Narrator Janina Edwards perfectly captures the graceful cadence and dignity of a woman in her 90s as she reminisces about her childhood in Depression-era Memphis. She pays tribute to her stepbrother, Robert Johnson, who took her to county fairs and entertained children by singing nursery rhymes and playing guitar. Author Annye Anderson fills in the gaps between Brother Robert, who came to Sunday dinner after playing the juke joints on Saturday nights, and the hugely influential "chased-by-hell-hounds" legendary Delta-blues guitarist whose 1937 recordings are now part of American and pop culture myth. Edwards adopts a righteous tone as the audiobook discusses and humanizes the thorny subject of artistic and cultural appropriation. Anderson's family never owned or profited much from her brother's iconic songs.
Pub Date: June 9, 2020
Duration: 4 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781549184604
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
An entertaining memoir by a true all-American of popular culture.
Bradshaw's football career ended in the 1980s, and these days he's probably most widely known for his ubiquitous cultural presence in movies, commercials, and reality television. Bradshaw takes a long and detailed look back at his consequential life decisions. He's a gifted narrator and storyteller, the kind of guy who can instantly build rapport with his audience. It's no surprise this audiobook is entertaining and occasionally moving. As Bradshaw reflects on the characters he's played over the years, essentially simple variations of himself, his voice reflects a self-effacing humility. Bradshaw has been able to build his extended second career with this warm approachability.
An entertaining memoir by a true all-American of popular culture.Pub Date: Oct. 13, 2026
Duration: 7 hrs, 51 mins
DD ISBN: 9781400260294
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Sept. 22, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2026
A must-listen, especially for anyone who enjoys film, television, and the creative process.
Listeners will find a subtle combination of candor and discretion in this career-spanning memoir. Actor and producer Douglas faces the shadow of his father, Kirk Douglas, head-on. His narration is intimate and charming, and he warmly exhibits his skills as a fine actor, first entertaining, then informing. Parts of the performance sound like Douglas’ speech has been affected by his mouth cancer, which is now in remission. However, most sections are articulated clearly. Behind-the-scenes Hollywood insights abound, and it’s all here, including his partnership with his wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones. Ultimately, we find a family man who had both abundant luck and talent.
A must-listen, especially for anyone who enjoys film, television, and the creative process.Pub Date: Oct. 6, 2026
Duration: 19 hrs, 16 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668658505
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Oct. 19, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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