Audiobooks Narrated by Barry Friedman

The Florentine Poet

"“This book sparkles like a jewel in a cosmic clockwork—an uplifting gift to readers everywhere.” — Dan Millman, author of Way of the Peaceful Warrior Why are the churches closed on Christmas Eve in Florence’s San Frediano district? This mystery perplexes an acclaimed American poet who journeys to the fabled city seeking inspiration. The proprietor of his hotel, raconteur Alberto Giannotti, reveals that it has nothing to do with the holiday—and everything to do with poetry. With charm and Tuscan flair, Giannotti relates the story of Pietro Begnini, who was blessed with the sign of the sonnet. He wants to become a poet and marry his beloved Sophia—but a devastating blow from a jealous enemy, the Grand Inquisitor for the Academy of Poetic Arts, sends him reeling throughout Italy and beyond. Pietro meets the great genius Leo (from Vinci), the doomed beauty Lucy (eventually a Borgia), the publishing pioneer Aldus Manutius, the poetry instructor Vito (the Vituperative), and the renowned pirate Jean-David Neu, the Italian Flail. He is even tempted by The Evil One. But eventually, Pietro returns to Florence for one last chance to achieve his dreams. If you cherish passion, perseverance, or poets, you’ll be enthralled by this enchanting story of what one man can achieve for love. The Florentine Poet is bestselling author William Bernhardt’s most personal and unique work, illuminated by Brian Call’s delightful illustrations."

William Bernhardt (Author), Barry Friedman (Narrator)

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The Joke Was On Me: A Comedian's Memoir

"Barry Friedman, a veteran of 30 years on the comedy road, delivers another punchline on standup. Filled with garden-variety kleptomaniacs, large, rum-drinking Bahamians, bitter, glorious, troubled, and sex-addicted women with ankle monitors, loquacious drug addicts, first-time Vegas lesbians, and tall, neurotic Jews in sweaters—and these are the sane people—The Joke Was On Me is the story, his story, of laughs and love and almost fame. It’s all true—as much as comedy will allow anyway."

Barry Friedman (Author), Barry Friedman (Narrator)

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Four Days and a Year Later

"He endured every parent’s worst nightmare.When writer-comedian Barry Friedman’s son died from a drug overdose one Friday morning, Barry was devastated—but not surprised. Paul’s death had been in dress rehearsal for years. The world alternately froze and galloped after Paul was found face-down in his room. Barry had to find a way to continue, to reject magical thinking and forge a meaningful path for the future. During the following four days, Barry dealt not only with his crushing grief but also incidents ranging from the ridiculous to the profound. What follows is not a eulogy but an elegy for the son he loved but knew he would lose. Barry writes with passion and pain about how to survive the worst life has to offer--and go on living. 'It's a wonderful book. This is a haunting, achingly honest account of an experience every parent fears more than any other--the death of a child. Barry Friedman is a superb writer; this compelling, compulsively readable book will stay with you long after you finish it.' --Dave Barry, Pulitzer-Prize winning writer 'Told in sharp shards and jagged pieces that create a riveting and inevitable narrative flow, Four Days and a Year Later is brief, powerful, despairing, and yet ultimately, a hopeful expression of what it means to be human.' --William Martin, NYTimes-bestselling author of The Lincoln Letter"

Barry Friedman (Author), Barry Friedman (Narrator)

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