Quite the Contrary

On Life, Work, and Loving Miles Davis

By: Yvonne Durant

Narrated by: Allyson Johnson, Yvonne Durant

Length: 5 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

Yvonne Durant was one of the few Black women writing ads for major brands in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Ambitious and determined, she ultimately won a position at a global ad agency in Milan, Italy. While her career was exciting, it was a challenge to be self-defining in a Mad Men world that had little experience with or respect for Black experience.   

One Mother’s Day, Yvonne was having dinner with her identical twin, Yvette, at a very popular restaurant called The Cellar. That dinner turned into a life-changing event when Miles Davis stopped by her table. What ensued was romantic, frantic, and full of everything. It was unforgettable.     

In Quite the Contrary, Durant presents a unique coming-of-age story of a career woman who was determined to chart her course and succeed on her terms while maintaining her sanity in life, work, and love. It’s a rare glimpse into the life of That Girl or Mary Tyler Moore from an African American perspective. 

©2022 Yvonne Durant (P)2022 Audible Originals, LLC.

Fenomenale!

I listened to this book in one sitting while sipping piña coladas on a beach in St. Croix. The story and writing is poignant, vulnerable, and sexy. The words affected me deeply and capture the true, beautiful soul of the author. Brava, Yvonne!!!

A great story!

Thank you Ms. Durant. I throughly enjoyed part of your life story! I read Mr Davis’ book as well as Ms Tyson’ book. All seems to come together. Thanks for enlightening Us!

Masterful

I added this book to my library on a whim--it popped up on my recommended list. What a wonderful surprise. The writing is beautiful, nuanced, convincing. I'm a big fan of memoirs though I often find myself wondering what the story would be if told from someone else's perspective. Not this time. I can't imagine this story being told any other way. There is no agenda other than to bring you in her world. There are no simplistic messages about relationships or race or anything else. This is a very special book and I hope it will bring the author the renown she deserved (not even a Wikipedia page, c'mon!).

Amazing on so many levels!

Wow! What s story! It was spellbinding, beautiful, provocative, tasteful, and loving. The narration was also superb. Thank you for sharing your life and love!!!

Outstanding!

I so thoroughly enjoyed this book that I listened to it in its entirety in one seating. I was mesmerized and couldn’t pull myself away. I’d like to purchase a keepsake copy, but apparently it’s not available in any other format. But I’ll be looking for it when it is….

Compelling Story…Beautifully Written

In her book…Quite the Contrary…Yvonne Durant peeled off all layers of possible defensiveness and exposed her vulnerable inner core.

I believe that she told her story as she lived it. And, she shared her feelings like she felt them. Ms. Durant wrote word pictures that helped me to visualize every scene. This story is honest and compelling.

And…The way Allyson Johnson gave voice to the characters…perfect!

A beautifully layered captivating work of art!

This story is a beautifully layered work of art that gives you love, humor, life lessons, history, depth, compassion, and family! Yvonne’s story will inspire you, enlighten you, make you laugh and cry. Thank you for sharing your story!

Fabulous!!!!!

I would say the vibe struck me as vaguely reminiscent of “Madmen” except that it’s all true and from a black female perspective (with an extended Miles Davis cameo, of course)! So needless to say, WAY more exciting! Such an extraordinary and intoxicating story — with wit and charm — that encompasses love, life, “coming of age” wisdom and insight into the world of advertising, all against the astounding backdrop of New York’s golden age.

I enjoyed it being read by the author

I struggled to listen when the author was not speaking. I think the book is phenomenal but I would have enjoyed it much more if the author had done the entire narration. the voice was engaging and it kept you moving through.

I would like to read more works by this author. I am looking to see if she has written anything else and if so I'm sure it would be just as good. if not a great read also.

The struggle to self-discovery is often paid with many pitfalls. I have seen these type of books written before but none from this perspective and enthralling point of view.

Interesting but unsatisfactory

This book left me feeling like something was wanting - I understand one one level how she couldn’t pull the plug on what was clearly a difficult, dead end relationship. But on another level I can’t understand why she put up with the treatment and insecurity for so long. To be his girlfriend and not even being allowed to have his phone number? Maybe this book’s purpose is to serve as an example of what NOT to put up with in relationships. Would have liked to know more depth about her as a person and her other relationships with friends and family.