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.
Impulsive Flower
I can't remember the last time I was this excited about 'reading' books! Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's thoughtful features, such as auto-rewind and chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our storytelling cravings. ๐๐
ThreadTrail
It's impressive how the app caters to both seasoned readers and newcomers. This app has transformed my daily walks into insightful journeys of knowledge โ talk about efficiency! ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily routine, becoming an indispensable companion for various activities. Its user-friendly interface, features, and performance make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks seamlessly. Very convenient. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Rocky Highway
Audiobook immersion without complications โ this app's ease of use is commendable. I'm blown away by the silky-smooth playback, even for high-quality formats like FLAC. Top-notch performance!
Twix Esses
ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks a seamless and delightful experience. With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual exploration and personal growth. ๐ Rekindling my love for reading โ this app makes each day a new adventure! ๐๐ Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very pleased.
Bug Fire
I'm impressed by how this app seamlessly syncs across my devices. This app's customizable features, like playback speed and bookmarks, have transformed my experience. ListenBook has made audiobook listening more convenient and enjoyable than ever before.
Lady Petal
ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make navigation effortless. Audiobooks made convenient โ this app's functionality is a true gift. Adjusting the tone of the voice is so innovative. It's like personalizing the narration. I'm amazed by the attention to detail, from automatic metadata extraction to customizable settings. ListenBook has elevated my learning experience. I'm retaining more information than ever.
Bom Crossed
This app isn't just a tool, it's a wellspring of inspiration and positive vibes. Audiobooks have become my bedtime companions, soothing me into a peaceful sleep. Simplifying my audiobook experience โ this app's design is a game-changer. Adjustable playback speed is my secret weapon for covering more material in less time. A productivity boost! ListenBook has all the features I need. My go-to audiobook app!
Irish Dze
This app's sleek design and intuitive features make it my trusted partner in exploring new narratives. The narrator's voice was so pleasant and easy to listen to. They had perfect pacing and made even the slower parts engaging. I found myself looking forward to my commute just to listen more!
Toe
Kudos for the thoughtfully curated collections โ I'm discovering hidden gems! ListenBook has reignited my love for storytelling and learning, one audio file at a time.
Lucky Aurora
ListenBook has transformed my mundane activities into enjoyable moments of learning and entertainment. ๐ Whether I'm cooking, commuting, or relaxing at home, this app's seamless functionality keeps me engaged in captivating narratives. ๐งโจ ListenBook's audio filters allow me to customize the audio playback to suit my preferences perfectly. ListenBook's comprehensive format support makes it the ultimate companion for audiobook enthusiasts. Excellent support for various audio formats. Very satisfied.
Double Eerie
I'm no longer missing out on great stories โ this app fits perfectly into my lifestyle. The ListenBook app has enriched my daily life, adding a layer of intellectual and emotional fulfillment. I'm addicted to this app's seamless performance and impressive library. โญ๏ธ Loving the fact that I can learn and listen at the same time โ multitasking made easy! ๐ง ๐ง ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a seamless addition to my daily routine.
Killer Grenade
Listening to audiobooks has become a ritual, thanks to this incredible app. This app has become my ultimate travel companion, ensuring that I'm always entertained and inspired. ๐ Unleashing the power of audiobooks with this user-friendly app โ it's like having a personal storyteller on demand! ๐๐ฅ The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
JesterZilla
With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch has streamlined my multitasking. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy for me to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to introduce others to the joys of audiobook storytelling. Perfect for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful app.
DanimalDaze
I'm on a literary adventure wherever I go, all thanks to this app. Its extensive format support and effortless navigation make audiobook listening a breeze. ๐๐ Say goodbye to monotony โ this app's diverse format support and intuitive controls have turned my daily activities into thrilling audiobook adventures. ๐ฑ๐
Ice
The app's customization options allow me to tailor the listening experience to my liking. This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks hassle-free. Gone are the days of fumbling with different formats โ this app's comprehensive support ensures I can enjoy any audiobook without a hitch. ๐๐ 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 The quick access to chapters and controls makes the app a joy to use. I'm always in control.
Old Felix
ListenBook's variety of ways to download audio makes it incredibly convenient. Effortless audiobook exploration โ this app's design is a reader's dream.
StarZen
The family subscription option is a money-saver โ everyone gets to enjoy their favorite books. This app is a must-have for any book lover on the go โ it's my daily companion. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that allows for a personalized listening experience. Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thanks, ListenBook!
Stud Buster
๐งโโ๏ธโ Sipping tea and getting lost in stories โ the ultimate way to unwind! ๐ต๐ Looping playback is a study aid sent from heaven. It's helping me ace my exams!
Boost
ListenBook Pro offers an unbeatable deal โ unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a bonding experience made easy through AirDrop and sharing options.
Crash Override
The layout of ListenBook is so beautiful and user-friendly, making it a pleasure to use. I'm amazed at how this app has made my workouts more motivating and my audiobooks more accessible. This app's ease of use has made my daily activities more enjoyable and educational. ๐ง An audiobook treasure trove in the palm of my hand โ this app is pure convenience! ๐๐ ๐๐ Turn traffic into a literary escape โ this app's functionality keeps me engaged while I'm on the move. ๐๐ง
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