General Audiobooks | Fiction & Literature

Autobiography Of An American Yogi Audiobook

Jeffrey Joseph Juliana, nee Geoffrey Giuliano, nee Jaganntha Dasa, is a man of many faces and adventures. A plumber's son from Western, New York now in his mid-sixties, this transient soul has experienced a wide swath of poverty, riches, fame, anonymity, hedonism, and piety. At the same time 50% monk and 50% monkey, Giuliano is best known as the author of a shelfful of books on the Beatles and other rock icons, a well-known film actor, world traveler, vegetarian activist, and very public devotee of Sri Krishna. Here is his rags to riches then back to rags story as told by himself, in an honest, enlightening, often shocking, sometimes humorous look back on the first nineteen years of his often unlikely life and times. This first installment of his autobiography focuses on the years 1953 to 1971 and his trek from a small-town kid, to an American 1960s hippie, to enthusiastic young seeker of Lord Krishna in the early years of the Hare Krishna Movement. While this is uniquely Geoffrey's story it is also a similar tale to many who lived through the same era. If the child is the father of the man then this collection of cutting memories explains a great deal about the bold, creative character Giuliano later became Introduction / Dr. Timothy Leary

Sripad Jagannatha Das (Author), Sripad Jagannatha Das (Narrator)

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First to Leave the Party: My Life with Ordinary People... Who Happen to be Famous

A marvelous and compulsively readable collection of stories from the life of Salah Bachir - philanthropist, art collector, movie industry insider - who, through his sheer joy of life, art, giving back, and human interaction, has endeared him to some of the most famous and creative people in recent times. Salah Bachir's encounters with stars who have passed through his beloved Toronto over the years opens on a backyard garden barbecue with Marlon Brando, and bread continues to be broken with icons as fascinating and seemingly disparate as Muhammad Ali and Liberace, Margaret Atwood and Cesar Chavez, Andy Warhol and Princess Margaret, to name just a few. But the true literary coup is that the biggest, brightest star we encounter is the author himself. Alan Cumming Salah is the patron saint for all of us who are full of curiosity, hungry for celebration, horny for fun, and who won't stop until every need is fulfilled. His appetite and passion for life is voracious. His ability to transform those passions into making life better for others is even more impressive. Atom Egoyan Salah Bachir, who immigrated to Canada from Lebanon in the 1960s, has been a gay activist who has worked in the film world for over four decades. While this has given him undeniable front-row access to Hollywood's biggest stars, it is Salah's personal charm and kindness, his philanthropy, his overall style (think hats, scarves, brooches, pearls, diamonds) and deep involvement in the art world that has made him a friend, companion, confidante, and/or lover to so many - including Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, Joan Rivers, Mary Tyler Moore, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Edward Albee, Orson Welles, Aretha Franklin, Norman Jewison, and Elizabeth Taylor - although it's true that Katharine Hepburn once turned him down, very nicely. Collected here in this wonderful book are personal stories of them all - some short, some long, some surprising, others juicy, and all fascinating. Through them we get to know Salah, a larger-than-life character that embodies the many worlds he shapes - the kind of person it would be hard to make up if he didn't already exist.

Salah Bachir (Author), Ann-Marie MacDonald (Narrator)

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[French] - Deux grandes dames: Bertha Wilson et Claire L’Heureux-Dubé à la Cour suprême du Canada

Bertha Wilson et Claire L’Heureux-Dubé ont été les premières femmes juges à la Cour suprême du Canada. L’une représentait le Canada anglais, l’autre le Québec. De milieux et de tempéraments opposés, les deux femmes ont affronté des défis similaires. Leurs nominations judiciaires dans les années 1980 ont ravi les féministes et bousculé l’establishment juridique. Constance Backhouse plonge ici au cœur des obstacles sexistes que les deux femmes ont affrontés en éducation, en pratique du droit et dans les cours de justice. Elle explore les divers moyens que celles-ci ont utilisés pour les surmonter, de même que les décisions marquantes qu’elles ont prises pour défendre les droits des femmes et leur traitement mitigé de la question raciale. Explorer les vies et les carrières de ces deux pionnières, c’est s’aventurer dans un monde de sexisme légal appartenant à une époque passée. Quand L’Heureux-Dubé a voulu s’inscrire à la Faculté de droit de l’Université Laval (défiant ainsi son père), un fonctionnaire de l’université lui a répondu que le droit était une discipline « réservée aux hommes ». Quand Bertha Wilson est entrée à la Faculté de droit de Dalhousie University, le doyen lui a suggéré de « retourner à la maison et se mettre au crochet ».

Constance Backhouse (Author), Marjolaine Lemieux (Narrator)

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Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant: A Memoir

This "vivid, moving, funny, and heartfelt" memoir tells the story of Curtis Chin's time growing up as a gay Chinese American kid in 1980's Detroit (Lisa Ko, author of The Leavers). Nineteen eighties Detroit was a volatile place to live, but above the fray stood a safe haven: Chung's Cantonese Cuisine, where anyone-from the city's first Black mayor to the local drag queens, from a big-time Hollywood star to elderly Jewish couples-could sit down for a warm, home-cooked meal. Here was where, beneath a bright-red awning and surrounded by his multigenerational family, filmmaker and activist Curtis Chin came of age; where he learned to embrace his identity as a gay ABC, or American-born Chinese; where he navigated the divided city's spiraling misfortunes; and where-between helpings of almond boneless chicken, sweet-and-sour pork, and some of his own, less-savory culinary concoctions-he realized just how much he had to offer to the world, to his beloved family, and to himself. Served up by the cofounder of the Asian American Writers' Workshop and structured around the very menu that graced the tables of Chung's, Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant is both a memoir and an invitation: to step inside one boy's childhood oasis, scoot into a vinyl booth, and grow up with him-and perhaps even share something off the secret menu. Goodreads's New and Upcoming Books to Discover This Pride Month

Curtis Chin (Author), Curtis Chin (Narrator)

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Black Death 1330–1500: Plague And Persistence

This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. Explore the Haunting Tale of 'Black Death 1330–1500: Plague and Persistence' Uncover the dark secrets of one of history's most enigmatic and transformative periods with our captivating book bundle, 'Black Death 1330–1500: Plague and Persistence.' This mesmerizing collection of four volumes will transport you to a world forever changed by the devastating Black Death.

A.J.Kingston (Author), Digital Voice Madison G (Narrator)

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A Mother's Courage: How I survived the Holocaust - a remarkable story of bravery, kindness and hope

'A deeply humane memoir, of immense power - there is nothing more affecting than a first hand experience finely told' - PHILIPPE SANDS 'A fabulous memoir . . . a testament to [Malka's] skill and determination' - DAME MAUREEN LIPMAN A Mother's Courage is Holocaust survivor Malka Levine's powerful and moving tribute to a determined and resourceful woman who refused to give up hope so long as her children needed her. Malka was two when the Nazi invaders forced her family into the Jewish ghetto in Volodymyr-Volynskyi, a small city in present-day Ukraine. It was the first step in a campaign of mass murder. Of the 25,000 Jews in the city in 1939, only 30 would survive. Malka's father was shot in the first pogrom, but before he died he begged her mother Rivka to 'save the children'. Rivka kept Malka and her two older brothers alive through eighteen terrifying months, as the Nazis systematically killed the inhabitants of the ghetto. In the midst of the inhumanity, a few people risked their lives to help. A Wehrmacht officer saved them from being shot and a Polish dressmaker gave them sanctuary when the SS went hunting for victims. Then Rivka persuaded a Ukrainian farmer and his saintly wife to hide her and the children. The Yakimchuks agreed and kept their word, even after the SS commandeered the farm. They dug a pit under their barn, and there Malka's family stayed through a freezing winter and into the summer until the Red Army came. At the end of the war, Rivka was forced to draw on her strength yet again as she set out to create a new life for herself and her children. A Mother's Courage is Malka's chance at long last to thank not only her brave mum but all the heroes who opened their hearts to her and her family.

Malka Levine (Author), Julie Teal (Narrator)

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My Name is Philippa: A memoir of a life lived in two genders

In 'My Name is Philippa,' prepare to be moved by a powerful story of love, transformation, and resilience. Katherine E. Zappone explains, This is primarily a love story. Philippa Ryder's journey to embracing her true self as a transgender woman has left an indelible mark on Irish culture. Growing up as a boy in the 1960s, she felt out of place, drawn to dressing in her sister's and later her wife's clothes. It wasn't until the 1990s that she discovered she wasn't alone in these feelings. Navigating the challenging path of transitioning from male to female, 'My Name is Philippa' tells an extraordinary tale of love, understanding, and the unwavering support of a family who stayed united as Philippa transformed from husband and father to wife and mother. In this heartfelt account, Philippa addresses many questions about what it means to be transgender, detailing the physical and emotional aspects of transition. Her story contributes to the global pursuit of freedom and empowerment for all individuals, regardless of gender identity. Through her honesty, courage, and perseverance, Philippa breaks the silence and encourages others to find their joy by embracing their authentic selves. This audiobook is a valuable resource for the transgender community, their allies, and anyone questioning their gender identity, as well as parents of transgender children and those seeking to learn more about transgender issues. Additionally, it offers insights for professionals in the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion sectors, Employee Resource Groups across corporate and public sectors, and health and social service personnel.

Philippa Ryder (Author), Jackie Meloche (Narrator)

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The View From Down Here: Life as a Young Disabled Woman

Women's lives are shaped by sexism and expectations. Disabled people's lives are shaped by ableism and a complete lack of expectations. But what happens when you're subjected to both sets of rules? This powerful, honest, hilarious and furious memoir from journalist and advocate Lucy Webster looks at life at the intersection; the struggles, the joys and the unseen realities of being a disabled woman. From navigating the worlds of education and work, dating and friendship; to managing care; contemplating motherhood; and learning to accept your body against a pervasive narrative that it is somehow broken and in need of fixing, The View From Down Here shines a light on what it really means to move through the world as a disabled woman. © 2023 Lucy Webster © 2023 DK Audio

Lucy Webster (Author), Lucy Webster, Nicola Chegwin (Narrator)

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Hope Fights Back: Fifty Marathons and a Life-or-Death Race Against ALS

The incredible story of a young woman living with ALS, who defies all odds by finishing fifty marathons and, in turn, inspires people to “go on, be brave.” Andrea Lytle Peet was thirty-three years old—an urban planner living in D.C., newly married, and a triathlete—when she received the death sentence of an ALS diagnosis (also known as Lou Gehrig's disease). After grappling with the fact that she will likely become paralyzed and die within two to five years, Andrea experienced an unexpected spark that changes her outlook in the most magnificent way. Inspired by Jon Blais, famous for finishing the IRONMAN World Championship while fighting the same disease, Andrea sets an 'impossible' goal to become the first person with ALS to complete a marathon in all fifty U.S. states on her recumbent trike—since she is no longer able to run. In her mission, Andrea recaptures the freedom that racing always gave her and inspires others to appreciate what our bodies can do. Her mindset shifts to accepting that although she is dying faster than she might have otherwise, we are all on the same path. Andrea, along with her husband and ALS community, prove that we all have choices in how we spend our precious lives—no matter what challenges we face. Hope Fights Back chronicles what happens when we choose to live instead of waiting to die. It is a 'love letter to life' and a beautiful love story between Andrea and her husband, David. Andrea’s words are awe inspiring for athletes and non-athletes alike. The reader intimately witnesses Andrea’s tenacity, determination and bravery, not only in accomplishing her fifty marathons goal, but in her day-to-day life with ALS. In a world where “hope” sometimes feels quiet and aspirational, Andrea reveals that hope is, instead, a valiant warrior that changes everything when it fights back. In Hope Fights Back, readers will be empowered by Andrea's force as an athlete and a woman fighting the battle of her life. For readers of Until I Say Goodbye, Let Your Mind Run and Between Two Kingdoms, Hope Fights Back is a magnetic and radiant story filled with soul-baring honesty, love and true grit.

Andrea Lytle Peet, Meredith Atwood (Author), Andrea Lytle Peet, Meredith Atwood (Narrator)

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[French] - Le scaphandre et le papillon

Le 8 décembre 1995, à la suite d'un accident vasculaire cérébral, Jean-Dominique Bauby est plongé dans un coma profond. Quand il en sort, toutes ses fonctions motrices sont détériorées. Atteint de ce qu'on appelle le ' locked-in syndrome ', il est littéralement enfermé à l'intérieur de lui-même ; il ne peut plus bouger, manger, parler ou même simplement respirer sans assistance. Dans ce corps inerte, seul un œil bouge. Cet œil, le gauche, c'est son lien avec le monde, avec les autres, avec la vie. Avec son œil, il cligne une fois pour dire ' oui ', deux fois pour dire ' non '. Ainsi, il arrête l'attention de son visiteur sur les lettres de l'alphabet qu'on lui dicte pour former des mots, des phrases, des pages entières... Grâce à son œil, il écrit ce livre : chaque matin pendant des semaines, il en compose et mémorise les pages avant de les dicter, puis de les corriger. Publié dans trente pays, Le Scaphandre et le Papillon a déjà touché des millions de lecteurs dans le monde. Le film qui en a été tiré, réalisé par Julian Schnabel et interprété par Mathieu Amalric, figure dans la sélection officielle du Festival de Cannes 2007. Ce témoignage relate le combat pour la vie d'un homme coupé du monde. ©1997, Robert Laffont, S.A.S, Paris

Jean-Dominique Bauby (Author), Benjamin Jungers (Narrator)

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Masterfully Crafted

Life has a way of breaking us into pieces, leaving us wondering what comes next. But don't be hasty to throw away those shattered dreams, hopes, and expectations. Your worth is not determined by your past experiences. Your strength lies in your ability to rise above life's challenges. With the embrace of God's love, those fractured fragments come together to forge an extraordinary living masterpiece. You; reborn and enhanced. Sandra Miranda's debut book, 'Masterfully Crafted,' recounts the journey of a woman who faced trials of epic proportions. In a remarkably short span, she weathered divorce after a three-decade marriage, mourned a son lost to an accidental overdose, supported another son's struggle with mental health, and simultaneously confronted several other trials. 'Masterfully Crafted' is available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, offering a revolutionary and effortlessly readable style. If pain, loss, grief, insecurity, or shame weigh heavy on you, Sandra will reveal her path to breakthrough and renewed faith in God's promises. Despite your current brokenness, her story of triumph will ignite hope that God holds a masterful mosaic to reshape you. Within her debut memoir, Sandra Miranda — author, speaker, entrepreneur, pastor, and visionary strategist — lays bare a poignant, vulnerable, and emotionally charged personal narrative. After enduring years of formidable personal challenges, Miranda's story takes a turn, ushering in renewed hope in the divine promise of Jeremiah 29:11 — a promise of prosperity and a future unmarred by harm. Through guidance, fortuitous connections, and newfound opportunities, she discovered the power to relinquish the grip of past pain. She imparts these lessons to empower you for transformation as well. Indeed, there is immeasurable value in brokenness.

Sandra Ivette Miranda (Author), Sandra Ivette Miranda (Narrator)

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[German] - Tragisch, aber geil 2.0 (Ungekürzt)

Barbie kennen die meisten aus dem Fernsehen, von Social Media oder von ihren verschiedenen Podcastprojekten. Wir kennen sie als laute Stimme für Gerechtigkeit, als Host von Drag Race Germany, als HIV/AIDS Aktivistin und empathische Interviewerin. Doch wie wurde aus dem kleinen Jungen im Kleid die Drag Queen von heute? In knapp sieben Stunden durchschreitet Barbie die prägendsten Momente ihres Lebens und lädt ihre Hörer:innen dazu ein, ihr dabei ungeniert über die Schulter zu schauen. Ihr Weg erweist sich als geprägt von Extremen, von Lust und Depression, Exzess und Absturz, von Kampf, Liebe und Täuschung und immer wieder von dem Entschluss, trotzdem weiterzumachen. Sie ist nicht zu eitel, auch in hässlichen Momenten ehrlich zu bleiben und erlaubt ihrer Hörer:innenschaft, ihre Ängste, Hoffnungen und Enttäuschungen mit ihr mitzufühlen. Dabei nimmt sie sich erfrischend selten ernst und erklärt ab und an in einem kurzen, hingeworfenen Nebensatz den komplexen Lauf der Welt. Am Ende bleibt ein hoffnungsstarker Blick in die Zukunft und das Gefühl, eine neue Freundin gewonnen zu haben. Voller ungeschönter Wahrheiten, berührender Beobachtungen und zum Brüllen komischer Einblicke in das Leben einer einzigartigen Queen. 'Ein Blick in Bärbels Welt. Ich habe viel über sie gelernt. Und tatsächlich auch das ein oder andere über mich. Danke für den Spiegel, den Du mir, bzw. uns allen vorhältst. Und danke für die Inspiration.' Conchita Wurst 'Ein Buch wie eine beste Freundin. Ab und zu weise, öfter mal saukomisch, wenn es nötig ist liebevoll vulgär und immer, immer ehrlich.' Paul Schulz 'Wir haben Tränen gelacht und Tränen geweint.' Stadt. Land. Schwul. - Der Podcast 'I still don't know her!' Mariah Reich Ranicky

Barbie Breakout (Author), Barbie Breakout (Narrator)

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General Audiobooks in Fiction & Literature