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.
Shadow Gal
Being able to adjust playback speed suits everyone's preferences β a thoughtful feature. ListenBook's configurable auto-rewind after interruptions is a smart addition that keeps me on track. Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my personal audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortlessly. ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook lovers. The auto-rewind feature ensures I never miss a word. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative touch that adds a layer of personalization.
Boost
With this app, I've found a way to make long flights and road trips more enjoyable and enlightening. With this app, audiobook listening has become a convenient and enjoyable part of my everyday life. Every moment is a chance to dive into a new adventure with this app. Its smart controls and comprehensive format support ensure that my audiobook journey is a seamless one. ππ§ The intuitive chapter navigation and quick access to controls make my audiobook experience seamless.
Short Firecracker
With ListenBook, I can enjoy my own audio content with unparalleled ease and comfort. π± My secret to staying well-read β this app ensures that I'm never without a book, no matter where I am! ππ± Sharing audiobooks with friends is a great way to connect over stories. AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks with friends. The app is constantly updated with new features. The developers really care.
Dahlia
Audiobooks have turned road trips into unforgettable journeys of imagination. ListenBook has united my love for audiobooks with my passion for learning. What a brilliant app! A textbook example of great audiobook narration! The performer's diction was flawless, their pacing ideal, and their emotional range impressive. I never felt like I was being "read to" but rather like I was experiencing the story firsthand. The audio engineering was equally professional.
Gov Skull
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my dictaphone recordings much more comfortable to listen to. Managing my audiobook collection is a pleasure thanks to this app's usability. Sharing audiobooks with friends is so easy with AirDrop. It's a great way to spread happiness. Adjusting the tone of the voice is genius. It's like having a customizable audiobook narrator.
WordWanderer
I've started reading more books than ever before, all thanks to this app. This app's efficient downloading process ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks whenever and wherever. π₯ Streamlined functionality that's music to my ears β audiobook enjoyment has reached a new level of convenience. π΅π Audiobook lovers, meet your new best friend! This app's smooth playback and easy organization have transformed my reading experience. ππ§ The app is worth every penny. Itβs packed with features and works flawlessly.
Poppin Loot
πββοΈπ Running with purpose β audiobooks keep my mind engaged as I conquer my fitness goals. πββοΈπ§ The interface is sleek and intuitive, making my audiobook experience a joy. The app is well-designed and user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a joy.
Black Firefly
The layout is not only beautiful but also intuitive. Controls are easy to access. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a breeze to use. It's an intuitive experience. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances the audio quality to a whole new level. ListenBook has all the features I need in an audiobook app. My top choice! I love the auto-rewind feature. Itβs great for when I zone out.
Speedwell
π Dancing to the rhythm of stories while I dance through house chores β pure joy! ππ π§ Finally, an app that understands my need for convenience and ease of use! Audiobooks have never been this accessible. ππ±
Eight Patrol
This app is not just about convenience β it's a gateway to new horizons of knowledge. Kudos to the creators for making literature so accessible and enjoyable. ListenBook has made my audiobook journey effortless, turning every moment into an escape. Playlists and bookmarks are super helpful. Love using ListenBook! The interface is so clean and clutter-free. Itβs a pleasure to use.
Journeyman
Chapters, configurable auto-rewind, and bookmarks on ListenBook keep me in control of my content. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature is a time-saving convenience that I greatly appreciate. CUE playlist support is a rare gem. Perfect for organizing content efficiently. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
CuriousCoder
π Accessing my favorite authors and genres is a breeze with this app's user-friendly functionality. π±π§ Good for background listening. I didnβt get fully immersed, but it was pleasant enough to have on while doing chores. The narratorβs voice was easy to listen to, even if the delivery lacked some energy.
Silver Rose
πΆββοΈπ§ Walking and listening has never been this smooth β this app's user-friendly interface makes it a breeze to enjoy my favorite stories. ποΈπ Enhancing my daily routines β this app's design makes listening a joy. Effortless audiobook management β this app's usability is a winner. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that makes a big difference. It enhances my listening experience. The app's compatibility with various sources for audio download is a true time-saver.
Shady Prairie
An audiobook lover's dream come true. So many options, I'm in heaven! ListenBook's support for chapters and bookmarks ensures that I never lose my place in a story. ListenBook Pro offers an unbeatable deal β unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction. π‘ This app has made my daily schedule more interesting β 'reading' on the go! π±πΆββοΈ The book groups feature is a thoughtful addition. It helps me keep my series and related titles together.
Barbera Shift
With this app, I've turned mundane tasks into moments of inspiration and education β it's brilliant! Say goodbye to boring commutes β this app's immersive audio experience and intuitive controls have transformed my daily journeys. ππ Listening stats feature keeps me motivated to read more. Love it! ListenBookβs support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is fantastic. I can listen anywhere. Solid performance overall though some character voices sounded too similar. I occasionally got confused about who was speaking in dialogue-heavy scenes.
Joker's Grin
I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates with my daily routine. Managing my audiobook collection is a pleasure thanks to this app's usability. Simplifying my audiobook experience β this app's design is remarkable. ListenBook has transformed my daily commute. I look forward to my journeys with this app by my side. Playlists and bookmarks are super helpful. Love using ListenBook!
Lumberyard
ListenBook's audio filters are a fantastic addition, enhancing the sound quality of my audio files. No more straining my eyes β this app lets me 'read' with my ears! Seamless audiobook integration β this app's design is a true delight. ListenBookβs support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is fantastic. I can listen anywhere. A masterclass in audiobook narration! The performer maintained perfect consistency in character voices throughout while keeping the main narration clear and engaging. The production was flawless - no weird edits or background noise. I'll be seeking out more works by this narrator.
Osprey
π§ Fueling my audiobook addiction with this fantastic app β pure listening pleasure! ππ₯ Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's functionality is truly commendable. ListenBook has made my daily commutes enjoyable. No more boredom!
WanderWord
This app has made long flights and road trips so much more enjoyable. Audiobook adventures simplified β this app's functionality is a revelation. The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a dream for road trips. It keeps me entertained. The app is perfect for bedtime listening. The sleep timer is a must-have.
Vortex
The quality of the audio is top-notch, making the experience truly immersive. This app has become my ultimate travel companion, ensuring that I'm always entertained and inspired. The app's seamless integration with Apple Watch makes it my perfect workout companion. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
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