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.
Paris Boost
The ability to adjust playback speed is a game-changer for faster or more immersive listening. ๐๏ธ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency โ I'm enjoying audiobooks without missing a beat in my day. ๐ถ๐ Supports artwork and metadata perfectly. My library looks great! I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections. The subtle background music at key moments enhanced the experience without being distracting. More audiobooks should use this technique when appropriate!
Tweety
I can't get enough of the binaural audio processing. It's like a breath of fresh air for my ears. Bookmarks are a fantastic tool for keeping track of important moments. They're a game-changer. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a fun and convenient way to share the magic of storytelling with friends and family, sparking meaningful discussions. The ability to download audio from various sources without syncing is fantastic. ListenBook makes it so easy.
Snowflake Pixie
๐ Ironing has become a joy with audiobooks โ wrinkles are no match for these captivating stories! ๐๐ง I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience so effortless. From downloading to playback, it's a true companion for book lovers. ๐๐ซ ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a game-changer. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
Versace-Cat
๐๏ธ The app's functionality is a true work of art โ it enhances the audiobook experience and brings stories to life. ๐๐จ Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a joy to use. It's a seamless experience. Playback speed and volume controls are fantastic. The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes.
ELLerG!c
The 'Discover' section is a treasure trove for finding hidden literary gems. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a novel feature that allows for a personalized listening experience.
Mental Prophet
Sharing audiobooks with friends is so easy with AirDrop. It's a great way to spread happiness. The app is so well-designed. Itโs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureโitโs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Grotas
Looping playback of a single track helps me focus and absorb complex content. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itโs a fun feature.
Sepukku
With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of literature during my daily walks โ it's truly invigorating. ListenBook has made audiobook listening more convenient and enjoyable than ever before. The app is so well-designed. Itโs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Sโmore Vixen
ListenBook has revolutionized how I consume content. It's like having a personal library in my pocket. Unlimited audiobook length with ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks and this narrator is now in my top 5. Their timing and inflection were masterful. Never a dull moment in the entire performance.
Skirble
ListenBook's innovative features, from audio filters to statistics, make it a standout app. This app is a time-saver โ I can 'read' even when I'm on the move. ๐ก Making house chores more enjoyable โ audiobooks help me stay engaged while tidying up the living space. ๐ ๐ I love how easy it is to download audiobooks with ListenBook. The app is incredibly convenient. I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itโs perfect for my needs.
Cool Whip
I've rediscovered my love for reading, all thanks to this app's convenience. The audio filters in ListenBook allow me to customize my listening experience. Speed up or slow down playbackโit's all up to me!
Parallax Sugar
ListenBook's sharing options make it a breeze to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts and share recommendations. 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!
Shamrock
ListenBook's features make it the ultimate audio companion for any audiobook enthusiast. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made a significant difference in the clarity of recordings. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Nacho
ListenBook's support for chapters and bookmarks ensures that I never lose my place in a story. This app has reignited my love for literature and made it a part of my everyday life. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique tool that adds a touch of creativity to my listening experience. Tone adjustment is a brilliant addition that lets me personalize the narration to my liking. It adds an extra layer of connection to the audiobooks.
Twin Blaze
I've found solace and relaxation in the pages of countless audiobooks. Thank you for making literature more accessible, enjoyable, and immersive. This app is a game-changer! ๐๐ Turn traffic into a literary escape โ this app's functionality keeps me engaged while I'm on the move. ๐๐ง
Girl Brownie
๐ถโโ๏ธ๐ This app's functionality makes every walk an adventure โ I'm immersed in stories as I explore the world around me. ๐๏ธ๐ Audiobook enjoyment redefined โ this app's design focuses on the essentials. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options have made audiobook revisiting and studying a breeze. Adjustable playback speed and volume control are top-notch.
Midnight Bat
ListenBook's support for various audio formats makes it a versatile app for all kinds of audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook has taken my audio content to new heights, making every moment more meaningful. Bravo to the creators of this app โ they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design are a win. ๐๐ ListenBook's attention to detail is commendable. Every aspect of the app is well-crafted. Has every feature I need. My top choice for audiobooks!
Undergrad Split
I can't imagine my daily routine without ListenBook's intuitive layout and easy-to-access controls. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my downtime more enriching and meaningful. This app is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts. The interface is intuitive, and the playback is seamless! ListenBookโs support for Apple Watch is a great touch. I can control my audiobooks on the go. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark featureโit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Truth
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun and unique feature I can't get enough of. Audiobooks have become a cherished part of my daily life, all thanks to this app. I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn any moment into a reading opportunity. ListenBook has become an essential part of my day, enhancing my commute and allowing me to enjoy audiobooks like never before.
Back Bett
This app's customizable features, like playback speed and bookmarks, have transformed my experience. With this app, I can read anytime, anywhere โ it's a reader's dream come true. With ListenBook Pro, I'm no longer limited by audiobook length. It's a liberating experience!
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