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.
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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