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Title: We Might As Well Win

Author: Johan Bruyneel, Bill Strickland, Lance Armstrong

Narrator: Kirby Heybourne

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 28 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-10-09

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 77 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Celebrities

Publisher's Summary:

On the Road to Success with the Mastermind Behind Eight Tour de France Victories

Johan Bruyneel knows what it takes to win. In 1998, this calculating Belgian and former professional cyclist looked Lance Armstrong in the eye and said, "Look, if were going to ride the Tour, we might as well win." In that powerful phrase, a dynasty was born.

We Might As Well Win takes listeners behind the scenes and inside the team car, as Bruyneel reveals the planning, training, strategy, and tactics that led to a record seven Tour de France victories with Armstrong and an eighth with Alberto Contador.

Through thrilling stories of his own racing career and those of the cyclists he has guided during his extraordinary career, Bruyneel reveals the keys to victory both in cycling and in life.

Members Reviews:

Great read, mediocre narration.

As a long-time cyclist, I am predisposed to enjoy this book. It is a very interesting look into what drives Bruyneel and how he has managed his teams over the past 10 years. Cyclists and non-cyclists will enjoy the view from inside the team car.

One note: The narrator has a great voice and is easy to listen to. However, his pronunciation was terrible, and I cringed when he mangled nearly every non-American proper name (like Liege, Alpe d'Huez, etc.). I would have expected that he spend some time learning the proper pronunciation of cyclist names, city names, etc.

Garbage

Not what I was expecting. The stories about strategy in cycling were kind of interesting but the fact that they totally ignored the doping aspect of their success makes the reader feel cheated. Don't waste your time with this one.

not a very honest story

how can you write an unabridged account of the cycling profession from the turn of the century and not discuss the prominence of doping? through the entire account, there might have been 4 Whispers of other opponents doping history. To not admit to to the United States Postal Service team use of performance enhancing drugs is dishonest. as a result, this story is good but not great. To deny the success of the authors teams due to performance enhancing drugs is as deplorable as Lance Armstrong's great lie.

inspiring, entertaining, and informative

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this audiobook to anyone interested in the tour de france, coaching, and endurance sports. The story moves at a good speed, and sheds light on how the tour works from the other side- It's thrilling!

What did you like best about this story?

learning about cycling , learning about the tour

What about Kirby Heybournes performance did you like?

great voice for the book

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

the tour from the inside of a car

Interesting View Point

I liked the book, but it was all over the place. I found the time line very disjointed and hard to follow at times. Great story with a great introduction by Lance.

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Title: Mad Dogs and Englishmen

Subtitle: An Expedition Round My Family

Author: Ranulph Fiennes

Narrator: Ranulph Fiennes

Format: Abridged

Length: 5 hrs and 38 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-15-09

Publisher: Hodder Headline Limited

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 5 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Celebrities

Publisher's Summary:

Discover Sir Ranulph Twistelton-Wykham-Fiennes's personal expedition to trace his extraordinary family through the twists and turns of history. From Charlemagne - himself a direct ancestor of the author - to the count who very nearly persuaded William the Conqueror to retreat at Hastings, many members of this unique clan have lived close to the nerve centre of the ruler of their day.

They number in their ranks a murderer, a wife poisoner, a poacher, England's greatest female traveller of the 17th century, an extortionist Lord High Treasurer, teen cousins who eloped, a noble lord hanged for manslaughter, another hanged for adultery with the king's wife, and many who, as admirals or major-generals, won famous battles.

The Fiennes' behind Cromwell provided the castle in which the Parliamentarians made their first secret moves, the same building in which 21 successive generations of the family have lived for 600 unbroken years. One Fiennes had his head cut off by the London mob and stuck on Tower Bridge, another led the First Crusade that captured Jerusalem. And that is just a taster.

Members Reviews:

Family history intertwined closely with the history of the country.

As you follow Sir Ranulph Fiennes in his research of the family archives the whole English history becomes more personal and vivid. Very educative and pleasant to read.

Three Stars

Just too much information to absorb and remember.

great read

could not put it down from when I started. excellent digression into the privileged side of English wealth. loved it

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Title: Princess In Love

Subtitle: The Story of a Royal Love Affair

Author: Anna Pasternak

Narrator: Patrick Macnee

Format: Abridged

Length: 2 hrs and 47 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-01-09

Publisher: Phoenix Books

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Celebrities

Publisher's Summary:

This book tells the true story of the love between a man and a woman, a love that was both passionate and full of hope and yet ultimately hopeless. The woman was Diana, the Princess of Wales; the man was Captain James Hewitt. Their love lasted for nearly 5 years; this is their story.

©1994 Anna Pasternak; (P)2009 Phoenix

Members Reviews:

Princess Diana

I love Princess Diana. I have the book to. She had a sad life. To bad that her and James did not have a life together. He was better to her than her own husband. I hope that Charles is paying for it and marrying that woman. Diana was so beautiful.

Not a very good book

The author repeats herself so much that it made this book dull. No one knows the true story, as Princess Di is not here to defend herself. James Hewitt saw a way to make money, so he agreed to this book. Glad I didn't purchase it - found it at a library book sale where it will be returned.

Five Stars

I enjoyed this book. It had lots of information that I hadn't read before. I found it very intertaining.

Read with royal relish

Actor Patrick Macnee reads the audio book version of the royal affair between Diana and James Hewitt, which is based on his interviews. Diana's marriage had already dissolved and she was insecure and needy when she met the handsome army captain who became her riding instructor. According to the book, Diana fairly pounced on the innocent young man and enticed him into a relationship; he was happy to "do his duty to crown and country" by giving her the unconditional love and support she craved. The affair lasted for years and when they broke up, he was devastated. (No mention is made of his selling his story to the media and going public with her love letters.)

Fans of Diana will probably not learn anything new here, but it is the mellifluous voice of Patrick Macnee, brimming with fatherly pride when describing Hewitt's honor, mournfully describing the tragic parting, and lingering joyfully over the passionate passages that makes this worth listening to. Every sentence is filled with effusive, bodice-ripping melodrama and Macnee clearly loves every minute of it.

Since this is based solely on Hewitt's account, he comes off as a romantic hero while Diana is the relentless aggressor who ensnares him into committing treason. No matter; it's a hoot.

Not Recommended

This book was promoted as a tasteless tell-all concerning the affair of Diana and James Hewitt. Some of my high school literature stories had more tasteless detail than this book.

Considering Diana broke-off the relationship (out of guilt), this book should be titled James Hewitt's Revenge.

Funny Camilla was never moved to write about her affair with Prince Charles but then Charles did not end the relationship. I suppose Charles never felt any guilt for his and Camilla's actions.

I would not recommend this book for anyone.

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Title: Goodbye Natalie, Goodbye Splendour

Author: Marti Rulli, Dennis Davern

Narrator: Lindsay Johnson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 52 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-24-09

Publisher: Phoenix Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 33 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Celebrities

Publisher's Summary:

Goodbye Natalie, Goodbye Splendour is the long-awaited, detailed account of events that led to the mysterious death of Hollywood legend Natalie Wood off the coast of Catalina Island on November 28, 1981. It is a story told by a haunted witness to that fateful evening: Dennis Davern, the young captain of Splendour, the yacht belonging to Wood and husband Robert Wagner. Davern initially backed up Wagner's version of that evening's events through a signed statement prepared by attorneys. But Davern's guilt over having failed Natalie termented him. Davern reached out to his old friend, Marti Rulli and little by little, at his own emotional pace, he revealed the details of his years in Wood and Wagner's employ, of the fateful weekend that Natalie died and of the events following her death that prevented him from telling the whole story - until now.

©2009 Marti Rulli; (P)2009 Phoenix

Members Reviews:

Cheap and tawdry tale

I think this book is kind of a cheap shot not respectful of the survivors and with a focus to be sensational and a meretricious shot at fame. I kind of felt dirty after reading it, as if I had intruded into someone's life by accident. Nuff said.

good read -

I always thought the whole incident smacked of murder. I don't believe it was premeditated but I do believe RJ was guilty. Drinking and ego are a deadly combination. I don't believe RJ's version. Wealthy people and famous people do not do these kinds of things for themselves...no way she was trying to secure the dingy or was taking it out for a ride herself. Why wouldn't she ask Dennis to do it? I see many similarities to how things were handled and how he behaved to O.J.

Dissapointing and Self-Serving

I am a film prof and avid reader of Classic Hollywood film star bios. This was the first one that made me nauseous. Written by a rookie writer capitalizing on her friendship with Speldour's captain, 80% of the book rationalizes why the captain did not come forward sooner with details about the night Natalie died and, instead, chose to LIE about it for 27 years. The author becomes complicit in this line and there are dozens of excuses given why it's okay (he was scared! I needed to protect our friendship! We were worried about Natalie's daughters!) but ALL of them underscore how self-serving these two are.

I'm sad that I paid money for something that exploits Wood's memory and capitalizes on her death. There is nothing new here about her films or her life, other than a few details about her relatonship with Wagner. Other than that, it's 50% about how much Natalie liked her boat captain and what a great guy he is, 30% is rationalizing covering up a murder, 10% about the friedsship between the author and captain and 10% mildly interesting stuff.

It's not a boring listen and the narrator is great, but I don't know how anyone can get into a book that is so clearly caplitalizing on a murder--27 years later.

Waste of time and money

Having been a huge Natalie Wood fan and always feeling there was "more to the story" I looked forward to reading this......what a mistake! Almost 12 hours of a man who claimed to know "the truth" deciding to tell ALL.....no, wait, I can't. Okay, now I'm going to tell it ALL....no, wait, I can't.

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Title: Fierce

Author: Kelly Osbourne

Narrator: Kelly Osbourne

Format: Abridged

Length: 1 hr and 29 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-03-09

Publisher: Random House AudioBooks

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 18 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Celebrities

Publisher's Summary:

Fierce takes us from Kelly's first period to her first night in Chicago. From depression and dealing with alcohol and drugs, to coping with the ultimate embarrassing dad, this book is totally honest and totally Kelly.

Members Reviews:

Need a refund.

Easily the worst book I've ever read. Full of nothing. Goes nowhere. Why did I purchase this book?

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Title: The Long Snapper

Author: Jeffrey Marx

Narrator: Jeff Rechner

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 30 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-25-09

Publisher: HarperAudio

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 20 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Celebrities

Publisher's Summary:

With the Patriots riding a 10-game winning streak and the playoffs only a few weeks away, they needed a fill-in for the obscure but vital job of snapping the ball for their punter and kicker a long snapper. Brian had received similar invitations to tryouts that yielded only disappointment - the teams always went with a younger guy. But could he really turn away from the chance of a lifetime?

The Long Snapper chronicles Brian's remarkable journey as he and the Patriots seek the ultimate trophy. Unfortunately, the dream come true turns into a personal nightmare as Brian struggles both on and off the field, and the pressure to perform on the biggest stage in professional sports nearly causes him to walk away. Seven weeks after leaving the classroom, however, Brian overcomes his greatest fear and snaps the ball on the historic game-winning field goal with only seconds left in the Super Bowl.

As told by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jeffrey Marx, The Long Snapper is the story of a man who finally achieves the success he has always wanted. Brian Kinchen's championship ring is a powerful status symbol for all to see. But his journey forces him to reexamine what really matters, and he realizes the true measure of a man has nothing to do with status: life is not about prestige; it is about passion and purpose. It is about impacting the lives of others. Brian Kinchen was a 38-year-old husband, father of four, and seventh-grade Bible teacher whose professional football career had been over for three years when the New England Patriots called on December 15, 2003.

Editorial Reviews:

Sports fans - and Patriots enthusiasts especially - will enjoy this gripping story of Brian Kinchen, a retired football player who was called back up to fill in as a long snapper for the New England team and battled extreme physical and mental stress to make it through to the Super Bowl one last time.

Pulitzer Prize winner Jeffrey Marx is a skilled reporter who deftly draws out the fears, strains, and hopes that weighed on Kinchen as he fought through this pivotal and extraordinary season, and voice actor Jeff Rechner, with his crisp, clear, clipped tones, brings the brash attitude of a sports commentator to his performance of this inspiring audiobook.

Members Reviews:

One long Christian commercial

This could have been an engaging sports story, but it is written like a Christian rock song. Pass on this unless you are a regular at bible study.

One more chance

Ever wish you had one more chance to do it over or turn back the clock from a previous experience. Jeffrey Marx gets the ultimate chance. From classroom to Super Bowl. Enjoyable story with the happiest of endings. Gives some interesting insight into life as a role player in the NFL.

A story you can just sit back and enjoy.

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Title: True Colours

Subtitle: My Life

Author: Adam Gilchrist

Narrator: William McInnes

Format: Unabridged

Length: 17 hrs and 8 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-04-09

Publisher: Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 30 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Celebrities

Publisher's Summary:

True Colours is his autobiography, and like the man himself it's incomparable. With unflinching honesty, intelligence, compassion and humour, Adam takes you into the world of cricket that few outside of the Australian team have ever seen. From his early struggles to establish himself, through to the giant achievements of the Australian test and one-day sides, True Colours offers an extraordinary window on Adam, on cricket's major stars and on the game itself.

Members Reviews:

A walk down memory lane

I really enjoyed this book for two main reasons. Firstly is because it brought back many fond memories of Gilly at his most attacking best. I could not help but regularly go to you tube and watch highlights as i listened. The second reason would have to be finding many behind the scene stories of events that took place but i never fully understood at the time. This was very enjoyable to be able to get a closer look at many of the cricketers that i had watched so much over the years. Gilly wasn't just a crowd favorite for his dare devil explosive batting but also for his humble warm hearted character that he is. You can enjoy both of these aspects listening to this book.

Oh and a really great job done by narrator although he did at times sound a little like Nic Schultz from blue healers

A really good book for cricket lovers of all countries, but not sure if it could hold interest to anyone who doesn't know of the iconic Aussie sports star

Brilliant!

Loved this book! Could not stop listening to it. This book gives an insight of what went on behind the scenes on all those fantastic games that I grew up watching! This was the first time I was sad to reach the end of my drive and couldn't wait to get back in the car to start listening to this again!

Congrats on a fantastic career and good luck for the future!!

So badly read.

I really can't believe how badly this was read, really spoiled the book.

I can't believe there wasn't an editor who put this right.

changed opinion of gilli

struggled to finish. it went on and on a bit. but i love the topic and was interested in the person. would have like the author to narrate. the nicknames were confusing.

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Title: Sandy Koufax

Subtitle: A Lefty's Legacy

Author: Jane Leavy

Narrator: Robert Pinsky

Format: Abridged

Length: 6 hrs and 14 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-09-09

Publisher: HarperAudio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 6 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Celebrities

Publisher's Summary:

He is the Jewish boy from Brooklyn, who refused to pitch the opening game of the 1965 World Series on Yom Kippur, defining himself as a man who placed faith over fame. This act made him the standard to which Jewish parents still hold their children. Except for his autobiography (published in 1966), Koufax has resolutely avoided talking about himself. But through sheer doggedness that even Koufax came to marvel at, Jane Leavy was able to gain his trust to the point where they talked regularly over the three years Leavy reported her book. With Koufax's blessing, Leavy interviewed nearly every one of his former teammates, opponents, and friends, and emerged with a portrait of the artist that is as thorough and stylish as was his command on the pitching mound.

Members Reviews:

needs better narration

the guy narrating the book sounds like he's chewing bubble gum the whole time. horrible

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Title: Jackson Family Values

Subtitle: Memories of Madness

Author: Margaret Jackson, Richard Hack

Narrator: Margaret Maldonado Jackson

Format: Abridged

Length: 2 hrs and 51 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-20-09

Publisher: Phoenix Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 30 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Celebrities

Publisher's Summary:

So why, in 1993, was she running for her life with her children? What had happened to this young woman to make her feel so threatened and so alone? What had she done to make Jermaine and the other Jacksons commit acts of verbal, physical, and legal terrorism upon her, when she only wished to be part of their family?

In Jackson Family Values, she tells about the ongoing hostility, paranoia, backbiting, and jealousy that pervades the family, and how suspected or acknowledged instances of rape, murder, abuse, and adultery have touched all their lives: how the greed and sexual swordsmanship of the Jackson males continually erodes the family fabric, and how physical violence is considered a negotiating tool.

Told with anecdotal humor and honesty, this is the story of how one young woman transcended years of betrayal and disillusionment to regain independence for herself and her children.

Members Reviews:

believable

Where does Jackson Family Values rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

you always can get the real scoop from the ex's. i wouldnt buy a book that was written from any of the jackson brothers or parents because you dont know what to believe. they are going to water down alot of info or make themselves out to be how they perceive themselves rather than how they realy are.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Jackson Family Values?

what she said about michael. i believve is true.

What about Margaret Maldonado Jacksons performance did you like?

she should become a narrator in books you would have never known the book was not from an experienced narrator. i really didnt think it iwas her that was narrating the book. they way she peformed it made you focus on the story than the person telling the story.

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

i was planning to listen to it in parts but it was so interesting that icouldnt put it down.

A Woman Scorned

I enjoyed the story about this mysterious family. But it should have been read with expression. The author read in a total monotone voice. It put me to sleep many times. As I listened, I felt like Jermaine's wife was a gold digger. She stayed in the marriage because she loved the limelight. She did not want to work. She was always looking to Katherine for something rather than stand on her own two feet. This wife chose t be a victim. So many of her stories read like a "poor pitiful me" story. The book was well written. But boring to hear. The only thing I would say to Margaret Jackson is- you are only a doormat when you lay down and let people walk all over you, Her lifeSTYLE was more important to her than her QUALITY of LIFE! Money can't buy you love.

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Title: Priceless Memories

Author: Bob Barker, Digby Diehl

Narrator: Bob Barker

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 8 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-06-09

Publisher: Hachette Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 36 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Celebrities

Publisher's Summary:

Bob Barker is best known as the epitome of game show hosts, having recently retired after 50 years on television, and 35 years of hosting The Price Is Right - the longest running game show in TV history. Here, he reminisces about his career as a game-show host during the heydey of television and beyond.

©2009 Bob Barker; (P)2009 Hachette

Members Reviews:

Absolutely PRICELESS!!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, if you are and were a true fan of BOB BARKER, you will enjoy this book!!

What did you like best about this story?

Learning about his humble beginnings and how it created the person we see on TV!!

What about Bob Barkers performance did you like?

He spoke so eloquently about his life and of his wife, as well as, how passionate he is regarding animal rights!!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

He is truly an amazing icon!!

Loved It!

What did you love best about Priceless Memories?

The old hollywood stories were great. An insiders look and who would have thought Bob Barker would have all those great stories.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Priceless Memories?

The fire escape at the hollywood party with the midget

Have you listened to any of Bob Barkers other performances before? How does this one compare?

Not applicable

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

Priceless, of course

I enjoyed this book.

Where does Priceless Memories rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

I really liked this book, I know ill be listening to it more than once.

What did you like best about this story?

I thought this was going to be more about the game show price is right. But he talks about his whole life, which was a nice treat.

What about Bob Barkers performance did you like?

I liked how he told his story. He made it seem as if he was in the same room talking to you.

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

Good question. Never gave that much thought.

Yep. It's Bob Barker alright.

Nice guy, talks about Truth or Consequences and Price is Right and his animal rights stuff.

He read it which was nice.