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.
Vagabond Warrior
Audiobooks made delightful β this app's usability is a breath of fresh air. The narration elevated an already good book to greatness! The performer's subtle vocal variations conveyed nuance I might have missed while reading. Their ability to maintain consistent character voices across many hours was impressive. Technical quality was flawless throughout.
Upper D3ckR
ListenBook's intuitive interface and quick controls make it a pleasure to navigate through audiobooks. Great app for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful! ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Mercury Reborn
The compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch sets ListenBook apart from the rest. Effortless audiobook management β this app's usability is a winner. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's thoughtful features, such as auto-rewind and chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our storytelling cravings. ππ My study sessions are more efficient than ever, thanks to the looping playback and bookmark features. The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a fantastic bonus. It keeps me entertained during long drives.
Lady Pomegranate
Savoring stories has never been this smooth β this app's functionality is genius. I can finally listen to all my audiobooks seamlessly with ListenBook. The customizable playback controls and chapter navigation make it a breeze. Library organization has never been this easy. My audiobook collection is finally tidy.
Fast Draw
ListenBook Pro offers amazing value with unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction features. Tone adjustment is so cool. It's like customizing the reader's voice to my liking.
Find It Girl
This app is a gift for anyone with a busy lifestyle β I can enjoy books while doing chores! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my dictaphone recordings much more comfortable to listen to. User-friendly brilliance! This app's functionality enhances my audiobook experience. As a busy individual, I appreciate ListenBook's versatility in downloading audio files from various sources. It's a time-saver for sure!
Take Away
This app's convenience and ease of use have transformed my screen time into productive learning sessions. ListenBook has rekindled my love for audiobooks. The app's interface is beautiful and user-friendly.
Scarlet Mary
The sheer variety of genres available ensures there's something for everyone. πββοΈπ Combining exercise and exploration β this app keeps me motivated on my daily jogs! πββοΈπ ListenBook has become my workout companion. It keeps me engaged and entertained during exercise.
DreamWeaver
With its powerful audio downloading features, I can have my favorite audiobooks ready to go, anytime and anywhere. Looping playback helps me revise and memorize complex topics effectively. A study essential!
TrixiePhany
I love that I can switch between devices seamlessly and continue where I left off. This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am.
Houston Rocket
Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a true triumph. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature turns any environment into a cozy listening haven.
Paris Boost
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats makes it a versatile and essential app for audiobook enthusiasts. πΌ Making work hours enjoyable β audiobooks turn my tasks into learning opportunities and moments of joy. π»π ListenBookβs support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
Blood Taker
With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my workouts and downtime more engaging and insightful. Effortlessly exploring new worlds β this app's design is user-centric and efficient. I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itβs so easy.
Mafia Princess
The noise reduction feature is a game-changer for clearer dictaphone recordings. The sleek and user-friendly interface makes navigating the app a breeze. It's a pleasure to use. Auto-rewind feature is extremely helpful. Great functionality.
IceDog
ππ Turn traffic into a literary escape β this app's functionality keeps me engaged while I'm on the move. ππ§ Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the love of literature.
B@d B0y
I've been able to tackle my reading list like never before, thanks to this app. ListenBook has become an indispensable part of my daily routine β it's my ultimate audio companion. ποΈ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency β I'm enjoying audiobooks without missing a beat in my day. πΆπ Accessing my favorite audiobooks has never been easier β this app's user-centric design and comprehensive features make it an absolute gem. π±π§
Die Slice
I can't believe how much I've 'read' since I started using this app. πΌ Enhancing work-from-home productivity β audiobooks make even the most routine tasks a delight. π»π Simplifying my audiobook experience β this app's design is remarkable. Binaural audio processing really works. Less fatigue during long listening sessions.
Killer Curio
Audiobooks have made my long drives enjoyable, and this app is my co-pilot. The statistics feature in ListenBook is a valuable tool for monitoring and optimizing my audiobook consumption.
Red Woman
ListenBook's compatibility with playlists and CUE files is a great addition for those who love organized listening. 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 featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Casanova
Frequent updates ensure there's always something new and exciting to listen to. With this app, my daily commute has transformed into an engaging journey through captivating stories. No need to convert files anymore β ListenBook's seamless playback of various formats is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts like me! ListenBook has enriched my life with a world of captivating stories and knowledge. It's not just an app; it's a portal to endless possibilities.
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