Arts & Entertainment Audiobooks | Biography & Memoir

Grit, Spit, and Never Quit: A Marine's Guide to Comedy and Life

"Comedian Rob Riggle's frank, funny, and inspirational memoir about how the lessons he learned while serving in the US Marines prepared him for life, especially when it came to pursuing his comedy dreams. Before he graced movie screens in films like The Hangover and television in shows like The Daily Show, Rob Riggle served his country as a Marine for twenty-three years. He helped liberate an embassy in Liberia, served at a refugee camp in Albania before going into Kosovo, did search and rescue at Ground Zero, and was deployed to Afghanistan twice. He learned the hard way that you need to embrace the suck and never give up if you want to get anywhere in life. And those lessons came in handy, especially when he faced tough crowds as he tried to establish his comedy career. He's been heckled (by idiots), shot at (by bigger idiots), rejected for roles, and flopped more often than a European soccer player in the World Cup. But no matter what he was doing, every time Riggle wanted to throw in the towel, he channeled his inner Marine and kicked his ass in gear. Grit, Spit, and Never Quit has action, tear‑jerker scenes, side‑splitting laughs, and plenty of bumper sticker moments. He's jumped out of planes, he's become one of the most recognizable comedians in the country-but at his core, Rob is a regular guy from Kansas with grit, spit, and the will to never quit."

Rob Riggle (Author), Rob Riggle (Narrator)

Audiobook

Welcome to the Family: The Explosive Story Behind Fast & Furious, the Blockbusters that Supercharged

"An exclusive look inside the surprising history and contentious future of Hollywood's most unlikely blockbuster-the Fast & Furious franchise-a series that uncannily anticipated the shifting currents of pop culture while changing the business of global entertainment at the same time. What do Miami drug traffickers, bloodthirsty Yakuza warriors, Corona-soaked backyard BBQs, Dame Helen Mirren, and a duct-taped 1984 Pontiac Fiero-turned-rocket-fueled spaceship have in common? They are all essential elements of the ever-expanding, logic- and laws-of-physics-defying Fast & Furious universe: the most entertaining, outlandish, and secretly genius Hollywood creation that everyone has taken for granted - until now. Through an escalating series of high-risk maneuvers - from synapse-stretching stunts to timeline-bending narratives to explosive PR wars between the biggest, baddest, baldest egos in showbiz - the Fast family (and it is a family above all else) has redefined the art and commerce of popcorn moviemaking. And the gang did it all while staring down the kind of monumental, soul-rattling challenges - the death of a star, the upheaval of an industry - that would have crushed the speed and spirit of any other filmmaking team. An unauthorized journey into the makings of a cinematic saga unlike any other, Welcome to the Family exposes the stranger-than-fan-fiction journey of the franchise from the ground up. Through rigorous behind-the-scenes reporting and incisive cultural commentary, writer Barry Hertz's ride-or-die epic details every single twist and turn of Fast & Furious drama, a quarter mile at a time. By the end, you will believe a car can fly."

Barry Hertz (Author), Barry Hertz (Narrator)

Audiobook

I'm Sad and Horny

"From actress Haley Lu Richardson—a raw, beautiful, and playful debut collection of poetry about the chaos of being a twenty-something girl in this world. i always wanted to be a pop star so i could catharize my woes, heartbreak and general experience of life in whatever vulnerable, valiant, or petty ways i wished unfortunately i'm tone deaf so instead, i wrote these poems i share them with hope you relate and resonate with the words in ways my favorite songs resonate with me i hope they make you giggle i hope they make you feel a little more okay with your own life and even a smidge less alone thanks for buying my sad 'n' horny take on existing in my twenties love, haley lu I'm Sad and Horny explores the highs and lows of living life deeply in your twenties. From ghostings and breakups to depression masturbating and finding a little inner peace—Haley Lu captures it all. Through wit and tears, this poetry collection showcases the versatility and personal side of the critically acclaimed actress. Thoughtfully designed with bold and evocative art accompanying each poem, I'm Sad and Horny celebrates the relatable and rewarding journey of loving too hard and finding your way home."

Haley Lu Richardson (Author), tbd (Narrator)

Audiobook

Joan Crawford: A Woman's Face

"Film historian and acclaimed New York Times bestselling biographer Scott Eyman has written the definitive biography of Hollywood icon Joan Crawford, drawing on never-before-seen documents and photos from the Crawford estate. Joan Crawford burst out of her poverty-stricken youth to become a bright young movie star in the 1920's, drawing the admiration of F. Scott Fitzgerald and the attention of audiences worldwide. She flourished for decades, working for multiple studios in every genre from romance to westerns (Mildred Pierce, Johnny Guitar), musicals to noir (Torch Song, A Woman's Face), and being directed by a young Steven Spielberg in one of her last appearances. Along the way she accumulated four husbands, an Academy Award for Best Actress, and the undeniable status of a legend. Joan Crawford: A Woman's Face looks at the reality of this remarkable woman through the prism of groundbreaking primary research, interviews with friends and relatives, and with the same insightful analysis of character and motive that author Scott Eyman brought to John Wayne and Cary Grant, among others. Joan Crawford was a woman like no other, and Joan Crawford: A Woman's Face is the first full telling of her dazzling, turbulent life."

Scott Eyman (Author), tbd (Narrator)

Audiobook

A Shot in the Dark: A memoir

"A riotous, Fellini-esque memoir from the famous artist and fashion photographer whose work helped define the look of a generation. A Shot in the Dark includes nearly one hundred photos, spanning decades of D’Orazio’s incomparable career. Whether or not you know his name, you know his work. As one of the top fashion photographers in the industry, Sante D’Orazio played a seminal role in shaping how we define what it is to be beautiful, cool, glamorous, and hot. The résumé of A-listers he has shot includes top supermodels—Helena Christensen, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, Kate Moss, Christy Turlington, and Naomi Campbell, among others—as well as a myriad of actors, artists, and athletes, including Pamela Anderson, Prince, Keith Richards, Axl Rose, Sophia Loren, Mickey Rourke, and Mike Tyson. In this intimate, riotous, rough-and-tumble memoir, D’Orazio writes of his many adventures and how he fought his way to the top while navigating a life of sex, drugs, hustlers, and panic attacks. But beneath the surface of glamour and glitz, we find surprising depth. D’Orazio informs his narrative with artful meditations on the tensions that have defined his career and life: between the sacred and the profane; the commercial demands of fashion photography versus his personal art and his true love of painting; the nature of light and the disabling darkness of mood swings; ’80s glamour versus “heroin chic”; the mystic presence of Saint Padre Pio and the bacchanalia of Studio 54—from cocaine to Caravaggio. Along the way, the author weaves together a vivid story of the Italian neighborhood in Brooklyn where he grew up and, especially, of his overly dramatic mother. The author chronicles his deeply personal, often hilarious, and always entertaining journey as he comes to terms with how the pull of his mother affected his many relationships with women—and informs the bond he has formed with his own son. A Shot in the Dark is a shocking, sexy, and surprisingly revealing memoir that pulls you into the many frames of life."

Sante D’Orazio (Author), Sante D’Orazio (Narrator)

Audiobook

Eat, Drink, and Remarry: Memories from a Lifetime of Art, Class, and Southern Charm

"In this enchanting memoir, Patricia Altschul, the "dowager countess" (The New York Times) of Bravo's Southern Charm, reveals the exciting adventures of a storied life—from working as an academic and art dealer to her three marriages, to her star turn on the show—offering candid anecdotes, memorable bon mots, and exclusive tales of high society. Long before she was the undeniable fan favorite on Southern Charm, reigning over the young and decadent cast well-known to Bravo fans everywhere, Patricia Altschul lived a life of glamor, romance, and intrigue. Now, she is ready to reveal it all in this intimate and high-flying memoir. As one of the great and high-powered private art dealers of the late 20th century, Patricia blazed her own path from Virginia, Washington, and New York's Upper East Side to her historic home in Charleston, South Carolina. Along the way, she forged close friendships with notable tastemakers such as fashion legend André Leon Tally and Mario Buatta, the interior designer known as "The Prince of Chintz." Patricia has been embraced as a style icon and a fun-loving authority on manners, Martinis, and living the best life. In Eat, Drink, and Remarry, she recounts with wit, class, and an abundance of sass how she has remained true to herself throughout her very charming life."

Patricia Altschul (Author), tbd (Narrator)

Audiobook

How to Score in Hollywood: Secrets to Success in the Movie Business

"How to Score in Hollywood reveals the secrets to a movie's success and profitability. Entertainment research expert Kevin Goetz shares how smart, data-driven decisions—from development to release—help filmmakers minimize risks and maximize returns. How to Score in Hollywood reveals the secrets to a movie's success and profitability. Entertainment research expert Kevin Goetz, founder and CEO of Screen Engine, draws on almost four decades of experience to show how strategic decisions—from development to release—help minimize risks and maximize returns. Armed with audience insights and data-driven strategies, Goetz demonstrates how every film should make money when made and marketed for the right price. Key insights include: • Recognizing what constitutes a big idea and developing it thoughtfully to set the foundation for success. • Identifying the reason why a movie should exist and what it uniquely brings to the marketplace that will inspire interest and excitement to see it. • Crafting films with a specific audience in mind and aligning production and marketing budgets to fit the size of its potential. • Understanding how digital entertainment has reshaped audience behavior and perceptions of what makes a movie "theater-worthy." • Elevating both the concept and execution to ensure a film stands out in a crowded and competitive marketplace. • Understand and embrace the challenges of genre-blending films, or "feathered fish," with a clear-eyed approach, tackling complexities head-on instead of avoiding them. • Using test audience feedback to guide the film's development all the way through postproduction, identifying danger signs along the way, and increasing the chances of success. • And much more! For industry executives, filmmakers, film students, and film enthusiasts, How to Score in Hollywood offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at the important processes that shape what consumers are offered to watch. From the initial greenlight to the final cut, Goetz explores the critical balance between creativity and commerce in filmmaking, highlighting the vital role of research at every stage to create films that resonate with audiences while also turning a profit. Filled with entertaining personal experiences, industry stories, and actionable advice, Goetz illustrates how research, budget, and marketability influence a film's financial outcome. Whether discussing low-budget indie hits or big-budget blockbusters, How to Score in Hollywood is an invaluable resource for those seeking to understand the art, science, and business of how movies are made, marketed, and released."

Kevin Goetz (Author), tbd (Narrator)

Audiobook

Don't Stop: Why We (Still) Love Fleetwood Mac's Rumours

"The author of The Holy or the Broken and former editor-in-chief of Vibe brings his "thoughtful and illuminating" (The New York Times) insight to Fleetwood Mac's iconic album Rumours, celebrating its story, mythology, and enduring impact. On January 1, 1975, struggling young singer-songwriter Lindsey Buckingham was invited to join the veteran blues band Fleetwood Mac. He agreed on the condition that his girlfriend, an equally unknown vocalist named Stevie Nicks, also be included. Within two years, Rumours was born—and went on to become one of the most popular albums of all time. Almost five decades later, it is the only classic rock record that still attracts young listeners and continues to top sales and streaming charts. In Don't Stop, award-winning journalist and bestselling author Alan Light unravels the enduring allure of Fleetwood Mac's monumental album. Since its 1977 release, Rumours has captivated generations with its unparalleled blend of romantic turmoil and musical genius. Light explores the album's transformation from a pop phenomenon to a cultural touchstone, and its unique ability to remain relevant in today's rapidly changing music scene. Drawing on in-depth interviews with current artists inspired by Fleetwood Mac, as well as fans who have only recently discovered the album, Light investigates what keep Rumours at the forefront of popular culture, from Glee to Saturday Night Live to Daisy Jones & the Six. Through insightful analysis and storytelling, Don't Stop celebrates the album's trail blazing sound and diverse voices, and the emotional depth that continues to fascinate audiences. From the incredible soap opera behind the album's creation to its embrace in the age of TikTok, this book presents a kaleidoscopic view of a landmark work that has transcended its time."

Alan Light (Author), Emily Tremaine (Narrator)

Audiobook

Star of the Show: My Life on Stage

"Brought to you by Penguin. A stunning celebration of Dolly Parton’s iconic career as a performer, featuring entertaining personal stories alongside 350 full-color photographs, including exclusive images and ephemera from her archive, and an eight-page gatefold listing her lifetime of performances. In Star of the Show, the culminating book in Dolly Parton’s photographic memoir trilogy—following Songteller (lyrics) and Behind the Seams (fashion)—the global superstar finally shares a definitive look at her career as one of the world’s most dazzling and beloved performers. Featuring engaging stories and memories from Parton’s dynamic life behind the microphone, this book spotlights her signature performances and star-making moments, from singing in front of her family to premiering on the Grand Ole Opry stage and beyond. Her formative years performing with country legend Porter Wagoner are chronicled as she learns hard lessons from life on the road. Breaking out on her own at state fairs and critically acclaimed venues, she toured the world performing for millions of fans in arenas, stadiums, and at festivals. From making her onscreen debut in the blockbuster feature film 9 to 5 to playing the Dallas Cowboys’ 2023 Thanksgiving halftime show to 42 million viewers, this global superstar knows no limits. Along the way, Dolly shares the stage with Kenny Rogers, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, and others, while offering insight on touring big, singing strong, and staying on top for seven decades. Brimming with Parton’s trademark wit and heartfelt sincerity, Star of the Show: My Life on Stage is not only an homage to one of history’s most cherished artists, but also a must-have collector’s item for—and love letter to—any fan of the one and only Dolly Parton. © Dolly Parton 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025"

Dolly Parton (Author), TBD (Narrator)

Audiobook

When Caesar Was King: How Sid Caesar Reinvented American Comedy

"From longtime New York Times and Vanity Fair writer David Margolick comes the first definitive biography of Sid Caesar: founding father of television comedy and icon to generations of Americans. By the spring of 1954, Sid Caesar was the most influential, highly paid, and enigmatic comedian in America. Every week, twenty million people tuned their TVs to his NBC extravaganza, Your Show of Shows, and witnessed his versatility and virtuosity in sketches and film spoofs, pantomime and soliloquy. Onstage, Caesar could play any character and make it funny: a befuddled game-show contestant, a pretentious expert, a beleaguered husband (opposite his redoubtable co-star Imogene Coca), even a gumball machine and a bottle of seltzer. To his mostly urban audience, Caesar's comedy was an era-defining leap forward from the days of vaudeville, launching a new comedic style that was multilayered, language-drunk, full of character, and uproarious. To his rivals, Caesar was the man to beat. To his fellow American Jews, his show's success meant something more: It was a post-Holocaust symbol of security and a source of pride. But behind all that Caesar represented was the real Sid. Introverted and volatile, ill at ease in his own skin, he could terrorize his collaborators but reserved his harshest critiques for himself. Soon enough, he would be off the air. Beset by exhaustion, addiction, a fickle viewership, and his own impossible standards, TV's first true star was also its first fall from grace. But in his wake he left the disciples he personally nurtured-including Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, and Neil Simon-and an indelible impact on what still makes us laugh. In When Caesar Was King, veteran journalist David Margolick conjures this complex man as never before. Deeply researched, brimming with love for Caesar and the culture from which he sprang, and reanimating a New York City that has all but vanished, this rollicking and poignant book traces the rise and fall of a legend."

David Margolick (Author), TBD (Narrator)

Audiobook

Cheryl Fergison: Behind the Scenes

"Beloved Eastenders actress Cheryl Fergison brings her life to paper for the first time, detailing the highs and lows of her career from her iconic portrayal of Heather Trott to appearing on numerous panels and reality TV shows from Loose Women to Celebrity Big Brother. But it's her life off screen which is truly extraordinary."

Cheryl Fergison (Author), TBD (Narrator)

Audiobook

Surf's Up: Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys

"Capturing all the pain and glory of this incredible family saga, Surf's Up is the definitive tribute to a remarkable band - and the genius who made it all possible. If any man in pop history deserved the tag of genius, it was Brian Wilson. As leader, producer and chief composer of the Beach Boys, he displayed an instinctive command of melody, harmony and arranging skills. The result was a run of hits that included many of the most sparkling and creative records of the 1960s. But there was a dark side to this seemingly effortless success, rooted in his tortured family background. No sooner had Brian masterminded such gems as the Pet Sounds album and Good Vibrations than his psychological demons began to derail his life. The Beach Boys were left struggling for survival, grasping for salvation from such bizarre figures as TM guru the Maharishi and cult leader Charles Manson. Their story could have ended there, but somehow the band survived. Ahead lay decades of trauma, triumph and tragedy, as the band members all developed as songwriters but also found themselves increasingly at odds with each other. Through it all the music survived, as Brian's younger brother Dennis Wilson emerged as an equally creative but troubled presence. Surf's Up sees lifelong Beach Boys fan Peter Doggett capture all the glory and pain of this complex family saga. He celebrates the band's array of musical gems, and also explores many of their passionate obsessions , from surfing and cars to politics and food. Filled with drama and pathos, Surf's Up is the ultimate tribute to a remarkable band - and the genius who made it all possible."

Peter Doggett (Author), TBD (Narrator)

Audiobook

Arts & Entertainment Audiobooks in Biography & Memoir