Audition

A Memoir

By: Barbara Walters

Narrated by: Bernadette Dunne

Length: 26 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

Young people starting out in television sometimes say to me: “I want to be you.” My stock reply is always: “Then you have to take the whole package.” And now, at last, the most important woman in the history of television journalism gives us that “whole package,” in her inspiring and riveting memoir.

After more than 40 years of interviewing heads of state, world leaders, movie stars, criminals, murderers, inspirational figures, and celebrities of all kinds, Barbara Walters has turned her gift for examination onto herself to reveal the forces that shaped her extraordinary life.

Barbara Walters’s perception of the world was formed at a very early age. Her father, Lou Walters, was the owner and creative mind behind the legendary Latin Quarter nightclub, and it was his risk-taking lifestyle that made Barbara aware of the ups and downs that can occur when someone is willing to take great risks.

The financial responsibility for her family, the fear, the love all played a large part in the choices she made as she grew up: the friendships she developed, the relationships she had, the marriages she tried to make work. Ultimately, thanks to her drive, combined with a decent amount of luck, she began a career in television. And what a career it has been! Against great odds, Barbara has made it to the top of a male-dominated industry.

She has spent a lifetime auditioning, and this book, in some ways, is her final audition, as she fully opens up both her private and public lives. In doing so, she has given us a story that is heartbreaking and honest, surprising and fun, sometimes startling, and always fascinating.

©2008 Barbara Walters (P)2008 Books on Tape

Critic reviews

"She regales you with the juicy behind-the-scenes details of the celebrities she's interviewed, mixed in with stories of her own trials and tribulations. In the end, you envy her a little less and admire her more." (The Washington Post)

"An unusually ambitious and successful book...suffused with an emotional intensity; it belongs to a part of American culture that Walters helped invent." (The New Yorker)

“Audition is brutally honest, both about Walters and those she's worked with. Readers won't be left wondering what she thinks of anything, or anyone, for that matter....It's a fascinating look at a woman who has lived a fascinating life.” (Laura L. Hutchison, The Free Lance-Star)

Barbara Walters

Loved this as a historical review. Enchanted story telling, with a touch of personality that kept this listener coming back.

Excellent Listen

I have always liked Barbara Walters and this book re-enforced my high opinion of her. I am also a big fan of the narrator. Do not let the 26 hours intimidate you...I hated to see it come to an end. Barbara is a good story teller and she has a lot of stories to tell!

Great read

Amazing. Very honest and enjoyable. My only complaint is I wish Ms. Walters had read it.

Good read

What made the experience of listening to Audition the most enjoyable?

Interesting, entertaining, unique insight into how she became the woman she is today. Amusing anecdotes.

What did you like best about this story?

Excellent narration.

The best

This is truly an inspiring book of somebody who pioneered how to interview the best the best

Wow what a life!

The narrator is exceptional. I loved getting to know Barbara Walters!!! And I highly recommend her memoir to one and all.

Interesting

I truly enjoyed this book. After reading this book, Barbara Walters has become one of my favorite celebrities. There are tidbits about so many famous people.

I was never really a fan of Barbara Walters but this book is life changing.

As an avid reader, I did not have many expectations for this book. Wow, was I wrong. It is truly one of the most incredible experiences I have ever had.

A Wonderful Book

I enjoyed this book so much. I was disappointed when it ended. Terrific in every way!

Wonderful

One of the best memoirs I’ve “read”. Must read/listen for anybody into celebrity memoirs.