Listen to Top 100 Audiobooks in Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

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Title: I Will Not Fear

Subtitle: My Story of a Lifetime of Building Faith Under Fire

Author: Melba Pattillo Beals

Narrator: Myra Lucretia Taylor

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 50 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-16-18

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

In 1957, Melba Beals was one of the nine African American students chosen to integrate Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. But her story of overcoming didn't start - or end - there. While her white schoolmates were planning their senior prom, Melba was facing the business end of a double-barreled shotgun, being threatened with lynching by rope-carrying tormentors, and learning how to outrun white supremacists who were ready to kill her rather than sit beside her in a classroom. Only her faith in God sustained her during her darkest days and helped her become a civil rights warrior, an NBC television news reporter, a magazine writer, a professor, a wife, and a mother.

In I Will Not Fear, Beals takes listeners on an unforgettable journey through terror, oppression, and persecution, highlighting the kind of faith needed to survive in a world full of heartbreak and anger. She shows how the deep faith we develop during our most difficult moments is the kind of faith that can change our families, our communities, and even the world. Encouraging and inspiring, Beals' story offers listeners hope that faith is the solution to the pervasive hopelessness of our current culture.

Members Reviews:

Excellent book must read thoroughly enjoyed it going to buy the book for collection give it to my friends

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Title: Waco

Subtitle: A Survivor's Story

Author: Leon Whiteson, David Thibodeau, Aviva Layton

Narrator: Robert Fass

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 20 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-02-18

Publisher: Hachette Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 8 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the siege at Waco, and a tie-in to the upcoming Spike TV mini-series, an updated reissue of the critically acclaimed A Place Called Waco by Branch Davidian survivor David Thibodeau.

For the first time ever, a survivor of the Waco massacre tells the inside story of Branch Davidians, David Koresh, and what really happened at the religious compound in Texas.

When he first met the man who called himself David Koresh, David Thibodeau was drumming for a rock band that was going nowhere fast. Intrigued and frustrated with a stalled music career, Thibodeau gradually became a follower and moved to the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas. He remained there until April 19, 1993, when the compound was stormed and burnt to the ground after a 51-day standoff.

In this book, Thibodeau explores why so many people came to believe that Koresh was divinely inspired. We meet the men, women, and children of Mt. Carmel. We get inside the day-to-day life of the community. Thibodeau is brutally honest about himself, Koresh, and the other members, and the result is a revelatory look at life inside a cult.

But Waco is just as brutally honest when it comes to dissecting the actions of the United States government. Thibodeau marshals an array of evidence, some of it never previously revealed, and proves conclusively that it was our own government that caused the Waco tragedy, including the fires. The result is a memoir that feels like a thriller, with each moment taking us closer to the eventual inferno.

Critic Reviews:

"Thibodeau, one of only four Branch Davidians to live through the Waco disaster and not be sentenced to jail, has produced a surprisingly balanced and honest account of his time as a Branch Davidian. Neither sensationalist nor defensive, this will make satisfying reading for anyone interested in the April 1993 tragedy." (

Kirkus Review)

"A disquieting portrait of a religious community and its enigmatic leader." (

Kirkus Reviews)

"This book gives a rare glimpse of life at Mount Carmel and an account of how that attack contrasts with the 'official' government version. With the renewed interest in this siege, this book is recommended for public libraries." (

School Library Journal)

"An extraordinary account of one of the most shameful episodes in recent American history. I wish that everyone in the country could read this book." (Howard Zinn)

Members Reviews:

Great Place to Start

I wasn't going to write a review but after reading some of the two star reviews I definitely had to help offset the average star rating.

This book was very easy to read. It's written in a conversational tone which really helped it move along as I didn't feel like I was reading a research paper. It's down to earth and I highly recommend it as a starting place for people who want to educate themselves on the Davidians as people as opposed to the caricatures they were portrayed as by the media.

It's essentially an autobiography that starts well before David Thibodeau even meets David Koresh. I feel this gives you a birds-eye-view of the entire situation, or at least as close as you're going to get to an objective retelling of events by someone who was actually inside the compound during the siege.

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Title: Fierce

Subtitle: How Competing for Myself Changed Everything

Author: Aly Raisman

Narrator: Aly Raisman, Natalie Roy Camargo

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 14 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-14-17

Publisher: Hachette Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 53 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

Discover Aly Raisman's inspiring story of dedication, perseverance, and learning to think positive even in the toughest times on her path to gold medal success in two Olympic Games - and beyond.

Aly Raisman first stepped onto a gymnastics mat as a toddler in a "mommy and me" gymnastics class. No one could have predicted then that 16 years later, she'd be standing on an Olympic podium, having achieved her dreams.

But it wasn't an easy road to success. Aly faced obstacle after obstacle, including naysayers who claimed that she didn't have the talent to compete at an elite level and classmates who shamed Aly for her athletic body. Through it all, Aly surrounded herself with supportive family, friends, and teammates and found the inner strength to believe in herself and prove her doubters wrong. In her own words, Aly shows what it takes to be a champion on and off the floor and takes listeners on a behind-the-scenes journey before, during, and after her remarkable achievements in two Olympic Games - through her highest highs, her lowest lows, and all the moments in between.

Honest and heartfelt, frank and funny, Aly's story is enhanced with excerpts from the personal journals she's kept since childhood that chronicle memorable moments with her teammates and hard-won advice for listeners striving to rise above challenges, learning to love themselves, and making their own dreams come true.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

Members Reviews:

wow!! eye opening to truth!

Ally what a brave young lady who has lived an amazing life yet filled with poor choices from others. the good part is the fearless attitude you have for sharing your story and truth. Thank you! your mom is correct your character is far more important than a gold medal, but you are rocking them both!!

Excellent gymnastics memoir

Alys story is definitely worth listening to if you enjoy gymnastics. There are some rough chapters because she doesnt gloss over the bad experiences. Including a chapter dealing with abuse and manipulation by Larry Nassar.

Aly only narrates the first and last chapter with Natalie narrating the rest.

Natalie does a nice job narrating over all with some strange emphasis on certain words.

Aly ... Fierce

One of the most honest and amazing books I have read/ listened to. Thank you for being so courageous to tell your story!

More than an autobiography.

This book offers insight for parents and kids of all ages in how to be successful in life not just sports. Aly Raismen talks about the good and bad in her life with honesty but she includes hope in every message. This book is so well read by Natalie Roy Camargo that I swear I can hear a smile when she talks about the positive. But she brings a sensitivity to the difficult topics that made me listen more closely and I think I really could see things from Alys perspective in a way I may have missed if I had read the book myself instead of the audio version. Thank you Aly for such an inspiring book. You really are Fierce. Thank you Natalie for such an inspiring performance.

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Title: Wooden

Subtitle: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections on and off the Court

Author: Steve Jamison, John Wooden

Narrator: Bill Walton, Beau Bridges, Steve Jamison, John Wooden

Format: Unabridged

Length: 4 hrs and 14 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-08-17

Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 28 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

National best seller

"I am just a common man who is true to his beliefs." (John Wooden)

Evoking days gone by when coaches were respected as much for their off-court performances as for their success on the court, Wooden presents the timeless wisdom of legendary basketball coach John Wooden.

In honest and telling passages about virtually every aspect of life, Coach shares his personal philosophy on family, achievement, success, and excellence. Raised on a small farm in south-central Indiana, he offers lessons and wisdom learned throughout his career at UCLA, and life as a dedicated husband, father, and teacher.

These lessons, along with personal letters from Bill Walton, Denny Crum, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Bob Costas, among others, have made Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections on and off the Court an inspirational classic.

Members Reviews:

John Wooden is best known for his 10 NCAA championship titles over the ...

John Wooden is best known for his 10 NCAA championship titles over the course of 12 years, but how did he do this? Wooden explains his morals and what he believes what success is for anyone to understand. He uses anecdotes not only from basketball but also from his away from the court to help elucidate his point. Ultimately, he feels that there isn't anything really special about his knowledge of basketball compared to other coaches. It's just fundamental principles that many have overlooked. Therefore, it is a good read for anyone--not just from people who are interested in basketball. Wooden's divides his book in mini section where there is a lesson to be learned in every section--where some may or may not affect you. He follows it with examples in his life or his own explanations which I found very interesting.

At the same time, I'd say that this is the biggest drawback of his book. Since the book is divided into small sections, sometimes I feel that he abruptly changes from one topic to another. This short transitions killed my pacing when I was reading the book. I found myself wishing for each passage to be much longer to make it more enjoyable and smooth. However, I do feel that Wooden supplies enough information to prove his point in those sections. Whether it's about his definition of success, knowing you did everything within your limits of doing the very best you can do or making sure your shoes and socks fit perfectly to your feet without any creases, he makes sure to complete his thoughts and reasons for the things he states. But I don't believe that this flaw, compared to the vast insight given in this book, is enough to deduct any points of 5 stars.

Overall, this book is phenomenal. I feel that everyone is able to reap benefits and learn something new by reading this book because he emphasis the importance of strong character. It's not just about basketball, in fact, many of his students say the same thing: he coached basketball, but he also coached skills that applied after basketball. The things he says and asks always makes me rethink about what I can improve in my own life, and I'm sure that it will affect the readers who are wiling to learn.

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Title: The Last Girl

Subtitle: My Story of Captivity, and My Fight Against the Islamic State

Author: Nadia Murad

Narrator: Ilyana Kadushin

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 15 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-07-17

Publisher: Random House Audio

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 63 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

In this intimate memoir of survival, a former captive of the Islamic State tells her harrowing and ultimately inspiring story.

Nadia Murad was born and raised in Kocho, a small village of farmers and shepherds in Northern Iraq. A member of the Yazidi community, she and her brothers and sisters lived a quiet life. Nadia had dreams of becoming a history teacher or opening her own beauty salon.

On August 15, 2014, when Nadia was just 21 years old, this life ended. Islamic State militants massacred the people of her village, executing men who refused to convert to Islam and women too old to become sex slaves. Six of Nadia's brothers were killed, and her mother soon after, their bodies swept into mass graves. Nadia was taken to Mosul and forced, along with thousands of other Yazidi girls, into the IS slave trade.

Nadia would be held captive by several militants and repeatedly raped and beaten. Finally, she managed a narrow escape through the streets of Mosul, finding shelter in the home of a Sunni Muslim family whose eldest son risked his life to smuggle her to safety.

Today, Nadia's story - as a witness to the Islamic State's brutality, a survivor of rape, a refugee, a Yazidi - has forced the world to pay attention to the ongoing genocide in Iraq. It is a call to action, a testament to the human will to survive, and a love letter to a lost country, a fragile community, and a family torn apart by war.

Members Reviews:

A Heartbreaking Tale of Survival and Hope

One of the most common refrains I hear as an American is this: "The Middle Easterners have been killing themselves and each other for thousands of years. There is nothing we can do about it but let them do it." That is a statement people made when the Nazi's marched through Europe, and for many years religious based genocide was ignored. Reading this book demonstrates the monster that is Isis, and that their reach is far more vast and frightening than we can even begin to realize. This text is an absolute must read for anyone who cares about the political world and religious freedom at all. It will forever change you as it has me.

Narrator makes it almost unbearable

Horrific story and event with no doubt. However, having the entire book read with the almost sobbing narrators voice caused the truly horrible parts to seem no different than when she was planting onions. Also, if your political leanings are more conservative, you will recognize the liberal leaning talk. But I do wish Nadia the best and hope she continues her mission.

Heart Breaking

Moving, heart breaking story. Exquisite performance.

The unanswered question: Why does humanity permit genocide to continue?

must listen. raw. powerful.

this book is almost demanding that you finish it. to start this story of survival and not finish it seems wrong. such an honest and sad telling of real life in iraq is rare. the book is well paced and never boring. the narrator seems to embody the responsibility of telling this story with the temerity and emotion it richly deserves.

Staggering truth

This was hard to read. The suffering is and was great, yet we know so little of the plight of the Yazidi people. The news doesn't give enough attention to the issue.

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Title: The Book of Separation

Subtitle: A Memoir

Author: Tova Mirvis

Narrator: Tova Mirvis

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 21 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-24-17

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 19 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

The memoir of a woman who leaves her faith and her marriage and sets out to navigate the terrifying, liberating terrain of a newly mapless world.

Born and raised in a tight-knit Orthodox Jewish family, Tova Mirvis committed herself to observing the rules and rituals prescribed by this way of life. After all, to observe was to be accepted and to be accepted was to be loved. She married a man from within the fold and quickly began a family.

But over the years, her doubts became noisier than her faith, and at age 40 she could no longer breathe in what had become a suffocating existence. Even though it would mean the loss of her friends, her community, and, possibly, even her family, Tova decides to leave her husband and her faith. After years of trying to silence the voice inside her that said she did not agree, did not fit in, did not believe, she strikes out on her own to discover what she does believe and who she really is. This will mean forging a new way of life not just for herself, but for her children, who are struggling with what the divorce and her new status as "not Orthodox" means for them.

This is a memoir about what it means to decide to heed your inner compass at long last. To free the part of yourself that has been suppressed, even if it means walking away from the only life you've ever known. Honest and courageous, Tova takes us through her first year outside her marriage and community as she learns to silence her fears and seek adventure on her own path to happiness.

Members Reviews:

Simply amazing!!!

This book was fantastic start to finish! I cannot say enough how incredible Tova mirvis is as an author, and in this case, as a narrator. This was the 1st of her books that I have read, and it is her story 1st and foremost. The audible performance is simply incredible to listen to, and as you listen you are drawn in not just by the words that are narrated but by the over all Passion with which she tells her story. You're brought into a world that you may not know anything about to start with, as I was, having had little experience in my own personal life. I had family who were Jewish but by the time I came along, those family members were either about to pass on or had already passed on. Therefore, I didn't have the opportunity to learn about the Jewish heritage in my family. I heard stories growing up from my mother, but as she was not practicing in the faith, nor were her parents and siblings, all they were to me were stories of my great grandparents and their beliefs. I never got to hear them firsthand. Listening to this book transforms a story that I had simply heard over the years as I grew up into so much more for me. I learned more about the faith, practices, and this author's struggle When she chose to no longer remain orthodox. The way in which she tells her story you feel like you are right there with her every step of the way, and for me at least, feeling much of what she felt just in listening to her tell her story in her own words.

So many parallels

I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, a Mormon. I have recently decided to step away from the church. As I listened to the words read by Tova I was struck by how many similarities there are between her experience and mine.

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Title: In Shock

Subtitle: My Journey from Death to Recovery and the Redemptive Power of Hope

Author: Dr. Rana Awdish

Narrator: Teri Schnaubelt, Dr. Rana Awdish

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 2 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-24-17

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 18 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

In Shock is a riveting first-hand account from a young critical care physician, who in the passage of a moment is transfigured into a dying patient. This transposition, coincidentally timed at the end of her medical training, instantly lays bare the vast chasm between the conventional practice of medicine and the stark reality of the prostrate patient.

Hauntingly perceptive and beautifully written, it allows the listener to transform alongside her, and watch what she discovers in our carefully cultivated, yet often misguided standard of care. The author demonstrates through engaging narrative and laser-sharp wit how the unbearable is borne. She comes to understand the fatal flaws in her profession and in her own past actions as a physician. She also achieves, through unflinching presence, a crystalline vision of a new and better possibility.

Using her exceptional recall, Awdish fashions an elegant, yet urgent call to action. As she finds herself up against the same self-protective partitions she was trained to construct as a medical student and physician, she artfully illuminates the dysfunction of disconnection. Shatteringly personal, and yet wholly universal, she offers a brave roadmap for anyone navigating illness. At the same time, she presents physicians with a new paradigm and rationale for embracing the emotional bond between doctor and patient. All told, she cogently outlines the redemptive possibilities of dismantling the barriers to connection in all relationships.

Members Reviews:

Read this book!

This book tells Dr. Ranas journey while it educates on the ways and importance of health care providers listening to and communicating with patients with emotional intelligence.

I cant finish it.

I am a doctor, and I am only 1:45 min into this book. I have decided I am not going to finish it. I am really frustrated by the authors over generalization of the doctoring experience. I appreciate what she is trying to do- shes showing a doctors perspective of surviving a terrible experience. However, it seems like she is really trying to show how terrible doctors are from a patients perspective. Maybe it gets better- I dont know. Im not going to use my free time hearing more doctor bashing.

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Title: If Women Rose Rooted

Subtitle: The Journey to Authenticity and Belonging

Author: Sharon Blackie

Narrator: Heather Wilds

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 29 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-17-17

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 14 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

This is the second edition of a uniquely empowering, international word-of-mouth best seller about wild landscapes, female mythology, and the challenges facing modern women. It is a book for any woman who has ever lost her way and who sees a wasteland at the heart of modern existence and longs to live a more authentic, rooted life once again.

Members Reviews:

Please re-record this incredible book.

I really want to listen to this audio book, but I find the cadence of the speaker almost intolerable. It feels cold and disengaged, as if she is reading off a checklist. It is not the voice we need.

I rarely leave a negative review, but because I feel this content is of such immense importance, I feel compelled to leave a review, imploring the author to re-record the audible version of this book.

Tired so hard to like this book

This book wasnt for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

If you like folklore you will like this book, but it is far from a self-help book that the title suggests. The author talks and talks going on and on an saying nothing of relevance just describing every detail of nature. I like descriptions but not when the story line gets lost

What do you think your next listen will be?

A Book about Buddhism

Did Heather Wilds do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

only in the Celtic folk stories but not the ones which the author met in real life.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Sadness- bc I identified with how the author felt, disappointment the story was going nowhere, and annoyance that instead of just stating her feminist anti-piratical opinions she tried to ram then down your throat

Bad narration makes this impossible to complete

Ive had this on my bookshelf for ages without yet finding time to read, so I was excited to see it here in Audible. Finally, Ill get to read it, I thought!

Alas, after an hour or so of trying hard to listen, I admit defeat.

This is nothing to do with content and everything to do with narration.

Its simply impossible to follow or make sense of due to the narrators weirdly stilted style.

Not recommended unless its rereleased with a competent narrator.

Terrible narrator

The book is actually wonderful but is entirely let down bu the wierd and emotionless narrator. For a book like this, there is no warmth or rhythm to the narrators voice. I really don't understand why they chose this narrator. I endured the first chapter and could go no further.

Must read for everyone

This was such a wonderful listen.. the stories, the lessons, the deep nourishment of hearing just what you need, just when you need it.

I found the narrator a little difficult to begin with, she has an interesting cadence which didnt quite work for me, but certainly later on in the book it seemed to settle or I got used to it! Certainly had only a small impact on my enjoyment.

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Title: The Top Five Regrets of the Dying

Subtitle: A Life Transformed by the Dearly Departing

Author: Bronnie Ware

Narrator: Bronnie Ware

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 13 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-11-17

Publisher: Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 21 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

A courageous, life-changing memoir that teaches us to apply the lessons learned by those nearing their death to our own life.

After too many years of unfulfilling work, Bronnie Ware began searching for a job with meaning. Despite having no formal qualifications or experience, she found herself working in palliative care.

During the time she spent tending to the needs of those who were dying, Bronnie's life was transformed. Later, she wrote an Internet blog post about the most common regrets that the people she had cared for had expressed to her. The post, also called 'The Top Five Regrets of the Dying', gained so much momentum that it was viewed by more than three million people worldwide in its first year. At the request of many, Bronnie now shares her personal story.

Bronnie has had a colourful and diverse life. By applying the lessons of those nearing their death to her own life, she developed an understanding that it is possible for everyone, if they make conscious choices, to die with peace of mind. In this heartfelt retelling, Bronnie expresses the significance of these regrets. She explains how we can address these issues positively now, while we still have the time.

The Top Five Regrets of the Dying: A Life Transformed by the Dearly Departing gives hope for a better world. Bronnie's delightful memoir is a courageous, life-changing book that will leave you feeling more compassionate and inspired to live the life you are truly here to live.

Members Reviews:

Ok book

Ok book - more of an autobiography of the author with a lot of irrelevant information and stories. I was thinking it was more of a dive into the top five regrets of the dying, which seemed to be only a small part of the book.

Buy this book!!!

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

Well written and well narrated! This book reminds you to enjoy every precious moment you have here on earth.

What other book might you compare The Top Five Regrets of the Dying to and why?

The Universe Has Your Back

What does Bronnie Ware bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

This book would be great if you were just reading it but having the book read by the author gives an extra sense of intimacy.

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

A reflection of life.

Life Changing

Excellent book to remind us of what is really important and to live each day to the fullest because life is short. Loved having the author read the book, wish more would do so.

Makes you think about the important suff

May not be for everyones writting style or philosophy but should inspire all who dig in and hear the messages.

Boring

I honestly bought this book thinking it was going to be filled with wisdom from the dying

It was unbelievably boring and just about her life which was boring I only got to chapter 12 and stopped it.

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Title: Draft Animals

Subtitle: Living the Pro Cycling Dream (Once in a While)

Author: Phil Gaimon

Narrator: Phil Gaimon

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 55 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-10-17

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 200 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

Like countless other kids, Phil Gaimon grew up dreaming of being a professional athlete. But unlike countless other kids, he actually pulled it off. After years of amateur races, hard training, living out of a suitcase, and never taking "no" for an answer, he finally achieved his goal and signed a contract to race professionally on one of the best teams in the world.

Now, Gaimon pulls back the curtain on the WorldTour, cycling's highest level. He takes listeners along for his seasons in Europe, covering everything from rabid, water-bottle-stealing Belgian fans, to contract renewals, to riding in poisonous smog, to making friends in a sport plagued by doping. Draft Animals reveals a story as much about bike racing as it is about the never-ending ladder of achieving goals, failure, and finding happiness if you land somewhere in-between.

Members Reviews:

Im a fan!

I do have to admit Im a fan of Phils. That being said, its not from his riding. Id never heard of him until I stumbled across his YouTube channel. But his story, personality, and writing style have made me a fan. To me everything he puts out resonates with me. I truly like his stuff and the sense of humor with which its delivered.

Great listen. Narrated by the man himself.

Great anecdotal insight on the multiple issues of (barely) making it as a pro cyclist. Gaimon is funny and articulate, and it is obvious that the book was written by himself. Nothing like other ghost-written cyclist books (namely Armstrong's, Hincapie's or Hamilton's), this one was well worth the listen.

Cookie Monster.

This is a great book! Dont pass it up. Read it! Phil is a great guy!

I know why JV ignored him

What made the experience of listening to Draft Animals the most enjoyable?

First of all, Phil did a really good job putting together a book about his own experience in and out as pro and also throwing in some cycling dirt foreign to the outsiders. Interesting and funny. Money didn't waste on his English major. I enjoyed the book, at least most of it. A little too much wailing at the end like a high-schooler.

What other book might you compare Draft Animals to and why?

A secret race by Tyler Hamilton is a great book. I love it.

Any additional comments?

Don't let the author's own failure stop you from chasing your dreams!

Phil has the world-class physical attributes (VO2 max, power capacity and pain threshold) suppose a guy with a clean tattoo doesn't lie to protect his bruised ego. But he doesn't have a champion or winner's characters. Phil is not as disciplined or goal-driven compared with successful pros in cycling. He lets a life runs him rather than manage it. His sense of failure could be easily washed away with a few cookies or warm words from friends or strangers in social media. His priority of getting approval from fans or sponsors is over that of winning a race. In that sense, I understand why he was hired to be a "salesman" or a stage swinger in a guise of a pro cyclist. Any team manager who cares about the race results would choose a workhorse over a smart mouth, especially an old smart mouth.

A champion needs to have a tunnel vision. He is willing to do WHATEVER it takes to win and accept nothing less.