Born with Teeth

A Memoir

By: Kate Mulgrew

Narrated by: Kate Mulgrew

Raised by unconventional Irish Catholics who knew "how to drink, how to dance, how to talk, and how to stir up the devil," Kate Mulgrew grew up with poetry and drama in her bones. But in her mother, a would-be artist burdened by the endless arrival of new babies, young Kate saw the consequences of a dream deferred.

Determined to pursue her own no matter the cost, at 18 she left her small Midwestern town for New York, where, studying with the legendary Stella Adler, she learned the lesson that would define her as an actress: "Use it," Adler told her. Whatever disappointment, pain, or anger life throws in your path, channel it into the work.

It was a lesson she would need. At twenty-two, just as her career was taking off, she became pregnant and gave birth to a daughter. Having already signed the adoption papers, she was allowed only a fleeting glimpse of her child. As her star continued to rise, her life became increasingly demanding and fulfilling, a whirlwind of passionate love affairs, life-saving friendships, and bone-crunching work. Through it all, Mulgrew remained haunted by the loss of her daughter, until, two decades later, she found the courage to face the past and step into the most challenging role of her life, both on and off screen.

We know Kate Mulgrew for the strong women she's played -- Captain Janeway on Star Trek ; the tough-as-nails "Red" on Orange is the New Black. Now, we meet the most inspiring and memorable character of all: herself. By turns irreverent and soulful, laugh-out-loud funny and heart-piercingly sad, Born with Teeth is the breathtaking memoir of a woman who dares to live life to the fullest, on her own terms.

Captivaing story delivered with verisimilitude

Usually I only listen to audio books on long car rides, but when my ride was over—I could not stop. I burned my car battery listening to her on Bluetooth. I burned out my iPhone listening to her on my bedroom’s sound bar. I laughed at times, and I cried as she described her anticipation talking to her daughter for the first time. It is a captivating story presented with verisimilitude. Now I want to go back and watch everything she has ever acted in. I respect her.

Direct, Compelling, Unsentimental

This is an excellent book about an incredible life. A rare occasion wherein author narration is absolutely inspired.

a very worthy memoir

I was unfamiliar with the author, beyond her role in OITNB. I was bored one day and randomly listened to soundbites of new books, and couldn't not want to know more.
The author clearly has a gift for writing, and her honesty and integrity shine through this book. I feel it is a very worthy story to listen to.

A true work of art by a true artist

I have always enjoyed Kate Mulgrew as an actress being a Star Trek fan when she came to the role of Captain Janeway it was not a Leap but one that was perfectly suited to her acting talent and temperament. When I learned that she had written her memoir I knew I wanted to hear it in her own voice so an audible performance was a no-brainer. Kate is not only an extraordinary address but an extraordinary writer this memoir reveals an innate talent and one that I hope she will bless upon us again with some other writing endeavor. You will enjoy the ride that you'll experience as you listen to Kate and the revelations of her life it is not only interesting but revealing endearing vulnerable and will leave you with wanting more I can't recommend it enough.

A life lived large, told exquisitely

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

It was the title and the photo of a woman who seemed vaguely familiar that drew me to this book. I realized later that she was the captain on Star Trek but I never would have imagined such a colorful life. Kate Mulgrew has a way of expressing some things so subtly that you have to rewind to make sure you heard it correctly. Passion, impulsiveness, and honesty make her story so engaging.