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)

Wow

Amazing listen, I was so sad when it ended! Learned so much & highly recommend it

Great listen

The narration was very good. The story moved at a good pace. I highly recommend this book.

Barbara Walters

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

Great Stories

I wish I was able to hear Barbara read this but this narrator did a wonderful job. She had me hanging on her every word to hear Barbara’s awesome stories.

Wonderful Listen

In listening to this book, I found the early pre-journalism years of Ms. Walter’s life just as fascinating as her active career years. It was touching, entertaining, and professional. Truly a legend of a woman.

Interesting memoir about an interesting woman

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

Any fan of Ms Walters would enjoy this audiobook.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ms. Walters has lead a fascinating and somewhat sad life, and I think the stories about her father, Lou Walters were my favorite. He was successful yet tragic, a risk taker and someone who had passion. He had so much and ended with so little for all of his efforts.

Which scene was your favorite?

Because I knew so little about her personal life, all of the the stories about her family were my favorite.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Barbara Walters: her life life with royalty, the famous and the infamous.

Really good read

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

a terrific insight into the woman. If you don't know her background, you won't know the woman. It about Barbara's drive and patience to get to where she wanted to be, NO ONE worked as hard as Barbara to see to it that she was respected and taken seriously.
And she did it all with grace, and dignity

What was one of the most memorable moments of Audition?

Her relationship with her parents and how much she wanted to do what she could to help them when they need it.

Which scene was your favorite?

It was all good. Maybe the way she handled her interviews with the powers in other countries
and her encounter with Guilda Radnar when Guilda imitated her as Barbara Wawa

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Maybe not in one sitting, but Yes to two sittings

Any additional comments?

I have a new found respect and appreciation for how hard she worked for everything thing
she got.

Her Memoir Spans the Age of Television to 2000's

Hi,

It was shocking to me, to learn of Barbara Walters' childhood. She didn't tell it particularly sadly and yet, I found it profoundly sad. She had to learn how to adapt and adjust to her changing circumstances. Her parents seemed very neglectful although she didn't write it tragically.

Her style is rather matter-of-factly which one would expect. She still manages to express her deepest regrets and feelings about her friends and family.

I admire her tenacity and getting through some tough times in her career. No matter how she got treated she tried to keep good relationships with people. She also had enduring and lasting friendships which shows she is a loyal person.

It was fascinating to learn about her early years as a television host and then to learn how things have changed so much now.

So glad she wrote her memoir.

The narration is okay although a bit stiff I think it did match the words and sense of what she was reading as it wasn't an overly emotional book.

loved it

The book it great, loved the stories. An indepth look into Barbara's climb to success. The narration was very enjoyable

Auditions & Roles

Perfect narrator! Loved the theme of auditions in relating her life story. I imagine that the audition to old age may have been the most challenging of all.