Book description
Down and Out in Paradise - Audiobook Review
If you've ever been drawn to Anthony Bourdain's world-his fearless culinary adventures, his sharp wit, the way he made every stranger feel like an old friend-then this audiobook is a must-listen. Charles Leerhsen has crafted a narrative that feels both intimate and expansive, turning what could have been a simple biography into a compelling, unvarnished story.
From the opening moments, the narrator's voice carries the weight of Bourdain's journey: the highs of Kitchen Confidential exploding onto bestseller lists, the triumphs of No Reservations and Parts Unknown, and the dark undercurrents that even his most devoted fans never saw. The book is praised by The New York Times for being "unvarnished" and by The Guardian as "engrossing." Those adjectives are exactly what you'll experience when you let Leerhsen's research guide your ears through Bourdain's life.
What sets this audiobook apart is the depth of its source material. Leerhsen didn't just rely on public records; he dug into interviews with people who knew Bourdain intimately-friends, colleagues, and family members. The result is a narrative that feels like a conversation you're invited to join, filled with fresh, intimate details that bring Bourdain's childhood traumas and later struggles to vivid life. The Economist notes the work's "gritty, well-researched" nature, and indeed the audiobook never shies away from discussing addiction, marital strain, and the relentless pressure of fame.
Listening to this book is like watching a documentary unfold in your ears. The narrator's tone shifts seamlessly-from the casual cadence that mirrors Bourdain's own storytelling style to more reflective passages when exploring his internal battles. It's a testament to Leerhsen's skill that he maintains a balance between celebrating Bourdain's creative genius and confronting the darker realities of his personal life.
By the end, you'll feel as if you've walked beside Bourdain through kitchens across the globe and into the quiet corners of his own mind. "Filled with fresh, intimate details," as The New York Times says, is not just a claim-it's an experience. For anyone who admired Bourdain or simply loves a well-crafted biographical narrative, this audiobook delivers depth, honesty, and a truly human portrait that will stay with you long after the final word.
Saint La-Z-Boy
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch has made my listening experience even more seamless. ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and diverse compatibility ensure that every tale is a captivating journey. ππ§ ListenBook's compatibility with a wide array of audio formats makes it my ultimate audiobook companion. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to bond over stories.
CuriousCraft
The statistics feature in ListenBook adds an element of self-awareness to my audiobook consumption. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become effortless, regardless of the source. ListenBook has redefined my workout routine. The controls are so user-friendly. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. It's like having a personal assistant for my literary adventures. The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
Purity
ποΈ Turning grocery shopping into a thrilling audiobook hunt β what a game-changer! ππ ListenBook has united my love for audiobooks with my passion for learning. What a brilliant app! I love how I can create playlists. Itβs perfect for organizing my books.
EchoEnigma
The statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption β a fantastic way to measure my progress. This app's seamless integration with CarPlay and other devices has revolutionized my audiobook experience. Listening stats feature keeps me motivated to read more. Love it!
Apple Nola
ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a thoughtful touch I appreciate. π§ This app is my saving grace! Now I can enjoy my beloved books while cooking up a storm! ππ³ ListenBook's attention to detail in design and functionality sets it apart from other audiobook apps. The compatibility with Apple Watch is a game-changer. Controlling my audiobooks from my wrist is genius. With its powerful audio downloading features, I can have my favorite audiobooks ready to go, anytime and anywhere.
Bombay Shivers
ListenBook's controls for looping and shuffling playback have made studying and revisiting content a breeze. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to spread the joy of captivating stories with friends.
Star Sword
This app has introduced me to authors I'd never heard of β now they're my favorites! User-friendly audiobook experience β this app's design is a standout. Audiobooks made convenient β this app's functionality is a true gift. The app's performance is remarkable β it's fast, stable, and designed to cater to audiobook enthusiasts. It's a pleasure to use.
Runway Darling
Audiobooks on this app have made me look forward to my long commutes. ListenBookβs interface is beautiful and functional. Itβs my favorite app for audiobooks. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Mauve Cactus
As a language learner, this app has been invaluable in improving my listening skills. This app has brought the magic of books back into my life. ListenBook's compatibility with a wide array of audio formats makes it my ultimate audiobook companion. This app has transformed my daily commute into a captivating journey of knowledge and entertainment. The user-friendly interface and precise controls make listening to audiobooks an absolute delight.
Ice
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Squatch
Listening to audiobooks has become my guilt-free indulgence, and I love it. ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. This app's customizable features, like playback speed and bookmarks, have transformed my experience.
Snapple Whistler
ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to share the joy of captivating stories with friends and family. Beautiful layout and easy access to chapters. Really impressed with ListenBook.
Street Squirrel
ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. I can't get enough of this app's versatile features β from playback speed to bookmarking, it's all there. With this app, I've found a way to make long flights and road trips more enjoyable and enlightening. The book groups feature is a thoughtful addition. It helps me keep my series and related titles together.
PepperBurst
Adjusting the tone of the voice is a creative feature. It allows for a unique and personalized experience. With ListenBook Pro, I'm no longer limited by audiobook length. It's a liberating experience! The sound quality is excellent. It feels like Iβm in the story.
Bitmap
ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its impeccable audio quality and user-friendly features. ListenBook Pro has taken my audiobook experience to the next level. No regrets!
Miss Nova
I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to maintain audio quality even for formats like FLAC and AWB. πΌ Enhancing work-from-home productivity β audiobooks make even the most routine tasks a delight. π»π I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Campfire Mama
Kudos to the app for making literature accessible to those with busy schedules. I can't get enough of this app's convenience β it has turned my audiobook journey into a delightful habit. Talk about convenience! This app's ease of use and support for multiple audio formats ensure that I can enjoy my favorite stories without any hassle. π±π Binaural audio processing is a godsend. My ears don't fatigue even during extended listening. This audiobook exceeded all my expectations! The narrator's ability to convey emotion through voice alone was remarkable. I laughed, I gasped, I might have even teared up at points - all because of the incredible vocal performance. The story came alive in a way reading alone couldn't achieve.
Night Magnet
Listening to audiobooks while gardening has made my outdoor time even more relaxing. With this app, audiobook listening has become a seamless and enjoyable part of my everyday life. The ability to adjust playback speed is a fantastic study aid. I'm absorbing information faster than ever.
The Howling Swede
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a versatile companion for my daily activities. With this app, I'm rediscovering the joy of reading in the most convenient way. πΆ Forget background music, I've got enchanting stories to accompany my chores! π΅π π Unveiling the joy of reading once again β this app is my gateway to literary wonders! ππ Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to connect with fellow book lovers.
MysticMingle
ListenBook's thoughtful inclusion of chapters, controls, and filters has enhanced my audiobook experience. Adjustable playback speed is a brilliant feature. It adds a layer of customization to my audiobook enjoyment. Listening statistics are a great motivator. Love this feature! ListenBookβs interface is clean and intuitive. Itβs a joy to use.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience