Listen to Most Popular Audiobooks in Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

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Title: My Top 40 at 40

Subtitle: Making the First Half Count

Author: Kari Loya

Narrator: Kari Loya

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 52 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-25-13

Publisher: XK Productions, LLC

Ratings: 1 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

How many folks have run to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, to the top of the Empire State Building, and with the bulls through the streets of Pamplona? That's just the beginning. In My Top 40 at 40: Making the First Half Count, Kari Loya presents an original, meaningful way to celebrate his 40th birthday - by sharing his own collection of forty favorite stories spanning six continents and two decades. Loya reflects on experiences we can all relate to, such as preparing for the first job interview or coping with a long commute. He shares adventures we might dream about, like a three-day James Bond theme wedding in Argentina or an epic horseback crossing of the Andes. He also reveals encounters we pray to avoid, including being audited by the IRS and even getting arrested.

The stories are full of surprise and are told with a keen eye, gentle humor, infectious curiosity, and an inspiring positive attitude towards embracing challenges and learning. This audiobook will motivate you to get out there and start racking up your own stories. It's not just for those turning 40 - it's the perfect gift for any milestone!

Members Reviews:

Entertaining and inspiring...

Guys grow up in different worlds than girls. They do things rather than talk about their lives, and certainly they are not used to sharing their feelings. That's why it's so unique to know what actually are a real man's thoughts and feelings. Here Kari steps in and opens the door to the masculine 'terra incognita'. What a rare treat for a woman to taste a sample of his world!

Best story? My vote goes here:a brave Gringo dares to understand a different America - this time not the North one. Many years ago such was my experience too. Perhaps this is why I was literally taken with Kari to different places where I could speak Spanish and kept wondering how living in Southern hemisphere impacts people's philosophy. I often wonder who is thinking upside down here - 'we' or 'them'? That is a hilarious déjà vu. I do not remember laughing out loud so hard while reading a book.

My recognition goes as well to the Publisher who created an outstanding multimedia mix - something quite different on the book market [...]. A compilation of pictures, text, narration (author speaking for himself) left me with an impression that now not only that I have come to know the Author quite well, but I have actually become his friend, too. This is not merely a book, but an adventure for every reader.

Inspiration for Adventure

I wasn't looking for it when I picked up this book, but I certainly found it: inspiration to live an adventurous life. Sure, Kari's list of adventures in the first 40 years of his life is awe-inspiring. It would take me years to travel, see, and live everything Kari has experienced. But Kari's book also reminds the reader about the adventures right in front of our eyes. Donning a backpack and cold-weather running gear, Kari decides to change up the normal New York commute. A snowstorm inspires a cross-country ski trip through Times Square. A walk down the hill to boldly introduce himself to a neighbor in Los Angeles leads to meeting the most famous voice-over actor in the world, a tour of his house, and a conversation about the trade.

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Title: Dance Until it Rains

Subtitle: Life Lessons from My Mother

Author: Andrew Jobling

Narrator: Andrew McFarlane

Format: Unabridged

Length: 3 hrs and 43 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-26-13

Publisher: Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

Dance Until it Rains shares the life of a remarkable lady, and in so doing, highlights the amazing lessons that each of us can learn, not only from her life, but also from our own. It is an inspirational story of love, hope, courage and overcoming the many obstacles life throws our way. It will help you to find the motivation to create a better level of wellbeing and a happier life for yourself.

Dance Until it Rains is a simple book with simple messages. Through the author's telling of his mother's journey as an immigrant fleeing from a war torn country, to her final death from cancer, Dance Until it Rains delivers a treasure trove of universal life lessons with the most important lesson being - to live life to the fullest. Dance Until it Rains is an audiobook that will make you laugh and make you cry. Most importantly, it will help you to find the motivation to create a better level of wellbeing and a happier life for yourself.

Members Reviews:

Brilliant book!

I love this book!

One feels as though they are on this journey with both Andrew and his mother, Sue.

There are inspiring messages each chapter. I have book marked several of these to re-read and put in place for my own life. There are very helpful tips on ways to change your life mentally and physically.

You will be glad you read this!

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Title: Screw It, Let's Do It

Author: Richard Branson

Narrator: Adrian Mulraney

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 36 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-14-13

Publisher: Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

"Screw it, let's do it!" is one of Richard Branson's favourite sayings. In this audiobook of the same name he reveals the lessons that have helped him through his business and personal life. Lessons like believing it can be done and that if others disagree with you try and try again until you achieve your goal; and that you must love what you do. These and other lessons, with examples of how he learned them and how he's used them, are included in this stirring and candid look at his lessons from an exceptional life, which will inspire you to make a difference in your everyday life.

Members Reviews:

Screw it!

I think I would have preferred Richard to narrate himself. but it was very good.

Great book

Broad subject matter from a truly inspiring business leader. I recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn the best

Virginspiring!!!

Such an inspirational man. Talented beyond words, achieving almost anything he desires in such an effortless manner.

Exceptional & gobsmackingly Inspiring!

Well written, great first hand stories all well told. Wow what a way to live & work! Great integrity & learning applied & shared across all adventures in life & business. Great advice on how to get better & better, expanding your greatness in great action that helps others as well!!

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Title: My Life with Ewa

Subtitle: The Early Years

Author: Tim Pratt

Narrator: Tim Pratt

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 47 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-07-13

Publisher: Library Tales Publishing

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

This delightful true story, written in the first person by the spouse of the title character, will have readers reliving their own pasts. Baby boomers will surely savor references to the pop culture, history, and politics of their collective youth as they get caught up in the personal lives of the author and his spouse.

In an afternoon you will learn how a speeding ticket and an interest in four-part a cappella harmony intersected with the Cold War to start the protagonists on the road to holy matrimony. Along the way, you will be charmed by the author's ability to engage you in this tale. From chance encounters with President Jimmy Carter and the late Pope John Paul II to a longshoremen's strike in Rouen, France, the plot meanders through the late 1970s as it entices you into wanting to know what happens next.

The book is part adventure, part travelogue, part nostalgia, and part love story. Be prepared to be thoroughly entertained in this initial offering by a gifted storyteller. We suspect it will not be his last.

Members Reviews:

Delightful!

My Life With Ewa: The Early Years is a happily-ever-after story about the author's courtship of his wife Ewa (pronounced EH-va), whom he met in the 1970s during a trip to Poland with a barbershop singing group from Iowa. (He was part of a Cold War program designed to teach Eastern Bloc countries about the virtues of democracy by sending groups of ordinary Americans to eastern Europe as good-will ambassadors.) As indicated by the publishers summary, it is hard to decide what genre this book falls intois it a romance, a humorous coming-of-age story, a travel book, or a lighthearted autobiography? Actually, its some of all of these things, but whatever it is, its really fun.

Since I am frequently put off by the stilted performances of first-time authors who read their own books, I was pleased to discover that in addition to being an entertaining writer, Tim Pratt is also a gifted narrator. Hes not afraid to poke fun at himself, and he has a good-natured, Im-just-telling-a-story delivery that is coupled with a willingness to sing and tackle foreign languages and accents. He handles it all with grace and style.

The book never failed to hold my attention, and at the end, I found myself wanting to know what happened next. Even if married life turned out to be a bit more mundane than the courtship (as it often does), Mr. Pratt seems to be one of those people that unusual things happen to. Or maybe its just that hes a born storyteller with the ability to make sock lint sound interesting (think Bill Bryson). Either way, Im hoping for a sequel.

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Title: Adversity Builds Character

Subtitle: An Inspirational True Life Story of Disability, Addiction, and Acceptance

Author: Tom Ufert

Narrator: John Esposito

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 51 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-06-13

Publisher: Tom Ufert

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

From an early age, author Tom Ufert can remember his grandmother proclaiming that adversity builds character. At the time, he didn't completely understand what it meant-or know that he would actually live it.

In Adversity Builds Character, Ufert shares the events that altered and shaped his life and shows how, with God's help, he was able to survive, thrive, and inspire others. In this memoir, he narrates his life story and tells about the adversity he has faced-his mother's early divorces; the breakdown of his relationship with his sister; his adoption by family friends; his mother's illness and murder; his contact with a predatory pedophile; his questioning of his own sexuality, bisexuality, and eventual acceptance of being gay; alcoholism and sexual addiction; diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis and HIV; and paralysis from a car accident.

Revealing, honest, painful, and tender, Adversity Builds Character communicates the power of the human spirit to overcome the trials of modern life. It shows how Ufert's suffering paved the way for a deep appreciation for life and God's role in the world.

Members Reviews:

Biased But Proud

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

I do recommend this book to all my friends because it is an honest and deeply inspirational portrayal of real life events. As the author I am naturally biased but frankly speaking, my intention is to inspire others with a simple fact...IF I CAN OVERCOME ALL OF THESE CHALLENGES - SO CAN YOU.

What did you like best about this story?

It's my life, at least the first thirty years, and despite my adversities I have lived a blessed life and want to do what I can to make the world a better place.

Which scene was your favorite?

My personal favorite was Chapter 9, "Goodbye Mom". It was my most descriptive and heart wrenching because I've relived it a thousand times. Narrator John Esposito really brought that chapter, indeed the entire book, to life. However, any person who has ever experienced the sudden and tragic loss of a loved one can really feel the anguish, pain, regret, and depression brought out in this scene.

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

Elements of modern society's controversial figures are all here...Kevorkian, Sandusky, Reagan, and even God Himself are all swirled together in one man's life experiences.

Any additional comments?

If for no other reason, read this book to re-affirm in your own heart and soul that the human spirit, with the help of God and a few good people, can overcome any adversity.

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Title: Griefland

Subtitle: An Intimate Portrait of Love, Loss, and Unlikely Friendship

Author: Armen Bacon, Nancy Miller

Narrator: Nancy Miller

Format: Unabridged

Length: 4 hrs and 24 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-01-13

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

Griefland. It's a place no one wants to visit - a place without borders where language is inadequate and pain is constant. It's a place where every morning, one awakens to the stark reality that a loved one will never be seen, heard - or embraced - again. This is a place that Armen Bacon and Nancy Miller know all too well, for both of them, when they met, had lost a child to drug addiction. Both of them had also enjoyed a comfortable, middle-class life - until it was rocked by the sudden death of a son Alex, and a daughter, Rachel.

Griefland provides an intimate, true portrait of what tragedy does to the human soul, how it changes ones life, and most important, how it can be survived. With achingly beautiful language, this audiobook explores the acute moment-to-moment experience of grief. But it also transcends that and speaks to the redemptive power of friendship, trust, intimacy, and love. Together they discover a will and desire to move forward, recognizing that life is the ultimate prize for those who survive this excruciating journey.

Members Reviews:

Griefland Member

Having lived with the insidious grief monster for the last four years, "Griefland" describes perfectly the journey no parent every wishes to travel. The authors' words in this beautifully scripted book put to paper what I have been unable to describe to any person, unless they, too, have traveled alongside the monster that strips away every ounce of normalcy that once resided in their life. People want you to return to the way you once were, but that person has left the building -- never to return. Instead, we emerge as someone we ourselves do not even recognize. Parents who have suffered this type of loss become masters at wearing masks to hide what is boiling up inside, waiting to escape -- usually at the most inconvenient of times. Armen and Nancy have masterfully explained this journey, so that even one who has never been there gets a glimpse of what the surviving parents go through. The pain doesn't just go away at some magical date - - it remains -- as does our journey until the day we meet our children and the pain finally subsides.

I have read many grief books, but never one such as "Griefland," which describes the life we members of the "Cemetery Club" endure.

My sincere thanks to the two brave women who poured their souls onto paper so the rest of us can survive another day.

Eloquently written travels of two women down the road of grief

I lost my 23 year old daughter to suicide 4-11-13 which was totally unexpected because she had never showed signs of depression and she a wonderful person and 3rd year medical school student. I have read a few books on the loss of a loved one to suicide and some have been helpful. A friend of mine who also lost her daughter to suicide suggested this book to me and I'm so glad that she did. Though these 2 ladies lost their children to drug overdoses and mine to suicide, this journey of grief and devastation is the same. Both situations leave you wondering what went wrong.

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Title: I Wish I Were Engulfed in Flames

Subtitle: My Insane Life Raising Two Boys with Autsim

Author: Jeni Decker

Narrator: Tess Malis Kincaid

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 42 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-31-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 4 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

The down and dirty world of one autism mom's journey - from sex-ed to Santa Claus.

Jeni Decker is five-foot nothing and one hundred and [redacted] pounds - a self-described roly-poly, forty-something, Reubenesque bon-bon of a gal, often called cute but never sexy. She has two sons with autism on opposite ends of the spectrum (Jake and Jaxson), a husband who prefers hunting to household chores, an Australian Shepherd named Sugar, and an albino frog named Humbert Humbert. This is her story - a brash, personal, and sometimes shocking memoir of one womans determination to raise two healthy kids with autism and keep her sanity in the process.

Its not always easy. Between poop incidents, temper tantrums, and the helpful advice about parenting from her fellow citizens in the grocery store, Jeni often finds herself wanting to throw something. With chapters like: Tickling the Weiner, Why I Hate Pokemon, Santa: Give It a Friggin Rest, Already, and Oprahs the Reason My Kid Thinks I Want to Drown Him in the Tub, I Wish I Were Engulfed in Flames also includes mini-chapters written by her eldest son, Jake.

Listeners looking for laughter and inspiration will find it here aplenty, along with tons of surreal anecdotes that will have you either shaking your head in disbelief (for those unacquainted with the world of autism) or nodding with recognition (for those who are). As Jeni says, I developed a new normal.

Editorial Reviews:

When an audiobook is titled I Wish I Were Engulfed in Flames and the opening chapter is "Tickling the Wiener", listeners know they'll be in for a hilarious ride. Jeni Decker, a self -described "roly-poly, Reubenesque bon-bon of a gal", is just trying her best to keep her household running smoothly with her two boys at opposite ends of the Autism spectrum and a husband who's more at home hunting than sweeping. With a satirical and sharp performance by narrator Tess Malis Kincaid, this memoir from Decker provides laughter and inspiration for all members of the family.

Members Reviews:

Great to know I'm not alone.

loved this book!

It is wonderful to know that someone else has similar crazy experiences.

Have re-read many times.

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Title: Navel Gazing

Subtitle: One Womans Quest for a Size Normal

Author: Anne H. Putnam

Narrator: Stephanie Cannon

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 25 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-21-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 1 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

For anyone who's ever avoided the mirror, skipped swimming, or got stuck in a dress in a changing room...

Almost every woman worries about her weight. For Anne H. Putnam, it became unavoidable: By the age of 17 she weighed over 20 stone and had tried everything, from dieting to fat camp to wearing big t-shirts. When she decided to have weight-loss surgery, she thought everything would change. But now, nine years later and ten sizes smaller, she has discovered that changing your body doesn't automatically change how you feel about it.

Navel Gazing is a funny, passionate and no-holds-barred memoir of one woman's quest to accept her own body; to feel normal. It will make you laugh, cry, cringe, and wonder why it's so hard for women to feel happy with the way they look.

Members Reviews:

Glad It's Over

Tedious, tortuous listen about a spoiled, incredibly crude, amazingly self-absorbed individual. I couldn't wait for it to be over. I have been over weight all my life, but I guess I can give this book credit for keeping me from ever thinking about having gastric bypass surgery.

Weight loss surgery not that quick fix

I loved this book. It tells all about how being fat feels and how weight loss surgery seems to be the answer. It gives a true prospective on how you feel and what happens to your body afterwards. The fixes you need for loose skin that are not fixes that leave you with scars which need as much hiding as the fat did and the worse thing is you can still put weight on!

This could be my story and many other weight loss surgery patients - well written with a voice of honesty and a sense of fun. A must read. Thank you!

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Title: Personal Best

Author: Marc Woods

Narrator: Glen McCready

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 48 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-20-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

It's not always easy to embrace life, to get up and go, to follow your dreams and make things happen, but after losing his leg to cancer as a teenager, thats exactly what Marc Woods did - and went on to become a Paralympic Gold medallist. The determination and dedication that Marc showed to achieve that feat is shared with us in this powerful book.

His inspiring story is the motivation we all need to start being the best we can be.

Personal Best will help you to:

Marc Woods is a five-time Paralympian, and has won 12 Paralympic medals and 21 championships medals. He was a member of the British Olympic Athletes Commission and a founding member of the British Athletes Council. He works extensively with individuals, teams and global businesses, encouraging them to develop best practice within their given areas of interest. Approximately 25,000 people each year watch him deliver his motivational presentations.

Critic Reviews:

Vibrant and instructional ... fresh, original and devoid of the usual sound bites and transatlantic psychobabble of many books of this genre..." (The Independent on Sunday)

"Personal Best is a truly inspirational book, written with great honesty, compassion and humility. Marc's ability to overcome adversity and triumph in so many diverse areas is an example to us all." (Sarah, The Duchess of York)

"Marc has a remarkable story and is an absolute inspiration." (Roger Daltrey)

Members Reviews:

Not a personal development book

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

When I got it I couldn't wait to start. By chapter 3 I can't wait for it to end. I thought it was a PD book but it has turned out to be Marc Woods' biography. His is a story about overcoming severe challenges to become great but this book is, well, all about how great he is/was. So it's an okay bio, but not a PD book.

Would you ever listen to anything by Marc Woods again?

Probably not.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

He was reading it like a novel and perhaps that detracted from the content. There was almost a smug wink read into some of the content, like 'you'll never believe it but it was cold that February morning, (sardonic tutting and a roll of the eyes)'.

Could you see Personal Best being made into a movie or a TV series? Who would the stars be?

No - not that kind of story.

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Title: My Message is C.L.E.A.R.

Subtitle: Hope and Strength in the Face of Lifes Greatest Adversities

Author: Gabe Murfitt, Gigi Murfitt

Narrator: Gabe Murfitt

Format: Unabridged

Length: 3 hrs and 17 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-28-12

Publisher: Made for Success, Inc. and Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

Join Gabe Murfitt as he shares his story of learning to live in a uniquely formed body. Through Gabes C.L.E.A.R. formula, you will discover how you can haveCourage to face lifes challenges;Leadership that is encouraging and compassionate;Endurance in hard times;Attitude that enables you to achieve your goals;Respect for others and yourself.

Gabe Murfitt is an inspiring speaker who challenges his audiences to live with courage in the face of lifes greatest adversities. Born with three-inch arms and standing a little over three-feet high, Gabe lives out his message, courageously sharing his experiences and reaching deep into the hearts of those who hear him speak. His uplifting story has been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, and local news stations.

Critic Reviews:

"[A] powerful, inspiring, encouraging message." (Gail Welborn, Examiner.co)

"I have enjoyed getting to know Gabe. He gives true meaning to the word 'perseverance', and he and his strong family have used the platform that Gabes disability has provided to spread a message of hope and courage. It seems that Gabe has no limits and his story is one that we can all learn from." (Cal Ripken, Jr., MLB Hall of Famer)

"One look at my friend Gabe raises a lot of questions. Where does this young man get his bright, upbeat attitude? What keeps him going? Answers to these questions and more are what makes Gabes story of faith and courage so riveting. So enjoy getting to know Gabe. Your outlook on the future will be a lot more clear!" (Joni Eareckson Tada, Joni and Friends International Disability Center)

Members Reviews:

Good read

I really like this book. We have had Gabe at our school and he is fabulous. Just an FYI, Gabe mentions God's role in his life frequently, which is great, but made it challenging to read a loud to my public school students. the CLEAR message is wonderful.

Great Reminder!

Gabe reminds us all, no matter what each day brings, there is always something you can focus on that will bring you joy. What an inspiration you are Gabe! Bless you !

Unequivocal story of triumph in the midst of hardship

My message is CLEAR written by Gabe Murfitt with the assistance of Gigi Devine Murfitt is a captivating story that can be told over and over. This book is a wonderful account of a life that began with unspeakable disability. Gabe was diagnosed with Pseudo-Thalidomide TetraPhocomelia. He was essentially born with short arms and crooked legs. The front of the book cover shows a beautiful picture of Gabe and you can see clearly his disability. This is really not the story though. Gabe's story is not just about the physical limitations in my view although its right there in front for everyone to see, but rather the unseen. Its Gabe's journey and his thoughts, his feelings, his actions of how he dealt with a body that he was given yet a brain that is completely normal.

Gabe's story encompasses many avenues a young child or person usually does not have to go through which included many professionals in the medical world. Gabe has also been strengthed by the enormous assistance of family, friends and above all else a loving God.