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)

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.

Long but extremely entertaining

It’s a long listen but I feel it was well worth it!! Goes through her life, career and amazing interviews!!

If you want to get into her head

26 hours seems like a very long book, but actually the length of this book is one of the reasons that I picked it. I was looking for a great memoir of a great person. Someone that would inspire and entertain me.I also wanted to get my moneys worth. I have never been a Barbara Walters fan, but I am now. I don't agree with a lot of her politics, but that is beside the point. This book is like sitting beside her as she is talking to her best friend. Its so candid and unscripted. I feel as though she has given me so much information (carte blanch) that I understand her and others who are like minded to her in a much fuller, richer way. I have only finished one quarter of this book to date. I wil update this review as I get further into the memoir. If you are the kind of person who people watches and pays attention to little details of a persons mannerisms and personality and listens to a persons history in order to get information about who they are and how they became this way, then this book will not disappoint you.If you want to get to the meat and potatoes without all of the back story and history, then move on to a different memoir.By the way I have never reviewed a book before so I hope this helps you.

Absolutely Fascinating

Even if you've never been a Barbara Walters fan, you have to appreciate her career.

I found this entire memoir to be captivating, interesting, enlightening and hard to 'put down'. The history alone of what Walters has accomplished is incredible.

If you ARE a fan, you must purchase this and give it a listen. Great narration and wonderful storytelling.

What a life…

Barbara’s story is like a walk through time with a personal friend. Her journey is not one to miss! I have a better insight into not only her, but the many people she has worked with through time. A must read!