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.
Spoiler
Effortlessly exploring new worlds β this app's design is user-centric and efficient. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the love of literature. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections. Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If youβre looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it.
Dr. WMD
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personalized touch to my audiobook experience. ListenBook has become my trusted companion, making even the busiest days enjoyable. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It eliminates distractions and enhances the clarity of recordings, resulting in a more immersive experience. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
InsightfulInk
Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's ease of use is a game-changer. Effortlessly exploring new worlds β this app's design is user-centric and efficient.
Bearded Angler
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy. Kudos to the developers for crafting an app that understands readers' needs. The smooth playback and sleek design are pure perfection. ππ ListenBookβs support for Apple Watch is a great touch. I can control my audiobooks on the go.
Stallion Patton
This app has transformed my daily routines into immersive storytelling experiences. This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks hassle-free. With this app, I've discovered a whole new way to enjoy literature.
Peanut Butter Woman
I can't get enough of this app's versatile features β from playback speed to bookmarking, it's all there. No more limits on the genres I can explore! This app's versatility in downloading and organizing audiobooks ensures I always have a captivating tale at my fingertips. ππ± Book groups are a thoughtful addition. I can group related titles for easy access. Supports extensive playlists and bookmarks. Very user-friendly.
Flyswat Briggs
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality, providing a clear and immersive listening experience that enhances my enjoyment. Adjustable playback speed and volume control make for a customized experience. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Maple Destroyer
Being able to download audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. With this app, reading has become an integral part of my daily routine. The app's compatibility with CarPlay enhances my driving experience. Audiobooks on the road have never been better.
Captain Peroxide
π± My secret to staying well-read β this app ensures that I'm never without a book, no matter where I am! ππ± ListenBook's player features, like chapters and bookmarks, make it a versatile tool for any listener. ListenBook has transformed the way I engage with literature. It's like having a virtual bookshelf in my pocket. Great for both casual listening and studying. The audio filters are a nice touch.
The Belgian
I'm addicted to this app's seamless integration with my daily routines and activities. Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is truly remarkable.
Palomino
The app's interface is sleek and modern, making it a joy to use. Audiobooks have become my favorite workout companions, making exercise a breeze.
Cowboy Booter
The user-friendly interface and precise controls make listening to audiobooks an absolute delight. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
Risen
The ListenBook app has made my daily routines more enriching, allowing me to learn while on the go. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made a significant difference in the clarity of recordings. Good but not great. The narration was competent but lacked the extra spark that makes some audiobooks truly special. Still worth a listen though.
Carrot Joker
ListenBook Pro's sharing features allow me to spread the joy of audiobooks with my friends and family. ListenBook's compatibility with a wide range of audio formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits.
Firefly Caramel
ListenBook has become my trusted companion, making even the busiest days enjoyable. I love how this app makes my daily commute a journey through literature. π Rekindling my literary flame β this app has brought back the joy of reading in a whole new format. ππ The app's attention to detail is commendable. It's evident in every feature. Iβm so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
Scratch Man
ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a game-changer β I can have my audiobooks ready in no time. ππ Embarking on literary journeys even with my eyes closed β bedtime stories have taken a new form with this app! π΄π§
Video Game Heroine
The vast selection of titles on this app is a book lover's dream come true. ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have taken my audiobook journey to new heights. I'm hooked on this app's seamless performance β it's like having a personal audiobook curator. ListenBook has become my go-to app for exploring a diverse range of audiobooks. It offers a wide array of features that cater to different preferences and needs. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
Pink C
This app has introduced me to authors I'd never heard of β now they're my favorites! ListenBook's seamless audio player has turned my listening sessions into moments of pure delight. ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its performance and features. Binaural audio processing really helps reduce fatigue. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
EchoEnigma
This app's convenience has turned my exercise sessions into enlightening moments. π‘ Cleaning the house with an audiobook in the background β talk about productivity! π§Όπ ListenBook's support for looping and shuffling playback adds versatility to my audiobook enjoyment. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has never been easier or more convenient. I love the ability to change the font size. It makes reading the titles so easy.
Elder Pogue
ListenBook Pro has taken my audiobook experience to the next level. No regrets! The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a dream for road trips. It keeps me entertained.
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