Download the Top 100 Audiobooks in Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

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Title: The Art of Intelligence

Subtitle: Lessons from a Life in the CIA's Clandestine Service

Author: Henry A. Crumpton

Narrator: David Colacci

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs

Language: English

Release date: 05-16-12

Publisher: Penguin Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 548 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

A legendary CIA spy and counterterrorism expert tells the spellbinding story of his high-risk, action-packed career while illustrating the growing importance of America's intelligence officers and their secret missions.

For a crucial period, Henry Crumpton led the CIA's global covert operations against America's terrorist enemies, including al Qaeda. In the days after 9/11, the CIA tasked Crumpton to organize and lead the Afghanistan campaign. With Crumpton's strategic initiative and bold leadership, from the battlefield to the Oval Office, U.S. and Afghan allies routed al Qaeda and the Taliban in less than 90 days after the Twin Towers fell. At the height of combat against the Taliban in late 2001, there were fewer than 500 Americans on the ground in Afghanistan, a dynamic blend of CIA and Special Forces. The campaign changed the way America wages war. This book will change the way America views the CIA.

The Art of Intelligence draws from the full arc of Crumpton's espionage and covert action exploits to explain what America's spies do and why their service is more valuable than ever. From his early years in Africa, where he recruited and ran sources, from loathsome criminals to heroic warriors; to his liaison assignment at the FBI, the CIA's Counterterrorism Center, the development of the UAV Predator program, and the Afghanistan war; to his later work running all CIA clandestine operations inside the United States, he employs enthralling storytelling to teach important lessons about national security, but also about duty, honor, and love of country.

No book like The Art of Intelligence has ever been written - not with Crumpton's unique perspective, in a time when America faced such grave and uncertain risk. It is an epic, sure to be a classic in the annals of espionage and war.

Members Reviews:

Looking for a place in History?

Interesting but not fascinating. This book contains details of the CIA's involvement in various world events but these are muddied by the author's use of acronyms and un-necessary descriptions of the physical attributes of his characters. It would have been much more rewarding to learn more about their interactions with others and less about whether they could 'growl, spit' etc. That the author was flattered by the fact that George W. Bush put his hand on his back is, perhaps, understandable but self-aggrandizing and his recall of conversations had with various people is either a result of perfect recall or that they were all recorded - both of which are unlikely. Still, there are lessons to be learned and the author points out some of these very clearly. It is to be hoped that politicians and public servants have taken note and action.

A biographical Text Book.

Is there anything you would change about this book?

The organization. He organizes it in chronological order in parts, intelligence collection methods in others, and in other various ways. It makes allows for too many rapid departures and side stories.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Break it out into clear sections. Only occasionally drift off subject. Do not use the side story as a vehicle to lengthen the book and drive home obvious points.

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Title: Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl Written by Herself

Author: Harriet Ann Jacobs

Narrator: Jean Barrett

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 55 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-08-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 251 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

One of the first personal narratives written by an ex-slave, this is also one of the few written by a woman. Harriet Jacobs (1813-97) was enslaved, along with her family, in North Carolina under a ruthless master who sexually harassed her. After several failed escape attempts, and several years of hiding, she finally made her way North to freedom, where she was eventually reunited with her children. The book was published in 1861.

Editorial Reviews:

Literate Harriet Jacobs escaped from slavery after many tries, finally freeing herself of a cruel, sexually abusive master. Jacobs survived to write and expose the horrors of life in slavery. Her autobiography substantiates the abuse endured by female slaves. Jacobs writes about her past with an almost academic detachment. Having survived she evolves into a historian, bent on accurately recording the damning truth for the purpose of social indictment. Narrator Jean Barretts calm conversational tone matches Jacobs understated language. Just like Jacobs, Barrett sounds educated and self-possessed. There is subdued passion in her voice, but no hysteria. Barretts precise speech and ironically polite oration underscores the miserable details of what Jacobs endured and triumphed over.

Critic Reviews:

"One of the major autobiographies of the African American tradition." (Henry Louis Gates, Jr.)

"Harriet Jacobs in her narrative reveals how she refused to be victimized within her own mind, but rather chose to act instead from a steadfast conviction of her own worth.... Hers is an example worth emulating even in these modern times." (Louise Meriwether)

Members Reviews:

Incredible Journey

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

Yes, I would recommend this book in audio format. No matter where I am, my place in the book is always kept for me.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved Harriet and her voice. She says the words that she was thinking. Her pain is evidenced when she faces challenges thrust upon her family by the evil doctor.

Which scene was your favorite?

The part where she hid under the stairs or crawlspace knowing she cold not let her family know where she was---for that action would place them in danger.

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

It made me somber in reflecting the true journey of American slaves.

Any additional comments?

This book was especially wonderful to read in February, Black History Month. Now I will read another true story called "12 Years a Slave". A real appreciation for the history of African American brothers and sisters whose stories were silenced but now are loud and proud. A story that needs to be told and lessons to be learned.

A precious perspective

What made the experience of listening to Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl Written by Herself the most enjoyable?

This first-person perspective had me using the dictionary feature on the Kindle several times. Very eloquent and honest. I'm glad this story was recorded so we can all enjoy it for decades to come.

What about Jean Barretts performance did you like?

Barrett's narration brings the story to life in a way that makes you want to give Harriet Jacobs a hug afterward!

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

I couldn't pull myself away.

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Title: Always Running

Subtitle: La Vida Loca: Gang Days in L.A.

Author: Luis J. Rodriguez

Narrator: Luis J. Rodriguez

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 34 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-01-12

Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 134 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

By age 12, Luis Rodriguez was a veteran of East L.A. gang warfare. Lured by a seemingly invincible gang culture, he witnessed countless shootings, beatings, and arrests, then watched with increasing fear as that culture claimed friends and family members. Before long, Rodriguez saw a way out of the barrio through education and successfully broke free from years of violence and desperation. Achieving success as an award-winning poet, he was sure the streets would haunt him no more - until his son joined a gang. Rodriguez fought for his child by telling his own story in this vivid memoir. At times heartbreakingly sad and brutal, Always Running is ultimately an uplifting true story, filled with hope, insight, and a hard-learned lesson for the next generation.

Critic Reviews:

"Rodriguez's account of his coming of age is vivid, raw...Here's truth no television set, burning night and day, could ever begin to offer." (

The New York Times Book Review)

"Every spiky anecdote from a life of guns, razors, uppers, downers, glue, heroin, sex, and early death supports this former gang member's view of the violence as collective suicide. That Rodriguez's memoir takes place... before the '92 L.A. riots only makes this beautifully written and politically astute account more compelling." (

Entertainment Weekly)

"Luis J. Rodriguez gives voice to a unique American experience...compelling...[a] fascinating, brutal and ultimately triumphant chronicle." (

The Philadelphia Tribune)

Members Reviews:

Book for all educators

This is a book that should be read by all who educate children/teenagers. We need to make sure we are still Honoring our Latino students heritage and are aware of their cultural background and struggles.

Too close to home

Great book brought home many memories of the good and the bad still out there

Narration like no other

This is an important book for many reasons. The narration, by the author, is remarkable and brilliant.

Decent book. Jumps from one subject to another.

The story can be strong. There's a lot of downtime in the narrative. Not a lot of violence but more focused on the authors youth at school and jumping from a gang to another.

The book does have its moments. Memorable scenes of stabbing, forced into committing assaults, but these are anomolies in a narration mostly focused on everyday mundane details about attending school and the obstacles all Latinos face in schools that don't share the same interest.

one man's gift to the world

this book will invite you, snatch you, and bewitch you. these words can never be unheard, they are a light that can never leave your eye.

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Title: Son of Hamas

Subtitle: A Gripping Account of Terror, Betrayal, Political Intrigue, and Unthinkable Choices

Author: Mosab Hassan Yousef

Narrator: Mosab Hassan Yousef

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 44 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-23-11

Publisher: Tyndale Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 699 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

Since he was a small boy, Mosab Hassan Yousef has had an inside view of the deadly terrorist group Hamas. The oldest son of Sheikh Hassan Yousef, a founding member of Hamas and its most popular leader, young Mosab assisted his father for years in his political activities while being groomed to assume his legacy, politics, status...and power. But everything changed when Mosab turned away from terror and violence and embraced instead the teachings of another famous Middle East leader.

In Son of Hamas, Mosab Yousef - now called Joseph - reveals new information about the worlds most dangerous terrorist organization and unveils the truth about his own role, his agonizing separation from family and homeland, the dangerous decision to make his newfound faith public, and his belief that the Christian mandate to love your enemies is the only way to peace in the Middle East.

Members Reviews:

Absolutely riveting!!!

Where does Son of Hamas rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

This is one of the best non-fiction audio books that I've ever listened to. Every Christian and Muslim needs to hear his story. It will give you much insight into the situation in the Middle East from a different perspective than you've probably heard.I always hear the struggle from the view point of Western Christians and I've often wanted to hear the story from the side of a Palestinian who honestly wanted peace and truth.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Son of Hamas?

My heart ached for Mosab's family as I read the story, motivating me to pray for them. I have a Muslim friend whom I want to give the book to. She is a Palestinian Israeli and I know that she longs for peace. I pray that his story might lead her to that Peace. Most definitely worth the price of purchase and the time invested to listen.

Very insightful look at the underbelly of Hamas.

Just finished Son of Hamas by Mosab Hassan Yousef. I found it pretty insightful and easy to follow. He gives you the perspective of a young Palestinian man growing up in the occupied territories. I found it interesting how he eventually saw the dirty underbelly of a corrupt terrorist organization and worked with the Israeli's secret police to try and incapacitate it. His views on Christianity are eye opening. A great book to read if you're at all interested in the Palestinian peace process. The narration is very well done.

There's at least a slight chance

What made the experience of listening to Son of Hamas the most enjoyable?

As the courageous authors points out, there's a at least a small chance that minds can be changed and the violence can stop. Maybe some people in the Middle East will read this book and question the tactics being used.

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Title: Wild Swans

Subtitle: Three Daughters of China

Author: Jung Chang

Narrator: Joy Osmanski

Format: Unabridged

Length: 22 hrs and 58 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-13-11

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 919 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

Few books have had such an impact as Wild Swans: a popular best seller that has sold more than 13 million copies, a critically acclaimed history of China, a tragic tale of nightmarish cruelty, and an uplifting story of bravery and survival. Through the story of three generations of women in her own family - the grandmother given to the warlord as a concubine, the Communist mother, and the daughter herself - Jung Chang reveals the epic history of China's 20th century. Breathtaking in its scope, unforgettable in its descriptions, this masterpiece is extraordinary in every way.

Critic Reviews:

"An inspiring tale of women who survived every kind of hardship, deprivation and political upheaval with their humanity intact." (Hillary Clinton, in

O, The Oprah Magazine)

"

Wild Swans is riveting. It's blindingly good: a mad adventure story, a fairy tale of courage, and a tale of atrocities. You can't, as they say, put it down. (

The New Yorker)

Members Reviews:

Fascinating book!

This book was interesting and educational. This is the best portrayal of events inside China before, during and after the cultural revolution that I have ever read. It gave me a great understanding for the culture of present day China.

Wonderful book and great audio-book!

This true account of the lives of the author, her mother, and her grandmother reads like a novel. The story takes the listener through many significant events in modern chinese history through the eyes of these amazing women. You won't be able to stop listening!

Eye opening

Where does Wild Swans rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

long...and very educational

What was one of the most memorable moments of Wild Swans?

cultural revolution

Have you listened to any of Joy Osmanskis other performances before? How does this one compare?

no

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

the tea room got to me with the od man

Any additional comments?

hard book to listen to for me. started out really interesting but i got a little bored with it. there was a little bit too much detail about some things. but overall i feel very educated now about communist china. it was a great book.

A real shocker!

Jung Chang reveals what it was like growing up in Mao's China. And she managed to escape with her life. Her sequel, "Mao: the untold story" is even more shocking!

Accurate, moving and chilling

I live in Beijing with my Chinese wife who was a high school student during the Cultural Revolution. I have many Chinese in-laws with first hand experience of the world which June Chang reveals to us. As I listened, I shared the book with them and they ratified its accuracy and approved the pitch perfect truth of the portrayal of the years before the "opening up" which came after the death of Mao. As a result, I experienced the book as an especially dynamic encounter with the personal histories of those around me, and this may be why I can give it five stars.

That said, it is true that the book is exceptionally detailed in its approach, and for some readers this may be excessive. There is, however, so much to recommend this in depth examination of the spiritual, emotional and ethical rape of an entire culture at the behest of one man that I am convinced that most listeners will find the book well worth the hard work.

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Title: Rocket Boys

Subtitle: The Coalwood Series, Book 1

Author: Homer Hickam

Narrator: Tom Stechschulte

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 38 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-06-11

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 418 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

The New York Times best-selling memoir that inspired the film October Sky, Rocket Boys is a uniquely American memoir - a powerful, luminous story of coming of age at the dawn of the 1960s, of a mother's love and a father's fears, of a group of young men who dreamed of launching rockets into outer space... and who made those dreams come true. Nominated for the National Book Critics Circle Award, Homer Hickam's lush, lyrical memoir is a marvelously entertaining chronicle of triumph.

Critic Reviews:

"A thoroughly charming memoir... [An] eloquent evocation of a lost time and place." (

The New York Times)

Members Reviews:

Endearing Memoir of the Early Space Race

Born in the 40's or 50's? This book is for you -- full of nostalgic events and settings that will take you back to a time when poodle skirts and DA hair cuts, saddle oxfords and suede shoes were the fads of the day. Most of all, this memoir recounts in a wonderful voice, the coming to age of Homer Hickam in the coal country of West Virginia. While the story is mostly about boys, it is not just a story of interest to boys. Yes, it has science in it and views the world from the personna of a teenage male, but it will interest women who may remember these days too. It may even interest younger women who want to better understand the events that chartered America's leadership of the space race.

Great narration of a well crafted story. Highly recommended.

A memoir that reads like a novel

This is a coming of age story in a small West Virginia coal mining town. Not only does the author captivate you with his childhood story, he makes you applaud his and his friends accomplishments with amateur rocketry. His passion and imagination takes him to the stars. A great story showing that with a lot of passion and support, one can do anything in life. Except for his singing, the narrator did a good job. I think he would have been better off reading the lyrics.

Great Story about Growing Up

This book is probably my all time favorite memoir, though I admit I've read relatively little of the genre. It presents a rich portrait of life in late 1950's West Virginia that is simultaneously colored with nostalgia and lamentation. Ultimately though, there is a mostly happy ending that will leave the reader satisfied and with some lasting observations to ponder.

When I first read this book while still in school almost a decade ago, the part that grabbed my attention was the unifying narrative of the BCMA. The observations about the community were interesting, but rather removed from my experience, as was the complicated family dynamic. Now, though still somewhat foreign, and perhaps for that reason, the author's experiences struggling with his parents and the atmosphere of uncertainty that shaped the lives of everyone in his West Virginia mining town are just as if not more intriguing. The book while being nominally about something else, manages to explain the mechanics of mining, and life as a miner. If you didn't go to a high school where the only three likely outcomes for a boy were becoming a miner, a soldier, or going to college on a football scholarship, I think you would find these details enlightening.

The power of an education in science and math is something else this book illustrates wonderfully, and is a lesson I wish I'd heeded as a younger man.

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Title: Blood, Bones & Butter

Subtitle: The Inadvertent Education of a Reluctant Chef

Author: Gabrielle Hamilton

Narrator: Gabrielle Hamilton

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 8 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-01-11

Publisher: Random House Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1034 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

Before Gabrielle Hamilton opened her acclaimed New York restaurant Prune, she spent 20 fierce, hard-living years trying to find purpose and meaning in her life. Above all, she sought family, particularly the thrill and the magnificence of the one from her childhood that, in her adult years, eluded her. Hamiltons ease and comfort in a kitchen were instilled in her at an early age when her parents hosted grand parties, often for more than 100 friends and neighbors. The smells of spit-roasted lamb, apple wood smoke, and rosemary garlic marinade became as necessary to her as her own skin.

Blood, Bones & Butter follows an unconventional journey through the many kitchens Hamilton has inhabited through the years: the rural kitchen of her childhood, where her adored mother stood over the six-burner with an oily wooden spoon in hand; the kitchens of France, Greece, and Turkey, where she was often fed by complete strangers and learned the essence of hospitality; the soulless catering factories that helped pay the rent; Hamiltons own kitchen at Prune, with its many unexpected challenges; and the kitchen of her Italian mother-in-law, who serves as the link between Hamiltons idyllic past and her own future family - the result of a difficult and prickly marriage that nonetheless yields rich and lasting dividends.Blood, Bones & Butter is an unflinching and lyrical work.

Editorial Reviews:

From the chef of the excellently unpretentious New York restaurant Prune comes this delicious memoir charting her experiences with both feast and famine. Having gone to graduate school for creative writing, Gabrielle Hamilton is entirely able to describe her life story not only as a chef, but as a writer. As a bonus, she narrates the audiobook herself with the deep feeling and attachment one should expect from someone analyzing her own life. Hamiltons personality really shines through. With each deadpan punchline and every impeccable bit of Italian, it becomes increasingly obvious how Hamilton has managed to not only survive, but actually thrive, in the financially risky and still sadly machismo-dominated food service industry.

Beginning with her youth as a high school dropout abandoned by a hippie father and French mother, Hamilton relied on her experiences in the family kitchen to get hired as a waitress or line cook at a variety of average diners. Later, she travelled the world for a few months more on the strength of her wits than her wallet, learning about world cuisine from anybody willing to teach her. Her highly specific recollection of what it is like to be starving on a cross-county train ride is pure poetry, and the kind of thing one wants to hear directly from the mouth of the person who lived it. As Hamilton finds herself increasingly imbedded in the world of food, she is somewhat startled to realize that it has been her true passion all along.

There is easily something in here for everyone to enjoy. Industry people will appreciate the rant against brunch joints that offer a free mimosa. Aspiring chefs will be relieved to know that some fulfilling work-life balance is indeed possible. Foodies will delight in the comparison of regional Italian cuisine with its woefully inadequate American counterpart.

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Title: On Gold Mountain

Subtitle: The One-Hundred-Year Odyssey of My Chinese-American Family

Author: Lisa See

Narrator: Kate Reading

Format: Unabridged

Length: 18 hrs and 9 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-01-11

Publisher: Random House Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 170 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

Out of the stories heard in her childhood in Los Angeles's Chinatown and years of research, See has constructed this sweeping chronicle of her Chinese-American family, a work that takes in stories of racism and romance, entrepreneurial genius and domestic heartache, secret marriages and sibling rivalries, in a powerful history of two cultures meeting in a new world.

The result is a vivid, sweeping family portrait in the tradition of Alex Haley's Roots that is at once particular and universal, telling the story not only of one family, but of the Chinese people in America itself, a country that both welcomes and reviles immigrants like no other culture in the world. On Gold Mountain was a national best seller and a New York Times Notable Book.

Critic Reviews:

"Astonishing.... A comprehensive and exhaustively researched account of a Chinese-American family... that juggles such explosive elements as race, class, tradition, prejudice, poverty, and great wealth in new and relatively unexpected combinations." (

The Los Angeles Times)

Members Reviews:

Great story...awful narration

Would you listen to On Gold Mountain again? Why?

NO! I couldn't stand the narrator, despite my extreme motivation to listen, as my family has Chinese connections of great interest.

What did you like best about this story?

Personal, documented, interesting and well researched.

How could the performance have been better?

More feeling, less monotone...the narrator seemed to be judgemental, and extremely, irritatingly unemotional.

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

I got through 15%, and despite my motivation to learn more, I ordered the printed book and will ask for a refund for the recording...the narrator was extremely off-putting.

Any additional comments?

Has Lisa See listened to the narration? Despite the great reviews she has, I would NEVER listen to her narrate again!

documentary writing

Insights onto the lives of Chinese in the USA. Detailed research. A fascinating story of a family tree. But I really missed Lisa See's enchanting language which she is so good with! Of course, one has to remember that this is more like a documentary work of literature, not a novel.

Why Lisa See does not look Asian!

Yes I always wondered if she was Chinese and now I know that, yes she is. This nonfiction book on the background of See's background is interesting. Not a great new adventure story, but a true untraditional events that transpired starting with the many Chinese brought to the USA to work on the railroad. This isn't one on See's magnificent stories, but her real research on her ancestry is written in her wonderful style. If you can't get enough of See, and have not tried nonfiction, get this!

Good book. Solid Story.

While at times slow, this story was interesting and tells the true story of a family who lived during such an interesting time. I enjoyed it and would recommend it.

Interesting history

I enjoy her books. This was a bit long and very detailed bit taught me much about the history of the Chinese in California. Thank goodness for long drives. Not an exciting book but was quite informative.

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Title: The Woman Warrior

Subtitle: Memoirs of a Girlhood Among Ghosts

Author: Maxine Hong Kingston

Narrator: Ming-Na

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 28 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-18-11

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 253 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

Acclaimed author Maxine Hong Kingstons The Woman Warrior broke new ground when it was first published 35 years ago, weaving autobiography, history, folklore, and fantasy in to a candid and revelatory story about the daughter of Chinese immigrants in mid-20th century California.

Now in audio for the first time, The Woman Warrior is read by television and movie star Ming-Na (ER, Mulan) in a performance that captures the books amazing spectrum of hope, longing, fear, and strength.

Kingston, winner of the National Book Award and National Humanities Medal, beautifully mixes reality and fantasy in relating her experience growing up a stranger in America and an outsider to her familys history in China. Thanks to the authors unique storytelling style and voice, this book remains one of the most commonly taught college texts in America. Hear it performed here for the first time.

Editorial Reviews:

The Woman Warrior: Memoirs of a Girlhood Among Ghosts by Maxine Hong Kingston enchantingly swirls to life through actor Ming-Nas spirited reading. A modern classic that was originally published in 1975, The Woman Warrior is perfectly suited for audio production as the author brilliantly cloaked her childhood memories and family history in the rich brocade of Chinese folklore and superstition. Reality and folk tales became interwoven as Kingston, the child of Chinese immigrants, simply had no other way to figure out the world except through stories told to her by her mother and Kingstons own maturing awareness.

Ming-Na captures it all: the folklore ghosts, the family secret ghosts, and the ghosts who symbolized all that was new, confusing, and sometimes terrifying about life in America for Kingstons parents. There is a deep well from which to draw: a story that the author created to honor an aunt whose name had never been spoken after she shamed the family in China, the sometimes comical but distressingly painful story of another aunts descent into mental illness after she simply could not transform from Chinese villager to Los Angeles-based American grandmother, and finally the piercing, heartbreaking tirade as teenaged Maxine unleashes a lifetime of pent-up confusion and anger at her Chinese mother. Through it all Ming-Na astounds and entertains and perfectly characterizes the author as she grows from a small child with a childs sensibilities and impatience to the complex adult and gifted writer Kingston became.

The variety of characters in The Woman Warrior will have all who enjoy this selection certain that more than one performer is interpreting the book. Like the work itself, Ming-Na creates a wonderfully enjoyable illusion.

Members Reviews:

Hilariously Vicious; Touchingly Empathetic

This is a story about the collision of cultural across time. A generic 7th century culture collides with a generic 20th century culture.

Of course, time and place are interconnected. If the 20th century is the American Century then the 7th century (and maybe the 8th and 9th centuries as well) disserve(s) to be called the Tang Century(s). So this is also about the collision of Chinese Village culture on the cusp of modernity and American culture near the maximum of its rate of ascendancy..

It seems to me like this book should be studied in literature classes as a quintessential example of the modern literacy style.

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Title: Get Me Out of Here

Subtitle: My Recovery from Borderline Personality Disorder

Author: Rachel Reiland

Narrator: Mazhan Marno

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 53 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-10-10

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 366 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

Borderline Personality Disorder. "What the hell was that?" raged Rachel Reiland when she read the diagnosis written in her medical chart. As the 29-year-old accountant, wife, and mother of young children would soon discover, it was the diagnosis that finally explained her explosive anger, manipulative behaviors, and self-destructive episodes - including bouts of anorexia, substance abuse, and sexual promiscuity. With astonishing honesty, Reiland's memoir reveals what mental illness feels like and looks like from the inside, and how healing from such a devastating disease is possible through intensive therapy and the support of loved ones.

Members Reviews:

An Authentic Tale

As a long time psych nurse and someone with a close family member with the same disorder, I can vouch for the reality of this story and the havoc that is reaked upon both the person with the disorder, & the dysfunctional family whose insanity helped create the illness.

I would have like to see it delve more into detail of her family of origin, but that probably is because I'm used to more details in my work. I imagine it's detailed enough for the average reader. I would definitely recommend this to anyone needing a better understanding of borderline personality disorder-especially family members & friends. It's quite informative without being technical. I give it an A++

May be worth the pain.

Where does Get Me Out of Here rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

Anyone diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) or Post Taurmatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) will identify with the heroine as she struggles first to accept these new labels and then to fully participate in her treatment and recovery.

The book is not particularly well written; not particularly well narrated; but, it is the only book I have found that offers a first-person account of living through the traumas, diagnoses and treatment of BPD & PTSD. It was painful to listen to and yet tremendously helpful in my own efforts to manage, treat and shed mental illness.

If you suffer from mental illness or have a loved one who does AND can bear some graphic descriptions of sexual trauma (these are also very easy to skip) and mediocre writing, this book may be worth the read. Over and over I found myself saying,

Best Story on BPD

Thank you for sharing your story Rachel. I have much more compassion and knowledge about BPD because of you and can't thank you enough for your bravery in coming forward with the truth of your disorder. I'm amazed how you came through this and am so proud of you for the bravery you displayed and for who you are today.

Insightful for those with an Interest in BPD

This book was insightful for those with an interest in BPD. It more or less outlines a specific individuals' path with borderline personality disorder and is by no means a book that gives advice or suggestions to assist someone else suffereing with this disorder. It did give me a feeling of 'I'm not alone in this'.

Powerful story,amazing insight into psychoanalysis

This gripping story about a fragmented personality is a truly amazing insight into the workings, or failings, of the human mind and the psychiatrist who attempts to unravel the wounds and heal the very capable woman within.