Listen to Popular Titles Audiobooks in Bios & Memoirs, Celebrities

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Title: The Americans: 11 True Stories of Challenge and Wonder

Author: Michael Fuller, David Vachon, Paul Chrastina, Rick Bromer

Narrator: Michael Holmes

Format: Unabridged

Length: 3 hrs and 6 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-08-12

Publisher: Winfield & Scott

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 53 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Celebrities

Publisher's Summary:

Here are tales of adventurers, gifted and determined, who enriched our lives as they lived theirs with spirit and grit. Francis Scott Key, who turned glorious patriot as he saw Fort McHenrys defenders bombed but not bowed. Amelia Earhart, who became a famous pilot before she could fly. Slaves William and Ellen Craft, who ran a thousand miles for freedom using audacity and ingenious disguise. Butch Cassidy and Sundance, Barnum, Twain, Dix. The first female doctor, a Civil War spy, the sharpshooting Quaker girl of Buffalo Bills Wild West show, and the man who banished pain. Meet them all - discover the TRUE stories about the people you only thought you knew.

You can find the print versions of these and many more stories from OldNewsPublishing.com. The Americans is also in Kindle form on Amazon.com.

Members Reviews:

Who knew?

Any additional comments?

Most everybody loves a good story. For me in particular, not so much. Unless... it is a good story about real events which happened to real people. Then it becomes both compelling and full of intrigue.

Imagining what it must have been like to actually be there in a different time and place, I was struck by how vastly different society was when these characters walked American soil, and yet how human nature hasn't changed at all.

From the inspirational life of Amelia Earhart, to the scandalous escapades of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, to the amazing stories of obscure people I have never heard of, I was drawn in to each one's world and amazed by their courage, audacity, and vision.

This is just a sampling of countless people of similar talent and ambition who have made America a great nation, The narrator delivers the stories in a smooth manner that is easy to listen to, and provides just enough background music and sound effects to bring the stories to life.

I am already listening to it a second time... and no, I am not a history buff.

An enjoyable experience

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

Yes, interesting stories, good narration.

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

Yes. Great for passing the time while traveling.

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed the stories. Although I thought I knew about these people, I learned something new in each story. The narrator was excellent; not overdone so as to be tiring, but with just the right amount of intensity to add to the story.

Informative and well produced

I'm a documentary film maker and discovered this book doing research on a possible future project. I found the stories engaging and well told. The production is top notch with music and sound effects used to help "paint" a visual picture of the stories as they unfold. I think the narrator is spot on, not too sing-songy or overly dramatic, and he speaks with a warmth and feeling for the subject in a clear strong tone.

The American Character Brought to Life

What made the experience of listening to The Americans the most enjoyable?

An entertaining and informative dose of the American spirit. Something that is desperately needed today. Slip it into your kids' iPod and they just may discover what this country's all about.

Crisp writing, meaningful stories and highly listenable delivery by the talented Mike Holmes.

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Title: The Two: A Biography of the Original Siamese Twins

Author: Irving Wallace, Amy Wallace

Narrator: Michael Adashefski

Format: Unabridged

Length: 16 hrs and 13 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-17-11

Publisher: Crossroad Press

Ratings: 2 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Celebrities

Publisher's Summary:

They came into the world as one - inseparably tied together at their chests - yet they were two. They were born on May 11, 1811, on a bamboo mat in a small houseboat afloat on the river in the village of Meklong, located 60 miles west of Bangkok, the capital of Siam. They became world celebrities, American citizens, married two native-born Southern sisters, and between them fathered 21 children, while acquiring respectable status as landowners, famers, slave owners, and pillars of their local community.

"They" were the famous, the first, the original Siamese Twins, Chang and Eng, and their story is told in this fascinating and remarkable book in such detail, with such enormous insight and warmth, and with such a superb sense of drama, that one understands, for the first time, just how bizarre, heroic, tragic, and human their lives in fact were.

Linked by Nature, Chang and Eng were fated to spend their lives joined by a thick, fleshy ligament resembling an arm, five to six inches long and eight inches in circumference, that connected them at the base of their chests. Yet they could swim, perform gymnastic feats and lead "normal" lives. Together they built their own house, opened a store, became wealthy gentlemen farmers, skilled horse breakers and, when necessary, defended themselves with their fists.

The most fascinating part of the story is, of course, their physical link to each other; for as Chang and Eng grew older, each dreamed of a separate life, despite the obvious risks that an operation would entail, and each feared that the death of one would cause the death of the other. Nor were their natures altogether harmonious, for each was a highly individual person: Eng, quiet, contemplative, and even-tempered; Chang, hot-tempered, quarrelsome and, as he grew older, inclined to bouts of heavy drinking. Chang's insistence on going to his own house in midwinter (the brothers arranged to alternate three days in one's house and three days in the other's) eventually led to exactly the death both had feared, for Eng died, perhaps out of fright and shock, an hour after Chang's life ended.

The Two is a biography of two remarkable lives, astonishing in its extraordinary descriptions of the brothers' triumph over their handicap and fascinating in its exploration of just how the Siamese Twins lived, spent their childhood, adjusted to fame, fought against being exploited by showmen, promoters and well-wishers, loved (and made love) and searched in vain for the surgical miracle that could separate them. It is a startling, original, and moving book.

Members Reviews:

Entertaining & Informative.

Entertaining and informative history of the lives of the twins. It would deserve 5 stars except the narration - ( and pronunciation of reasonably common words ) was adolescent.

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Title: The Prodigy

Subtitle: A Biography of William James Sidis, America's Greatest Child Prodigy

Author: Amy Wallace

Narrator: Aze Fellner

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 27 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-09-11

Publisher: Crossroad Press

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 33 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Celebrities

Publisher's Summary:

William Sidis, 1897-1944, was the world's greatest child prodigy. His IQ was an estiamted 50 to 100 points higher than Einstein's, the highest ever recorded or estimated. His father, a pioneer in the field of abnormal psychology, believed that he and his wife could create a genius in the cradle. They hung alphabet blocks over the baby's crib-and within six months little Billy was speaking. At 18 months he was reading The New York Times; at three, Homer in the original Greek. At six he spoke at least seven languages.

Told with flair and insight ... this is his story.

Members Reviews:

A tarnished national treasure lost forever

Where does The Prodigy rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

Among biographies, this book ranks highly and is very thorough in its treatment of the subject. A very worthwhile listen and the best that I've heard this year.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

The relationship with his sister Helena was perhaps the most uplifting as she was the one person in the family who never turned her back on her brother.

What does Aze Fellner bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

He does a very good job of keeping the listener enthralled throughout the telling of the story. There are only two small slips of the audio whereby a sentence is repeated twice.

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

The book kept me captivated throughout and also served as a cautionary tale for me as a father.

Any additional comments?

The author is almost completely silent on why the father was never mentioned again, either positively or negatively after his passing. This was surprising, since the relationship seems to have been much stronger than that of the one between William and his mother.

Interesting, credible account.

Heavily researched and accessibly written. I have to give Ms. Wallace her due.

However, this story could have been told in a tighter prose. It also could have been more engaging by skillful use of the substantial drama throughout Sidis' life.

I was looking for a lot more detail on the specifics of his early childhood, but it's just an overview of the family peppered with a few colorful anecdotes. This is no how-to-guide and gives very little detail on the how Sarah Sidis produced such a remarkable individual.

Also, the author seems to echo the disparaging and dismissive attitude of the press at the time, treating Sidis as a cautionary tale - a victim of his own eccentricity. A premise I generally disagree with and dislike. I believe such treatment of Sidis and his ilk illustrates a deep insecurity in society and a need to discredit genius - the greater the genius, the greater the need to tear down that individual.

If this topic interests you, it's a recommend, but just barely.

The Human Brain is a Complex Thing

What happened to William James Sidis is not surprising. Sad, yes, but nothing as complex as the human brain can be predictable. He had great potential as a child but so did Bobby Fischer, the greatest chess player of all time. Both, after amazing feats of brilliance, burned out. "Endgame" can be found at Audible.

If you get a chance, listen to both "The Prodigy" and "Endgame" and compare these two brilliant, but ultimately tragic men.

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Title: The Garner Files

Subtitle: A Memoir

Author: James Garner, Jon Winokur

Narrator: Michael Kramer

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 14 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-01-11

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 135 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Celebrities

Publisher's Summary:

After suffering physical abuse at the hands of his stepmother, James Garner left home at fourteen. He became Oklahoma's first draftee of the Korean War and was awarded with two Purple Hearts before returning to the United States and settling in Los Angeles to become an actor. Working alongside some of the most renowned celebrities, including Julie Andrews, Marlon Brando, and Clint Eastwood, Garner became a star in his own right, despite struggles with stage fright and depression.

In The Garner Files, this revered actor and quintessential self-made man recalls "trying to decipher" William Wyler with Audrey Hepburn and Shirley MacLaine, breaking Doris Day's ribs, having a "heart-to-heart and eyeball-to-eyeball" with Steve McQueen, being "a card-carrying liberal---and proud of it," and much more. This audiobook features an introduction by Julie Andrews read by Wanda McCaddon.

Members Reviews:

Book moves smoothly

If your a fan, you'll like it. If not, you won't. I'm fan and liked it. He tells a good story and keeps the book moving at a smooth pace and does reveal things about who he really is.

The narrator was so good at capturing what my imagination thinks of as the essence of who James Garner is I would often have to remind myself that it wasn't James Garner narrating the book himself. I know darn well months from now my memory will make me forget that it wasn't James Garner who narrated this book because the narrator does such a good job.

In addition to Garner fans, golfers and race car enthusiast will appreciate this book since they are both a large part of what made Garner's life complete.

The Real James Garner

I've always loved James Garner, the actor and the man he appears to be--and I still do. His

life story gave me a window on a different age in a small Oklahoma town. Those experiences created the man we have all come to know.

I admit that I'm not interested in either golf or in car racing but, whether it was the narrator or the author's words, I listened with interest and laughed.

One of my favorite areas of the book were the brief stories at the end told by some of his family and closest friends. I felt that I had a much deeper look into the kind of man James Garner was and is.

The only thing that was jarring to me, being of a different political viewpoint than Garner, is his heated distaste for those of the opposing party. He is, of course, welcome to his viewpoint. All that I'm saying is that I wish he (and other actors) would understand that there are two differing viewpoints in this country and we, who don't accept his premise, are rather tired of reading negative comments directed at us. It's just my opinion and it didn't change my overall thoughts about the book.

I still recommend this book and the narrator. James Garner really IS a curmudgeon!

What a disappointment.

James Garner has always been a favorite of mine. I was looking forward to hearing more about him. Mid-way through the first download I gave up. I almost didn't buy the book because Michael Kramer was the narrator. I should have gone with my first thought. His delivery came across as snide and gossipy, picture the person at the edge of the room full of people leaning into the person next to him and whispering behind his hand.

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Title: Billy Connolly's Route 66

Subtitle: The Big Yin on the Ultimate American Road Trip

Author: Billy Connolly

Narrator: James McPherson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 44 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-11-11

Publisher: Hachette Audio UK

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 21 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Celebrities

Publisher's Summary:

The best-loved comedian in Britain hits the most famous highway in the world on an unforgettable journey.

Billy Connolly, music-lover, biker, and scourge of the beige and bland the world over, has dreamed about taking a trip on the legendary Route 66 since he first heard Chuck Berry belting out one of the greatest rock 'n' roll records of all time. And now he's finally had the chance to do it, heading out on his custom-made trike in search of the real America that can still be found beyond the nation's freeways. Travelling every one of its 2,278 miles from the skyscrapers of Chicago to Santa Monica Pier in California, Billy's journey takes him past many of the essential icons of the United States: the Gateway Arch in St Louis, Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon, and the funky neon-lit gas stations and diners that once lined the route. But it also gives him the chance to get to know the people who call it home, from Mervin the Amish carpenter, to fellow banjo enthusiast and obsessive instrument collector Rob, to Angel, one of the many people determined to keep the spirit of the Mother Road alive. Funny, touching and inspiring in equal measure, the tales he gathers on the way tell the story of modern America. And they might inspire a few people to get on their bikes as well.

With his unrivalled instinct for a good story, and the gregariousness that has made him our most engaging national treasure, Billy Connolly is the ultimate guide to the ultimate road trip.

Members Reviews:

Unbearably Liberal. Billy will ruin 66 for you.

Unfortunately, in afraid he will interpret "unbearably liberal" as a compliment if he ever reads this. It would be impossible to list all the ways this book disappoints so I'll limit it to only a few. First off, he constantly insults Christianity and really all religions. From literally making fun of Christian beliefs to going out of his way to describe Timothy McVeigh as a religious fanatic he constantly paints religious people as stupid, violent and useless. He goes so far as to be bewildered when he runs across someone he thought was intelligent, then discovered they attend church and trying to reconcile how that could be.

His politics rear their ugly head constantly. From saying we should spend government money on art not national defense to a long tangent on his great releasing wild wolves is (not one baby Elk or moose has survived in Yellowstone since their reintroduction) to countless other examples.

Further, he tells you multiple times not to visit the beautiful places he has been to because you will ruin them. Just watch his show, listen to his description and "leave it at that."

I am now less excited about my own 66 trip next year than ever before. Billy starts every description of a place or attracting by saying how great it was and then the remainder of the time he breaks that thing down, describing how dead and pitiful it is. He describes anything uniquely 66 as "tacky'." I thought it was odd a foreigner would describe the most American thing ever to us, how would be "get it?" Well... he certainly does not get it.

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Title: My Sh-t Life So Far

Author: Frankie Boyle

Narrator: Angus King

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 54 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-11-11

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 7 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Celebrities

Publisher's Summary:

Ever since being brought up by The Beatles, Frankie Boyle has been a tremendous liar. Join him on his adventures with his chum Clangy The Brass Boy and laugh as he doesnt accidentally kill a student nurse when a party gets out of hand. I don't think anyone can have written an autobiography without at some point thinking "Why would anyone want to know this shit?" I've always read them thinking "I don't want to know where Steve Tyler grew up, just tell me how many groupies he f**ked!"'

So begins Frankie's outrageous, laugh-out loud, cynical rant on life as he knows it. From growing up in Pollockshaws, Glasgow (it was an aching cement void, a slap in the face to Childhood, and for the family it was a step up'), to his rampant teenage sex drive (in those days if you glimpsed a nipple on T.V. it was like porn Christmas'), and first job working in a mental hospital ('where most evenings were spent persuading an old man in his pants not to eat a family sized block of cheese'), nothing is out of bounds.

Outspoken, outrageous and brilliantly inappropriate, Frankie Boyle, the dark heart of Mock the Week, says the unsayable as only he can. From the TV programmes he would like to see made ('Celebrities On Acid On Ice: just like Celebrity Dancing On Ice, but with an opening sequence where Graham Norton hoses the celebrities down with liquid LSD'), to his native Scotland and the Mayor of London ('voting for Boris Johnson wasn't that different to voting for a Labrador wearing a Wonder Woman costume'), nothing and no one is safe from Frankie's fearless, sharp-tongued assault. Sharply observed and full of taboo-busting, we-really-shouldn't-be-laughing-at-this humour, My Shit Life So Far shows why Frankie Boyle really is the blackest man in show business.

Critic Reviews:

If you like Harry Potter and the Da Vinci Code, why are you even looking at this, you retard?" (Jimmy Carr)

If you are suffocating in cosy Christmas cheer, this abrasively cynical, relentlessly misanthropic book might feel like a welcome faceful of ice-cold water straight out of the Clyde." (The Sunday Times)

"Quite triumphantly, this is the most abusive, obscene, insulting memoir yet publishedMany, many funny lines here. A difficult book to read sedately in public." (The Evening Standard)

Members Reviews:

Great Story...Shame Frankie Didn't Narrate It

Frankie's life from when he was born up until the book was published a few years ago. As his life story unfolds we are constantly bombarded by Frankie's biting opinions/anecdotes. If you love Frankie's work then it's an essential read. My only real complaint is that he does not narrate it and it would have been so much better if he had. Instead we get a perfectly competent Scots narrator but it's not quite the same - it's a bit like listing to his stand up routing delivered by someone else.

Excellent Listening

An insight into the soft underbelly of one of Britain's most acerbic and edgy comedians. Listeners will have fun discerning what is genuine from what is sheer hyperbole.

There's some good laughs in it as well, just when the narrative seems to lull Frankie smacks you in the chops with some bizarre observation that will make you laugh out loud and continue listening.

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Title: Stories I Only Tell My Friends

Author: Rob Lowe

Narrator: Rob Lowe

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 12 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-26-11

Publisher: Random House AudioBooks

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 151 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Celebrities

Publisher's Summary:

A wryly funny and moving account of an extraordinary life lived almost entirely in the public eye.

Teen idol at 15, international icon and founder of the Brat Pack at 20, and one of Hollywood's top stars to this day, Rob Lowe chronicles his experiences as a painfully misunderstood child actor in Ohio uprooted to the wild counterculture of mid-1970s Malibu, where he embarked on his unrelenting pursuit of a career in Hollywood.

The Outsiders placed Lowe at the birth of the modern youth movement in the entertainment industry. During his time on The West Wing, he witnessed the surreal nexus of show business and politics, both on the set and in the actual White House. And in between are deft and humorous stories of the wild excesses that marked the 80s, leading to his quest for family and sobriety.

Never mean-spirited or salacious, Lowe delivers unexpected glimpses into his successes, disappointments, relationships, and one-of-a-kind encounters with people who shaped our world over the last 25 years. These stories are as entertaining as they are unforgettable.

Members Reviews:

A surprisingly brilliant book

I say surprisingly brilliant, but I had seen the customer ratings and read a couple of reader reviews so it may not have been a total surprise.

I bumped into Lowe's autobiography while browsing for 80s cinema related books on Amazon. Admittedly Lowe had never rated that highly on my radar, but I noticed it had a solid star rating and decided to investigate further. This was to be my first of many books here on Audible. It is my favorite audiobook so far, out of 10 or so, due to both excellent performance by Lowe as a narrator and his brilliant storytelling.

Lowe tells us the story of his life so far, holds nothing back and seems to omit details only when it might otherwise hurt someone who is, or has been close to him. Lowe's pacing is great, he gives just enough detail to never become boring and somehow manages to make the ordinary events of his early life seem just as interesting as his later years as a movie star.

Highly recommended

Utterly fun!

If you could sum up Stories I Only Tell My Friends in three words, what would they be?

Insightful, witty, FUN

What was one of the most memorable moments of Stories I Only Tell My Friends?

His experience on the set of the outsiders. I felt like I was right there with them, a fly on the wall.

What does Rob Lowe bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

With his tone, he draws you in with him. Like you were having the conversation over a glass of pinot.

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

When he couldnt cry and Tommy gave him that little touching speech.

Any additional comments?

Halfway through it I purchased the movie the outsiders and watched it. Bawled! Stay Golden Rob!

Definitely worth listening to the audio version

This wonderfully written story is fascinating and moving, often at the same time. I bought the audiobook as I didn't think I'd have time to read the print book any time soon (lots of other things to read!) and I'm glad I chose the audio version because hearing Rob read it, as well as his spot-on impressions of his co-stars and directors, is hugely entertaining.

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Title: Willie Mays

Subtitle: The Life, The Legend

Author: James S. Hirsch

Narrator: Adam Grupper

Format: Unabridged

Length: 27 hrs and 29 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-09-11

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 38 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Celebrities

Publisher's Summary:

Willie Mays is arguably the greatest player in baseball history, still revered for the passion he brought to the game. He began as a teenager in the Negro Leagues, became a cult hero in New York, and was the headliner in Major League Baseball's bold expansion to California. He was a blend of power, speed, and stylistic bravado that enraptured fans for more than two decades. Now. James Hirsch reveals the man behind the player.

Mays was a transcendent figure who received standing ovations in enemy stadiums and who, during the turbulent civil rights era, urged understanding and reconciliation. More than his records, his legacy is defined by the pure joy that he brought to fans and the loving memories that have been passed to future generations so they might know the magic and beauty of the game. With meticulous research and drawing on interviews with Mays himself as well as with close friends, family, and teammates, Hirsch presents a brilliant portrait of one of America's most significant cultural icons.

Critic Reviews:

"Willie Mays had everything--except a first-rate biography. That omission has now been addressed by James S. Hirsch, who has produced a piece of artistry worhty of Mays in center field." (Bloomberg.com)

"James Hirsch has written an enormously entertaining and wide-ranging biography - a fitting tribute to Mays... and a thoughtful account of the complex and often misunderstood man.... True baseball fans will delight in the author's edge-of-seat game reports and picture-perfect descriptions of Mays' superlative talents.... This is a superb baseball book, but it's also a riveting narrative of Mays' life and times." (Seattle Times)

"A terrific new biography... [an] always engaging and enlightening book... A wonderful introduction to the magical life of one of the finest athletes ever." (San Francisco Chronicle)

Members Reviews:

If You Love Baseball... Learn about Willie

I have dedicated much of my time to listening to audible's great selection of baseball audiobooks. I have come to notice that when it comes to player biographies this is the style I enjoy the most. I know that sports writers do not like to post the players box scores in their books and want to go deeper, but Willie Mays has books written about him because he may be the greatest baseball player of all time. This book along with The Kid about Ted Williams finds a great balance of telling stories about the man and his life, and actually making you understand what the ballplayer did day in and day out. I love the detail, I love going season by season through Willie May's experience. I love getting to hear about the great World Series this Giant of the game played in. It is the next best thing to getting to watch Willie Mays play ball throughout his career which I did not have the opportunity to do. I also want to mention that with all the great game by game accounts, this book goes deep into the issues Willie went through in his personal life. The way he was perceived as a high profile African American man in a time when that was especially difficult. This is a well rounded book it fits the term comprehensive,and I am really glad I learned about Willie Mays.

Mays Still Hits The Ball Out of the Park

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

Yes.

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Title: Transition

Subtitle: The Story of How I Became a Man

Author: Chaz Bono

Narrator: Chaz Bono

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 44 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-03-11

Publisher: Penguin Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 72 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Celebrities

Publisher's Summary:

Chaz Bono's groundbreaking and candid account of a 40-year struggle to match his gender identity with his physical body and his transformation from female to male.

At first, America knew the only child of Sonny and Cher as Chastity, the cherubic little girl who appeared on her parents' TV show. In later years, she became famous for coming out on a national stage, working with two major organizations toward LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) rights and publishing two books. And just within the past 18 months, Chaz Bono has entered the public consciousness as the most high-profile transgender person ever.

All through the hoopla surrounding his change, Chaz has insisted on maintaining his privacy. Now, in Transition, Chaz finally tells his story. Part One traces his decision to transition, beginning in his childhood - when he played on the boys' teams and wore boys' clothing whenever possible - and going through his painful, but ultimately joyful, coming out in his 20s, up to 2008, when, after the death of his father, drug addiction, and five years of sobriety, Chaz was finally ready to begin the process of changing his gender.

In Part Two, he offers an unprecedented record in words and photographs of the actual transition, a real-time diary as he navigates uncharted waters. These chapters capture the day-to-day momentum of his life as his body changes.

Throughout the book, Chaz touches on themes of identity, gender, and sexuality; parents and children; and how harboring secrets shatters the soul. It is an amazing contribution to our understanding of a much-misunderstood community.

Members Reviews:

A great learning experience

I recently had a close friend transition. In order to understand his struggles and the process more easily, I sought out a book to help me. This book went above and beyond. Chaz is a great man to open up his story for the world. I can only imagine what an impact this will make on the transgender community. Very well-written and kept my attention the entire time. Thank you so much Chaz. It was an honor listening to your book.

I loved this book

I loved this book. It was so much richer than I expected and was very thought provoking.

I am impressed with Chaz Bono. He's not afraid of honesty or hard work. So many lessons to take away from this listen.

Just Write

I was pleasantly surprised! I usually think it's a mistake for authors to read their own material, but Chas does a nearly perfect job. I thought that after two previous books, the material would be stale; but no! He offers a fresh perspective. What I found very satisfying is that, just as he describes his newly found comfort and ease in living, his writing is evidence of it. The fresh freedom comes leaping off the pages. Energy and confidence!

The book is not overlong, and it only just slightly barely almost but not quite drags, in just a few tense places. Just when I thought, "Oh no, Chas! You've said just enough, don't say anymore", he pauses, and doesn't say anymore.

I saw his parents in concert, when Chastity was about three, and she wandered out on stage in red cowboy pants, a fringed shirt, white boots and a white cowboy hat. Although I don't follow vocalists or actors or celebrities generally, Chas has been a curiosity for me. From time to time I would see a picture or read a blurb with unusual interest.

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Title: Roseannearchy

Subtitle: Dispatches from the Nut Farm

Author: Roseanne Barr

Narrator: Roseanne Barr

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 13 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-04-11

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 129 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Celebrities

Publisher's Summary:

Roseanne Barr is a force of nature. Whether taking the sitcom world by storm, challenging accepted social norms, or battling the wild pigs inhabiting her nut farm in Hawaii, she is not to be trifled with. In this audibook, Roseanne unleashes her razor-sharp observations on hypocrisy, hubris, and self-perpetuating institutions of questionable value - as well as menopause, pharmaceuticals, and her grandkids. And she's as controversial, original, and funny as ever.

Raised half-Jewish, half-Mormon, and 100-percent misfit, Roseanne made a deal with Satan early on as the price she paid for stardom. But now she's looking to refinance the loan of her soul - this book represents her final exorcism of fame.

Displaying her brilliance and sharp wit, Roseanne discusses the humor of everyday life with musings on more serious topics, such as class warfare, feminism, the cult of celebrity, and Kabbalah. Bold, brash, and insightful, Roseannearchy shows that she can still skewer any subject under the sun and why The New York Times describes her appeal as the power of a whole planet, pulling everything around it inexorably into its orbit.

Members Reviews:

If "My Lives" left you wanting more......

.....by all means get "Roseannearchy". It tells a more complete story of who she is, why she made her infamous choices, the price she paid, and why she'd do it again in a heartbeat. If you are a fan of Roseanne, hearing her tell her story is icing on the cake. If you aren't a fan of hers, but you crave strong, fearless women, this audiobook will satisfy your appetite.

Irreverent, deliciously funny!!

I have to say I enjoyed this book immensely. I couldn't stop listening to it all the way to the very end. I laughed at myself and enjoyed hearing all the hard times she went through. It made me feel so not alone. I never really new Roseanne, but now that I do I

wish I could spend an afternoon on the "Nut Farm" talking with her and drinking wine

and enjoying the "Mule" watching the pigs!

love it

This is a great book. I love how Roseanne is so wonderful at taking insanely, important and serious issues and discusses them in a way that really makes it entertaining and informative. Read the book she explains her whole life story and how she came to be the person that she is today. She's great, the books great...buy it. If you like Rosanne, you'll like the book.

Not all it's cracked up to be

I am a big Roseanne fan, but when she reads her book it is awful. She is a better actress on TV than a narrator. The book was better, but I think that's because I was not listening to her voice, which can become grating to my nerves in this audio book. Sorry Roseanne.

Beautiful.

Here is what I have to say about this book: I came of age in a middle class, small town Wisconsin family in the 90's and Roseanne was the backdrop I remember so vividly coming through the small silver television off of our kitchen. I recently rewatched a lot of the Roseanne episodes and was so stunned to see what an impact she had on my life as I transitioned into woman hood and left home at the age of 17. Being oblivious to the drama that surrounded her only hearing snippets and vague stories Roseanne was never tarnished to me as a budding lady nor did I give a crap about how she sang the national anthem.