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

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Title: Thinking in Pictures

Subtitle: My Life with Autism

Author: Temple Grandin

Narrator: Deborah Marlowe

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 11 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-19-09

Publisher: Random House Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 334 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

In this unprecedented book, Grandin delivers a report from the country of autism. Writing from the dual perspectives of a scientist and an autistic person, she tells us how that country is experienced by its inhabitants and how she managed to breach its boundaries to function in the outside world.

What emerges in Thinking in Pictures is the document of an extraordinary human being, one who, in gracefully and lucidly bridging the gulf between her condition and our own, sheds light on the riddle of our common identity.

Critic Reviews:

"There are innumerable astounding facets to this remarkable book....Displaying uncanny powers of observation....[Temple Grandin] charts the differences between her life and the lives of those who think in words." (

The Philadelphia Inquirer)"A uniquely fascinating view not just of autism but of animal - and human - thinking and feeling, [providing] insights that can only be called wisdom." (Deborah Tannen, author of

You Just Don't Understand)

Members Reviews:

Interesting look Inside Autism

I got this book on a whim, a friend of mine had mentioned it during a long discussion about how being sociopaths probably succeed more in business. I don't know how we got to discussing that..

Anyway. Back to this book.

Temple Grandin clearly and eloquently describes what it is like to be autistic, and how her mind works. She is able to describe it well enough that I feel like I can fairly well wrap my head around autism, and what it must be like.

I always wondered if I was a little aspergerish, but after I read this book, I realized that I'm not. I'm just anti-social and introverted. Not all the time though, don't worry. I can still party like a rockstar.

The latter half of this book gets pretty technical, and starts to talk about autism, various treatments, education, upbringing, etc. It seems a bit like an owner's manual for autism, which isn't as interesting to me, which is why I knocked it down a star.

The first part of this book, however, is fantastic, and if you are at all interested in finding out what it is like to experience the world with autism, check out this book.

What you SHOULD know about autism

When I started this audiobook, I didn't have very much knowledge about autism. This book gave me a clear idea of what it's like to have autism and debunks common misconceptions about it. She also relates her experience to that of people without autism. If you're trying to gain a greater understanding of this topic, I highly recommend this audiobook.

Great book & well read

An interesting book that was written by an autistic person who miraculously earned a doctorate and now sports a long list of accomplishments in the cattle industry and is quite famous. The book talks in detail about what its like to be autistic as told by a person who considers herself bridging both worlds. ..strangely it is also about cows. There is a lot of credible information about both to be sure! I give it a four out of five simply because the last part of the book reveals some strange perceptions about God and religion but she wraps it up nicely after that.

Scientific, informative, and enlightening!

Temple Grandin is one of the most influential people in the world, elected by Times magazine in 2010. If you want to get information about autism, this is the first book you should read.

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Title: Emergency

Subtitle: This Book Will Save Your Life

Author: Neil Strauss

Narrator: Neil Strauss

Format: Abridged

Length: 8 hrs and 20 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-01-09

Publisher: HarperAudio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 523 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

"I've started to look at the world through apocalypse eyes."

So begins Neil Strauss's harrowing new book: his first full-length work since the international best seller The Game, and one of the most original-and provocative-narratives of the year. After the last few years of violence and terror, of ethnic and religious hatred, of tsunamis and hurricanes - and now of world financial meltdown - Strauss, like most of his generation, came to the sobering realization that, even in America, anything can happen. But rather than watch helplessly, he decided to do something about it. And so he spent three years traveling through a country that's lost its sense of safety, equipping himself with the tools necessary to save himself and his loved ones from an uncertain future.

With the same quick wit and eye for cultural trends that marked The Game, The Dirt, and How to Make Love Like a Porn Star, Emergency traces Neil's white-knuckled journey through today's heart of darkness, as he sets out to move his life offshore, test his skills in the wild, and remake himself as a gun-toting, plane-flying, government-defying survivor. It's a tale of paranoid fantasies and crippling doubts, of shady lawyers and dangerous cult leaders, of billionaire gun nuts and survivalist superheroes, of weirdos, heroes, and ordinary citizens going off the grid. It's one man's story of a dangerous world - and how to stay alive in it. Before the next disaster strikes, you're going to want to read this book. And you'll want to do everything it suggests. Because tomorrow doesn't come with a guarantee...

Members Reviews:

Awesome and informative book

Fantastic read. This book covers so many different topics from knives, guns, and all types of survival philosophy. It was interesting to see the transformation of Neil Strauss in his search for survival skills to survive in the (what if). Like his other best seller the Game, Neil Strauss dives into a topic and goes all the way leaving no area unchecked exploring topics from all angles and uses things that are applicable. These things he covers on a deep level studies them, and according to the book masters them. Everything from financial melt down natural, disasters, intruders and whatever it may be. He is by no means an expert in any particular field of survival but his unique research abilities give him a awesome overall perspective that helps readers identify areas and expand there thought process to find thorough ways of reaching there own goals. The only part of the book that I found as a turnoff is mainly a difference in political view as the book is very anti Bush and pro Obama. He seems to think that Obama would do a better job in fixing US security than Bush. However he does not look at the possibility that the Liberal agenda might target many of the areas which he uses as survival means like the ownership of weapons and concealed carry. Overall I give the book a 10, the good made up for the bad in my opinion.

Interesting but not great

Neil Strauss writes a moderately interesting book that would have been much better if he hadnt wasted a large part of the book justifying his paranoia about the country by bashing George Bush. In the beginning he clearly establishes his qualifications as being incompetent at anything but writing about music for the New York Times.

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Title: Every Patient Tells a Story

Subtitle: Medical Mysteries and the Art of Diagnosis

Author: Lisa Sanders

Narrator: Lisa Sanders

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-11-09

Publisher: Random House Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 326 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

"The experience of being ill can be like waking up in a foreign country. Life, as you formerly knew it, is on hold while you travel through this other world as unknown as it is unexpected. When I see patients in the hospital or in my office who are suddenly, surprisingly ill, what they really want to know is, 'What is wrong with me?' They want a road map that will help them manage their new surroundings. The ability to give this unnerving and unfamiliar place a name, to know it, on some level, restores a measure of control, independent of whether or not that diagnosis comes attached to a cure. Because, even today, a diagnosis is frequently all a good doctor has to offer."

A healthy young man suddenly loses his memory, making him unable to remember the events of each passing hour. Two patients diagnosed with Lyme disease improve after antibiotic treatment, only to have their symptoms mysteriously return. A young woman lies dying in the ICU - bleeding, jaundiced, incoherent - and none of her doctors know what is killing her.

In Every Patient Tells a Story, Dr. Lisa Sanders takes us bedside to witness the process of solving these and other diagnostic dilemmas, providing a firsthand account of the expertise and intuition that lead a doctor to make the right diagnosis.

Critic Reviews:

"Readers who enjoy dramatic stories of doctors fighting disease will get their fill, and they will also encounter thoughtful essays on how doctors think and go about their work, and how they might do it better." (Publishers Weekly)

"Besides her own inborn capacity for problem-solving, Sanders' experience as internist, writer, and consultant to House serves her well here, for absorbing anecdotes generously pepper the exposition." (Booklist)

Members Reviews:

Really good if you can get past the narrator.

I love Dr. Lisa Sanders' "Diagnosis" column in the NYT Magazine. This is more of the same. But the narrator, and I hate to hurt her feelings, is just so flat that it detracts from the book.

Make sure this is what you think!

If you are looking for a book that is about mysterious diagnoses, be aware, there are only a few examples in this book. The book is about the various methods doctors employ to diagnose. It's really written for doctors, but the author uses lay language, as if the lay person could take the information and somehow apply it to their lives. I found it interesting, but not valuable. The author should have allowed someone else to orate her book. Her raspy voice is hard to listen to some times.

Interesting perspectives on the difficult patient

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

Definitely, as a nurse I am always interested at examining the patient experience from differing perspectives.

What did you like best about this story?

That it was based on actual case studies.

What aspect of Lisa Sanderss performance would you have changed?

I enjoyed her narration.

Could you see Every Patient Tells a Story being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Yes it could be done similarly to the autopsy series by Jan Garavalas.

great book for providers

I learned a lot listening to this book.

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Title: The Vixen Diaries

Author: Karrine Steffans

Narrator: Karrine Steffans

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 36 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-02-09

Publisher: Hachette Audio

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 89 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

Karrine Steffans continues to dish out juicy gossip and the much sought after details of her star studded lifestyle and the celebrity men that helped her get where she needed to be. Karrine draws you in to get an up-close and personal look at the Hollywood life of fast money, drugs, and sex; all the things that make for a great movie. She discusses her interactions with people after the release of "Confessions of a Video Vixen" and how she copes with it all.

Members Reviews:

So enjoyed this, Thank You Karrine

I will always love Karrine and I don't regret spening my money for this, my first audio book

good book

great book .... even though she blasted Method man at the end. .. .Snitch .

You Go GirL, Live Your Dreams

Karrine has came a long way. It's paramount to be in touch with our feelings! One of the main reason why we don't change is,we are not aware of how we feel. There is no way to change if you don't know what's wrong. Karrine keep sharing your feelings, your stories will help prevent women from falling into some of the same TRAPS. Karrine the Bible says what meant for your harm will be made for your good. Keep God First!

Okay Book....But Slow

I don't judge Karrine for her past--as we all have one whether to her level or not. In this book, she does seem to have grown and evolved a bit, but for reading purposes--it was quite slow and somewhat boring. I am finding it hard to finish reading it as it is just not as interesting as her last book. So in other words, there is not story line that keeps you wanting to keep going forward with the book.

Inspiring

Exceptional writer, soothing voice, admire her so much. Although I could not relate to the lifestyle she spoke of I was so fully immersed in and touched by her experiences, and the profound words/lessons! I have become a fan I am glad I listened.

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Title: No Angel

Subtitle: My Harrowing Undercover Journey to the Inner Circle of the Hells Angels

Author: Jay Dobyns, Nils Johnson-Shelton

Narrator: Mel Foster

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 26 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-09-09

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 527 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

Dobyns leaves no stone of his harrowing journey unturned. At runs and clubhouses, between rides and riots, Dobyns befriends bad-ass bikers, meth-fueled "old ladies", gun fetishists, psycho-killer ex-cons, and even some of the "Filthy Few"---the elite of the Hells Angels who've committed extreme violence on behalf of their club.

Eventually, at parties staged behind heavily armed security, he meets legendary club members such as Chuck Zito, Johnny Angel, and the godfather of all bikers, Ralph "Sonny" Barger. To blend in with them, he gets full-arm ink; to win their respect, he vows to prove himself a stone-cold killer. Hardest of all is leading a double life, which has him torn between his devotion to his wife and children and his pledge to become the first federal agent ever to be "fully patched" into the Angels' near-impregnable ranks.

His act is so convincing that he comes within a hairsbreadth of losing himself. Eventually, he realizes that just as he's been infiltrating the Hells Angels, they've been infiltrating him. And just as they're not all bad, he's not all good.

Reminiscent of Donnie Brasco's uncovering of the true Mafia, this is an eye-opening portrait of the world of bikers - the most in-depth since Hunter Thompson's seminal work - one that fully describes the seductive lure criminal camaraderie has for men who would otherwise be powerless outsiders. Here is all the nihilism, hate, and intimidation, but also the freedom - and, yes, brotherhood---of the only truly American form of organized crime.

Critic Reviews:

"A fascinating look at the Hells Angels and the price one man paid for infiltrating the gang." (Booklist)

Members Reviews:

Trashy but entertaining

This book contains alot of trashy language which I expected with the subject matter. I also tend not to believe most of the author's stories because he goes into way too much detail. I mean-how could he remember every little thing he ate at the Phoenix Waffle house 5 years later. I think the Hydroxy Cut screwed with his brain!

"I would avoid this one..."

I loved "Under and Alone" and was hoping that I would get more of that with this book, but it was not to be. One of the reviewers mentioned that the author was totally full of himself and the plot lingered on with meaningless commentary. Having not listened to the book yet, I thought that this review had to be harsh and I gave it a try. The review was totally right on. Some of the egotistical comments almost made me stop listening and move on to something else. I hung on and must say it was a disappointing ride. No doubt, what he and his fellow agents did to infiltrate the Hells Angels was extremely brave and commendable, but the book itself is totally lacking anything of substance to keep your interest. One or two chapters could have covered it.

I don't think so

seems pretty boring. Jay seems to be a big DRAMA QUEEN 0r he left alot out....I am not sure which. There are many better books. Try "Dead man walking", "Without a Badge" or "Take Down"

Too long a book

The book started off strong but ended weak. Many chapters lasted too long and/or weren't needed to forward the story.

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Title: Through Gates of Splendor

Author: Elisabeth Elliot

Narrator: Marguerite Gavin

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 23 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-05-09

Publisher: christianaudio.com

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 251 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

In January 1956, a tragic story flooded headlines around the world. Five men, spurred by a passion to share the good news of Jesus Christ, ventured deep into the jungles of Ecuador. Their goal: to make contact with an isolated tribe whose previous response to the outside world had been to attack all strangers.

Through Gates of Splendor, the story of Nate Saint, Roger Youderian, Ed McCully, Pete Fleming, and Jim Elliot, was first recorded in 1956 by Jim's widow, Elisabeth. Decades later, its story of unconditional love and complete obedience to God still inspires new readers. This edition contains subsequent developments in the lives of the families and the Waodani tribe.

Members Reviews:

Compelling and Authentic

I first read this book nearly 30 years ago as a High School student, it challenged me and changed my life. Through Gates of Splendor introduced me to the idea that vision, preparation, and sacrifice, anchored in a profound love for God can in fact change the world. I am still blown away by the honesty of Elizabeth Elliot's writing. She so vividly portrays the youthful zeal and ultimate hopefulness of these men right up to the unimaginable moment of their death. Their passion to reach the lost in the jungles of Ecuador 50 years ago still serves as profound inspiration for Christians today. The Christian community now faces the challenge of reaching multitudes locked behind a religious veil who have never heard of the great love Jesus demontrated on the cross. It will take a new generation willing to prepare and sacrifice to reach them. Thankfully we have this example of authentic faith to provoke us in prayer and action. It was a true pleasure to hear the words of this compelling story so wonderfully narrated by Marguerite Gavin.

Great story, but...

This story is so impactful and thought-provoking, but the Marguerite Gavin's voice is the audio book equivalent to nails on a chalkboard. It really took away from the enjoyment of listening to the story because the various voices she did were so frustratingly annoying. I wish they had someone else to portray such an amazing story and do it justice.

The Narrator takes away from the story

I'm SOOO SAD about the narrator. The story is incredible. It's so distracting to listen to the narrator and really takes away from the story.

Storis are sometimes more wonderful when true.

If you could sum up Through Gates of Splendor in three words, what would they be?

Powerful, pure, passionate.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Through Gates of Splendor?

The vivid word pictures used to pain the jungle landscape were always breathtaking. Also, action scenes of landing the plane on a wing and a prayer were great too.

Have you listened to any of Marguerite Gavins other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes. She isn't my favorite. Something about her voice grates on my nerves. But she did an ok job and I'd listen to it again.

A must read--true devotion

Elisabeth tells this story so well. I happen to find Marguerite's voice less than pleasing, but she reads well and after a bit I no longer noticed the voice as the story caught me.

This was an awesome story which brought tears to my eyes at many points.

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Title: My Horizontal Life

Subtitle: A Collection of One-Night Stands

Author: Chelsea Handler

Narrator: Cassandra Campbell

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 14 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-22-08

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 1538 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

You've either done it or know someone who has: the one-night stand, the familiar outcome of a night spent at a bar, sometimes the sole payoff for your friend's irritating wedding, or the only relief from a disastrous vacation. Often embarrassing and uncomfortable, occasionally outlandish, but most times just a necessary and irresistible evil, the one-night stand is a social rite as old as sex itself and as common as a bar stool Enter Chelsea Handler. Gorgeous, sharp, and anything but shy, Chelsea loves men and lots of them. My Horizontal Life chronicles her romp through the different bedrooms of a variety of suitors, a no-holds-barred account of what can happen between a man and a sometimes very intoxicated, outgoing woman during one night of passion. From her short fling with a Vegas stripper to her even shorter dalliance with a well-endowed little person, from her uncomfortable tryst with a cruise ship performer to her misguided rebound with a man who likes to play leather dress-up, Chelsea recalls the highs and lows of her one-night stands with hilarious honesty. Encouraged by her motley collection of friends (aka: her partners in crime) but challenged by her family members (who at times find themselves a surprise part of the encounter), Chelsea hits bottom and bounces back, unafraid to share the gritty details. My Horizontal Life is one guilty pleasure you won't be ashamed to talk about in the morning.

©2005 Chelsea Handler; (P)2008 Tantor

Members Reviews:

Chelsea, You are HYSTERICAL!

Wow, what a witty and quick book this was! I found myself laughing so hard cappucino nearly came out my nose, as I listened and drove one night. Very, very funny book. Be prepared for straight talk about sex and a new interpretation of your sexuality.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

My Horizontal Life

Although not narrated by Chelsea herself, this book is witty and raunchy all at once! This book does not disapoint.

Love this book

I am a huge fan love her humor. Found myself laughing out loud. The only disappointment was Chelsea did not narrate.

Loved It

I have listened to this book at least ten times and it is funnier every time. My only disappointment was that the book was narrated by someone other than Chelsea Handler. Her inflection and dramatic pauses make her even funnier (in my opinion) and I would have LOVED for her to read this one to me! The narrator did do a fabulous job, however! After a few minutes, I forgot it wasn't Chelsea. It would make a great gift for any Chelsea fan (or anyone who likes comedy).

Fun Time!

What I Loved: Chelsea is so very Chelsea in this book. She gets herself into the most unique situations and always seems to keep a sense of humor about herself. She manages to make even the most uncomfortable situation funny.

What I Liked: She never names people--she gives them cute little nicknames. I also like the chronological order of things, her situations change as she gets older and she doesn't try to make herself look like a saint.

What was So-So: Not a darn thing! I listened to this on audio book and found myself laughing out loud often.

Why I gave it a 4: I love reading auto-biographies that are interesting and fun. Chelsea managed to keep a sense of humor about her life and relay that to the reader/listener.

Book Received From: Purchased on Audible

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Title: Anticancer

Subtitle: A New Way of Life

Author: David Servan-Schrieber

Narrator: Robert Fass

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 54 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-04-08

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 330 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

Combining memoir with a clear explanation of what makes cancer cells thrive and what inhibits them, and describing both conventional and alternative ways to slow and prevent cancer, Anticancer is revolutionary in its clarity. It is a moving story of a doctor's inner and outer search for healing; radical in its discussion of the environment, lifestyle, and trauma; and inspiring and cautionary in its certainty that cancer cells lie dormant in all of us - and we all must care for the "terrain" in which they exist.

Members Reviews:

Must Read for anyone with cancer concerns

Very well done. It provides valuable information on how to prevent and treat cancer. It's written to easily understand and read well. The information will give the reader a sense of control and positive steps to help yourself beat this disease. It still recommends following your doctors recommended treatment.

Among its' contents are lifestyle changes including stress reduction, avoidance of toxic products, positive mental outlook, and how very important your diet is. He shows research on how effective these really are. He gives guidance on all these topics plus more. Don't forget to download the written guide of recommendations. A real bonus.

Interesting and Potential Life Saving Listen

Bounces back & forth between the author's battle with cancer & ways you can prevent or retard the growth of cancer. It is easy to listen to & provides reasons behind the recommendations. By making a few small changes in diet and lifestyle, you can reap huge rewards. The only difficult part to listen to is the charts, so be sure to down load the "Accompanying Reference Guide" under the Publisher's Summary. It contains the charts. (Kudos to the publisher for including this with the audiobook.)

One of the most moving books I have ever read

This is a book about life, death, and transformation. It is about

loss, love, and joy, so deeply written, so well expressed. It will

change your life on many levels. It is to be listened to again and

again. Thank you Dr. Sevan-Schrieber for sharing yourself and

sharing your journey, for sharing your new found wisdoms and

knowledge. I am forever grateful for these gifts.

Wonderful, Empowering

As a brain cancer patient myself, four and a half years post diagnosis and post brain surgery and four years post follow-up chemothyerapy, I found the entire book quite powerfully insightful and enriching. I would certainly recommened it for anyone either going through the trying experiences surrounding the diagnosis and the treatments of cancer personally or responding to the cancer diagnosis of a friend or fsmily member.

Listen to this book!!

Don't think this book doesn't apply to you because you don't have cancer. If you're alive, I'd highly recommend that you get familiar with this information - it's important to you and your family ... and especially the kids! I knew a lot of this, but I also learned a lot. My only complaint is that I see the book has been updated, but it appears this is the original version - it's not old by any means, but I do like to keep current =)

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Title: Stolen Innocence

Subtitle: My Story of Growing Up in a Polygamous Sect, Becoming a Teenage Bride, and Breaking Free of Warren Jeffs

Author: Elissa Wall, Lisa Pulitzer

Narrator: Renée Raudman

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 55 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-28-08

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 642 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

Now, in this courageous memoir, Elissa Wall tells the incredible story of how she emerged from the confines of the Fundamentalist Church of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) and helped bring one of America's most notorious criminals to justice. Offering a child's perspective on life in the FLDS, Wall discusses her tumultuous youth, explaining how her family's turbulent past intersected with her strong will and identified her as a girl who needed to be controlled through marriage. Detailing how Warren Jeffs's influence over the church twisted its already rigid beliefs in dangerous new directions, Wall portrays the inescapable mind-set and unrelenting pressure that forced her to wed despite her repeated protests that she was too young.

Once she was married, Wall's childhood shattered as she was obligated to follow Jeffs's directives and submit to her husband in "mind, body, and soul." With little money and no knowledge of the outside world, she was trapped and forced to endure the pain and abuse of her loveless relationship. Yet even in those bleak times, she retained a sliver of hope that one day she would find a way out, and one snowy night that came in the form of a rugged stranger named Lamont Barlow. Their chance encounter set in motion a friendship and eventual romance that gave her the strength she needed to break free from her past and sever the chains of the church. But though she was out of the FLDS, Wall would still have to face Jeffs---this time in court.

Members Reviews:

Chris from Cedar City, UT USA

I thought the book was fascinating and gave great insight into the mindset of the FLDS. So little is known about this religion and culture, and the thing that was quite shocking was the lack of personal freedom. If you didn't know better, you would have thought it was written by a person born in a third world country, certainly not the USA. It is gratifying to know that light has been shed on some practices of the FLDS and that maybe the underage marriages and abuse might not go unnoticed and unpunished.

My one criticism of this audio book was the narration. The narrator was hard to listen to because of the constant whine in her voice that after a few chapters became extremely annoying. I know she probably was trying to portray the fear and emotions Elissa was feeling but to be perfectly blunt, it was dreadful. The narrator of Escape by Carolynn Jessup was much better.

Excellent story, poor narration

I agree with the other reviews; this narrator made me feel as if I were back in elementary school, and the librarian was reading to us from a picture-book. The story, however, was compelling, and very well-written.

Incredible!

This book is well written. It gives an amazing insight into the mindset of the followers of Warren Jeffs. My heart goes out to these young girls who are torn between their loyalties to their families and their right to make their own choices in life. After listening to this book, I am very relieved that Warren Jeffs is finally behind bars. Hurray for Elissa Wall and her incredible courage to stand up for justice.

Can't get past the narration

The narrator of this book is so bad she actually corrupts the story.

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Title: Madness

Subtitle: A Bipolar Life

Author: Marya Hornbacher

Narrator: Tavia Gilbert

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 42 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-09-08

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 325 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

In her wry and utterly self-revealing style, Hornbacher tells her new story in Madness.

Through scenes of astonishing visceral and emotional power, she takes us inside her own desperate attempts to counteract violently careening mood swings by self-starvation, substance abuse, numbing sex, and self-mutilation. Her brave and heart-stopping memoir details her fight up from madness and describes what it is like to live in a difficult, sometimes beautiful life and marriage when the bipolar tendency always beckons.

Members Reviews:

Forget Prozac Nation - this what it is really like

I think what the other reviewers have failed to see is that mental health and in this case bipolar disorder doesn't have a conclusion. Unlike Prozac Nation which nicely ties things up, this book tells it like it is. When I was diagnosed with Bipolar and my wife asked me when I was just going to get over it after 2 hospitalizations, I knew that most people don't get it. Its not about cure, its about coping. Its about living with an illness that often ends in death. Its about understanding that your boundaries are narrower than you want them to be, and that's just the way it is. Its understanding that what your mind and body are telling you may kill you if you are not careful. Its about losing time and not understanding why.

Perhaps this limits this books audience, but I'm glad I listened to it and I'm glad Mayra wrote it.

Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This was incredible! Marya, you are a fabulous writer! Thank you so very much for sharing your life and struggles with me. I also have bipolar disorder (with psychosis-that part was added during my hospital visit), and I have Borderline Personality Disorder and PTSD due to child sexual abuse and a few rapes later on. That sickens me to say it. I'm trying to get myself used to it. I had recreated my life in my head, rewrote my life story, dissociating from the little girl who was abused because I wasn't going to be "one of them". Besides, it wasn't violent. How could that be considered abuse. And later, anytime it was likely to turn ugly in a situation, I'd just give in to keep safe and then how could I call it rape. That's how I kept from being one of those abused girls. The ones you feel sorry for. As if I can rewrite reality, right? If I actually could, I wouldn't have any mental illnesses. So it's been hard on me this last year as memories are coming back, I'm struggling with accepting the reality of having bipolar, and hating the fact that I feel like a cow. I gained a bunch of weight after a tubal ligation that we thought would help matters. Somehow we missed the fact that anesthesia affects people with mental illness horribly. And as we all know depression equals weight gain usually. So that's not helping. I'm not sure why I'm telling you all this but I just thought people might like to know they're not alone, just like this book reminded ME that I'M not alone either. Thank you!

A Well-Crafted Self-Portrait...

This is a well-crafted self-portrait of one womans life with bipolar disorder. Marya Hornbacher is honest, insightful and brave as she describes the severe ups and downs brought on by her disorder.

During her manic episodes, Hornbacher is a classic case of manic symptoms.