Audiobooks narrated by Ian Porter

Poverty Abolitionists: Faith, Activism, and Hope for Difficult Times

"Bloomsbury presents Poverty Abolitionists: Faith, Activism, and Hope for Difficult Times by David Beckmann read by Ian Porter The United States and the world have made dramatic progress against poverty in recent decades, but the second Trump administration has thrown progress into reverse. David Beckmann calls us to push back against MAGA and restore progress against poverty. David is an economist, pastor, and activist. He was awarded the World Food Prize for leadership that led to substantial reductions in hunger. Drawing on stories from his own life and the struggles of poor communities around the world, Beckmann distills five essential insights and ten strategies to get progress against poverty going again. These include legislative advocacy, volunteering and financial contributions to election campaigns, action in defense of democracy, and needed reforms in American spirituality and religion. He invites people of faith, seekers, and skeptics alike to deepen their solidarity with those in need and with a threatened planet. He highlights data that prove poverty is solvable, confronts the problems that our country and the world now face, and calls for a new poverty abolition movement-similar in scale and determination to the movement that ended slavery. At the heart of this book is hope: hope grounded in evidence, history, and the countless efforts of communities and advocates who continue to push for justice. With a foreword by travel writer Rick Steves, Poverty Abolitionists offers both a practical roadmap and a stirring moral challenge. It is a clarion call to action for activists, policy makers, and ordinary citizens who care about the future of humanity and seek to build a fairer, freer, and more just world. C 2026 David Beckmann P 2026 Bloomsbury Publishing PLC"

David Beckmann (Author), Ian Porter (Narrator)

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Directions for Dark Things

"'There was a history in this house, secrets he hadn't even got close to scratching the surface of' Something peculiar is going on at The Lloyd Estate. The enormous house and its vast grounds are rarely seen by outsiders. Only Audrey Lloyd the cantankerous elderly owner and only daughter to the famed movie mogul who built the mansion knows of the suffocating darkness that has settled on the place. Property developers have come to Audrey over the decades. Countless times they have been rebuffed. Now, she agrees to sell to ambitious broker Terri Nicholls. But Terri has to trade something of her own in return. Detective Don Vernon is on the brink of retirement. Instead, he is about to be caught in a web of lies; one which Audrey has been spinning for decades. Can those who cross the threshold make it out again intact? A scintillating tale of revenge, cruelty and the many forms of wickedness, Directions for Dark Things is perfect for fans of Catriona Ward and Simone St. James. Stephanie Sowden grew up in Manchester and studied History and Politics at Durham University. After a brief foray into magazine journalism, she retrained in another love of hers – food – and now runs her own catering company. Stephanie took part in Curtis Brown Creative's selective novel writing course, during which she completed her first novel. She lives in South Manchester with her partner, Dave, and their little mad staffy, Butter. © 2026 Stephanie Sowden (P) 2026 DK Audio"

Stephanie Sowden (Author), Alexandra Metaxa, Ian Porter, Laurel Lefkow (Narrator)

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Unaccountable: What Hospitals Won't Tell You and How Transparency Can Revolutionize Health Care

"Bloomsbury presents Unaccountable by Marty Makary, MD, read by Ian Porter New York Times Bestseller “Every once in a while a book comes along that rocks the foundations of an established order that's seriously in need of being shaken. The modern American hospital is that establishment and Unaccountable is that book.”—Shannon Brownlee, author of Overtreated Dr. Marty Makary is co-developer of the life-saving checklist outlined in Atul Gawande's bestselling The Checklist Manifesto. As a busy surgeon who has worked in many of the best hospitals in the nation, he can testify to the amazing power of modern medicine to cure. But he's also been a witness to a medical culture that routinely leaves surgical sponges inside patients, amputates the wrong limbs, and overdoses children because of sloppy handwriting. Over the last ten years, neither error rates nor costs have come down, despite scientific progress and efforts to curb expenses. Why? To patients, the healthcare system is a black box. Doctors and hospitals are unaccountable, and the lack of transparency leaves both bad doctors and systemic flaws unchecked. Patients need to know more of what healthcare workers know, so they can make informed choices. Accountability in healthcare would expose dangerous doctors, reward good performance, and force positive change nationally, using the power of the free market. Unaccountable is a powerful, no-nonsense, non-partisan diagnosis for healing our hospitals and reforming our broken healthcare system. P 2026 Bloomsbury Publishing PLC C 2012 Marty Makary, MD"

Marty Makary (Author), Ian Porter (Narrator)

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The Musical Lives of Charles Manson: The Beatles, the Beach Boys, and the Invention of the Sixties —or, No Sense Makes Sense

"Bloomsbury presents The Musical Lives of Charles Manson by Nicholas Tochka, read by Ian Porter. Nicholas Tochka analyzes the role of rock music in the life of Charles Manson, the Family, and the August 1969 Tate-LaBianca killings, which also gives larger insight into Sixties counterculture. Failed singer-songwriter. Devious cult leader. A rock Pied Piper. The product of a sick society. Just another dime-a-dozen singing hippy mystic. Did the guitar-playing guru personify the violence that the rock counterculture inflicted on America? Or did his music diagnose the dehumanizing effects of that society’s broken institutions? For over five decades, commentators have debated the meaning of Charles Manson and the Tate-LaBianca killings. Rock music links their narratives: from the acid-drenched singalongs at the Spahn Movie Ranch, to a bizarre theology centered on Beatles songs, to his commune’s alleged links with Hollywood’s elite, to an album, LIE: The Love and Terror Cult (1970). In this first comprehensive examination of the Manson Family’s music, Nicholas Tochka writes with, against, and alongside the many authors—true-crime hacks, gonzo journalists, conspiracy theorists, and rock critics alike—who have told and retold the story of “the Manson murders.” Playing the truth games that these postwar Americans helped invent, The Musical Lives of Charles Manson presents a new take on the story of the commune—and on rock’s role in fracturing the possibility of writing trustworthy histories after the Sixties. “They are afraid of it, because it tells the truth,” Manson once claimed, describing his music. Just what truths did the Manson Family’s music-making tell? P 2026 Bloomsbury Publishing PLC C 2026 Nicholas Tochka"

Nicholas Tochka (Author), Ian Porter (Narrator)

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The Upside of OCD: Flip the Script to Reclaim Your Life

"Bloomsbury presents The Upside of OCD by Michael Alcée, read by Ian Porter. Many OCD sufferers fail to improve using the standard exposure-response prevention (ERP) treatment. But, as clinical psychologist Michael Alcée contends, it’s not the patients who are failing the treatment, but rather the treatment that is failing the patients. Using vivid case examples, practical exercises, personal anecdotes, and inspiring stories, The Upside of OCD shows sufferers and therapists the creative powers that allow OCD sufferers to see the world with such unique depth, feeling, and intensity. C 2024 Rowman & Littlefield P 2025 Bloomsbury Publishing PLC"

Michael Alcée (Author), Ian Porter (Narrator)

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The Bridge of San Luis Rey

"'There is a land of the living and a land of the dead and the bridge is love, the only survival, the only meaning.' Published to worldwide acclaim in 1927, and the winner of the Pulitzer Prize, The Bridge of San Luis Rey is a profoundly moving and philosophical work that examines the meaning of life, death and fate. Set in eighteenth-century Peru, Wilder's masterpiece opens with the collapse of a rope bridge, sending five unsuspecting travellers to their deaths. In the aftermath, Brother Juniper, a Franciscan monk who was about to cross the bridge himself, sets out to understand why these particular individuals perished – was it chance, or part of a divine plan? As he pieces together the lives of the victims, their interwoven stories unfold in richly drawn portraits of passion, devotion, ambition and quiet tragedy. Elegantly crafted, The Bridge of San Luis Rey is a timeless exploration of human connection and spiritual inquiry – one that continues to resonate with readers nearly a century after its publication. Thornton Wilder (1897 – 1975) was an American novelist, playwright and lecturer. Over the course of his career Wilder won the Pulitzer Prize three times, became a visiting professor at Harvard University and served in the US Army Air Force to great success. Today, he is remembered for his plays, Our Town and The Skin of our Teeth."

Thornton Wilder (Author), Ian Porter (Narrator)

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The Stoic Capitalist: Advice for the Exceptionally Ambitious

"Bloomsbury presents The Stoic Capitalist by Robert Rosenkranz, read by Ian Porter. The Stoic ideal of a well-lived life has been around since 300BC, but what can we learn from it 2,300 years later? In The Stoic Capitalist, Robert Rosenkranz shows how its teachings can lead to a life of accomplishment, fulfillment, and impact. Stoic principles are applied not just to help you cope but to achieve your most ambitious goals. He offers an astute combination of philosophical, psychological, and business observations, along with practical advice spanning topics as diverse as finance, investments, negotiation, hiring, time management, art collecting, philanthropy, and longevity. He explains how ancient philosophy and its psychological insights can be used to create extraordinary outcomes in your personal and professional life. Each of the short chapters offers ideas you can use to thrive. Along the way, you meet a lively global cast of RAND nuclear strategists, pioneering artists, scientist-entrepreneurs racing to extend the human lifespan, and iconic figures in the Wall Street boom years. The book offers an insider’s perspective on the creation of such major developments as private equity, hedge funds, and junk bonds. Rosenkranz writes as he speaks, with the engaging voice of a Renaissance man who is insatiably curious, eager to learn, open to all viewpoints, but embracing none without critical thought. Reading this book may help you realize your childhood dreams. C 2025 The Rosenkranz Foundation P 2025 Bloomsbury Publishing PLC"

Robert Rosenkranz (Author), Ian Porter (Narrator)

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Buffett and Munger Unscripted: Three Decades of Investment and Business Insights from the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholder Meetings

"For decades, thousands of people have gathered in Omaha, Nebraska for the Berkshire Hathaway AGM, and quizzed Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger on everything from the psychology of successful investors to the future of Coca-Cola and Apple. But unless you attended, for many years you only had access to what people could remember and report back from the meetings. In 2018, Berkshire released the archives of the annual meetings going back to 1994. Alex Morris—an equities analyst and financial writer—watched hundreds of hours of video from these annual meetings (as well as the six AGMs held since 2018), covering more than 1,700 questions asked by Berkshire Hathaway shareholders over the past 31 years. He then gathered, organized and edited the most interesting material into a comprehensive and accessible form. Buffett and Munger Unscripted is the result. From the art of intelligent capital allocation to the best ways to judge and compensate management, from understanding the nature of markets to embracing the power of long-term time horizons, this is a book with compelling insights on every page. In addition to collecting many famous quotes in their original context, it is a deep treasure trove of profound insights on all aspects of investing and business. Discover the importance of avoiding difficult decisions, the first question you should ask on a potential new investment, how to recover from unsuccessful investments, the importance of finding the right owners to partner with, Buffett and Munger’s book recommendations—and much more. The perfect companion to The Essays of Warren Buffett: Lessons for Corporate America and Poor Charlie’s Almanack, Buffett and Munger Unscripted belongs on the bookshelf of everyone interested in the keys to long-term success in business and investing."

Alex W. Morris (Author), Adam Sims, Ian Porter, Robert G. Slade (Narrator)

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Following the Equator

"'Truth is stranger than fiction, but it is because Fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities; Truth isn't.' First published in 1897, Following the Equator is Mark Twain's fascinating travelogue recounting his journey across the British Empire. Written with satirical flair and insightful social commentary, Following the Equator sees Twain's epic journey across South Africa, New Zealand, Canada and Australia. Initially undertaken to avoid bankruptcy, providing lectures in English to keep him afloat, Twain's travels soon evolve into an opportunity for profound reflection, as he delves into the local inhabitants, flora and fauna, politics, food and cultural customs of each country he visits. Including fictional interludes featuring Cecil Rhodes and how he made his fortune, as well as Cornelius Vanderbilt and a forged letter of introduction, Twain's brilliantly unique travelogue remains a charming romp across the globe. Mark Twain (1835 – 1910), the pen name of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, was an American writer and essayist. Famed for his wit and satire, he quickly became a sought-after writer and speaker, and was labelled the 'greatest humorist the United States has produced' by the New York Times. Today, he is considered as the father of modern American literature."

Mark Twain (Author), Ian Porter (Narrator)

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Roughing It

"'Every man you met had his pockets full of 'prospects.'' First published in 1872, Roughing It is a semi-autobiographical travelogue that follows the journeys of young Mark Twain through the American West during the years 1861-1867. He recounts his attempts at gold and silver mining, gets involved in real estate speculation, details his trip to Salt Lake City and encounters with the Brigham Young Mormons, encountering con men and prospectors, Mormon settlers and frontier journalists, all rendered with the warmth, irreverence, and comic timing that made him one of the defining voices of American literature. Roughing It begins as a young man's restless adventure but quickly becomes a kaleidoscope of tall tales, misadventures, and sharply observed portraits of a country inventing itself at breakneck speed. Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known by his pen name Mark Twain (1835–1910), grew up along the banks of the Mississippi River, and his early experiences inspired many of his most famous works, including The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Widely celebrated as America's greatest humorist, Twain captured the spirit of a rapidly changing nation, and his sharp wit, keen eye for human nature, and gift for storytelling made him not only a beloved novelist but also a popular lecturer and essayist. Twain's innovative style, character-driven storytelling and ability to interweave humour with profound social critique laid the groundwork for modern American literature and has inspired countless authors, including Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Indeed, Hemingway famously declared that 'all modern American literature comes from one book by Mark Twain called Huckleberry Finn.'"

Mark Twain (Author), Ian Porter (Narrator)

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Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc

"'I am not afraid… I was born to do this.' Knowing his reputation as a comic writer and humorist, Mark Twain opted to publish his Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc anonymously, for fear it would not be taken seriously. Serialised in Harper's Magazine in 1895-96, the novel is presented as a 'translation' of the memoirs of Sieur Louis de Conte, a fictionalised version of Joan of Arc's page Louis de Contes. The novel is divided into three sections set at different times in Joan's life; her youth in Domrémy, her time as a commander of the army of Charles VII of France – in which she played an instrumental role in Charles being crowned King of France - and then as a defendant at her trial in Rouen. Many events in the novel are fictionalised; however, the main events in the life of Joan are rendered faithfully. Although Twain considered this his finest work – he dedicated twelve years to research and writing – it's one of his least popular, possibly because it's the most 'un-Twain-like' of his books, and while it was initially well-received, it was not so well regarded by 20th century critics. Nonetheless, it is one of Twain's most ambitious works; his focus on the legendary heroine's spiritual and personal life as well as its political and military aspects presenting a rounded and intimate view of the young woman behind the martyr. Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known by his pen name Mark Twain (1835–1910), grew up along the banks of the Mississippi River, and his early experiences inspired many of his most famous works, including The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Widely celebrated as America's greatest humorist, Twain captured the spirit of a rapidly changing nation, and his sharp wit, keen eye for human nature, and gift for storytelling made him not only a beloved novelist but also a popular lecturer and essayist. Twain's innovative style, character-driven storytelling and ability to interweave humour with profound social critique laid the groundwork for modern American literature and has inspired countless authors, including Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Indeed, Hemingway famously declared that 'all modern American literature comes from one book by Mark Twain called Huckleberry Finn.'"

Mark Twain (Author), Ian Porter (Narrator)

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Sign Here for Sacrifice: The Untold Story of the Third Battalion, 506th Airborne, Vietnam 1968

"Bloomsbury presents Sign Here for Sacrifice by Ian Gardner, read by Ian Porter. A hard-hitting history of the U.S. airborne unit who made a name for themselves in the unforgiving jungles of South Vietnam. “It was easier killing than living.” Third Battalion 506th Airborne veteran Drawing on interviews with veterans, many of whom have never gone on the record before, Ian Gardner follows up his epic trilogy about the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment in World War II with the story of the unit's reactivation at the height of the Vietnam War. This is the dramatic history of a band of brothers who served together in Vietnam and who against the odds lived up to the reputation of their World War II forefathers. Brigadier General Salve Matheson's idea was to create an 800-strong battalion of airborne volunteers in the same legendary “Currahee” spirit that had defined the volunteers of 1942. The man he chose to lead them was John Geraci, who would mold this young brotherhood into a highly cohesive and motivated force. In December 1967, the battalion was sent into the Central Highlands of Lam Dong Province. Geraci and his men began their Search and Destroy patrols, which coincided with the North Vietnamese build-up to the Tet Offensive and was a brutal introduction to the reality of a dirty, bloody war. Gardner reveals how it was here that the tenacious volunteers made their mark, just like their predecessors had done in Normandy, and the battalion was ultimately awarded a Valorous Unit Citation. This book shows how and why this unit was deserving of that award, recounting their daily sanguinary struggle in the face of a hostile environment and a determined enemy. Through countless interviews, Sign Here for Sacrifice shows the action, leadership, humor and bravery displayed by these airborne warriors. C 2023 Ian Gardner P 2023 Bloomsbury Publishing PLC"

Ian Gardner (Author), Ian Porter (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Ian Porter

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