donald Spoto

Narrator: Frederick Davidson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 17 hrs and 11 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-21-06

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 27 votes

Genres: Arts & Entertainment, Celebrity Bios

Publisher's Summary:

In this revealing account, Spoto tells for the first time the truth about Olivier's three marriages - to the diffident lesbian actress Jill Esmond, to the haunted and doomed Vivien Leigh, and to the young Joan Plowright. Spoto also discusses Olivier's relationships with Noel Coward and Danny Kaye, who loved him. Amid these personal dramas, Laurence Olivier's professional life encompassed the history of the theater in his time. Based on formidable international research, this is a rich, definitive biography.

Critic Reviews:

"A magnificent, moving biography worthy of its protean subject, this resonant portrait defines an actor whose personal upheavals fueled his intense realism on stage and screen....Critical acumen matches psychological insight in this biography." (Publishers Weekly)

"The book meticulously covers Olivier's life in full, lurid, yet tasteful detail....Frederick Davidson's narration is flawless. Davidson maintains the brilliance of the biography with a superb performance that is every bit as wonderful as the book itself....The book glides along, keeping the listener wanting to hear more." (AudioFile)

Members Reviews:

Olivier the man.

What makes a great actor tick? The engrossing biography provides a window into the personality of a remarkable man who was also most accomplished actor of the last century. It is a glittering panorama of the age and its personalities that is impossible to resist.

Nothing new...but enjoyable

What about Frederick Davidsons performance did you like?

Frederick Davidson's accent makes the folks on "Downton Abbey" sound like they're from Flatbush. A bit too posh at times, but he does decent impersonations of Olivier, Gielgud, et al.

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Título: Pedro Infante

Subtitular: Biografia

Autor: José Miguel Amozurrutia

Narrador: Mariana Amozurrutia

Formato: Unabridged

Duración: 56 mins

Idioma: Español

Fecha de publicación: 09-19-06

Editor: Audiolector

Calificaciones: 2 de 5 de 1 votos

Categorías: Arts & Entertainment, Celebrity Bios

Resumen del editor:

Biografía con los datos más relevantes de la vida del conocido actor Mexicano.

This audiobook is in Spanish.