Undisputed Truth

By: Mike Tyson, Larry Sloman

Narrated by: Joshua Henry

Length: 20 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

Philosopher, Broadway headliner, fighter, felon - Mike Tyson has defied stereotypes, expectations, and a lot of conventional wisdom during his three decades in the public eye. Bullied as a boy in the toughest, poorest neighborhood in Brooklyn, Tyson grew up to become one of the most thrilling and ferocious boxers of all time - and the youngest heavyweight champion ever. But his brilliance in the ring was often compromised by reckless behavior. Years of hard partying, violent fights, and criminal proceedings took their toll: by 2003, Tyson had hit rock bottom, a convicted felon, completely broke, the punch line to a thousand bad late-night jokes. Yet he fought his way back; the man who once admitted being addicted "to everything" regained his success, his dignity, and the love of his family. With a triumphant one-man stage show, his unforgettable performances in the Hangover films, and his newfound happiness and stability as a father and husband, Tyson's story is an inspiring American original.

Brutally honest, raw, and often hilarious, Tyson chronicles his tumultuous highs and lows in the same sincere, straightforward manner we have come to expect from this legendary athlete. A singular journey from Brooklyn's ghettos to worldwide fame to notoriety, and, finally, to a tranquil wisdom, Undisputed Truth is not only a great sports memoir but an autobiography for the ages.

©2013 Mike Tyson and Larry Sloman (P)2013 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“A masterpiece... grimly tragic on one page, laugh-out-loud funny on the next, and unrelentingly vulgar and foul-mouthed. Reading Tyson's memoir is like watching a Charles Dickens street urchin grow up to join Hunter S. Thompson on a narcotics-filled road trip - with the ensuing antics captured on video by assorted paparazzi.” (Hector Tobar, Los Angeles Times)

“Undisputed Truth is raw, powerful and disturbing - a head-spinning take on Mr. Tyson's life…Unlike other sports memoirists, he doesn't pull punches, offering up slashing comments on people who were once close to him. His narrative reminds us of just how far he has come from his rough beginnings, and, in a way, how close he remains to them. He had a punch like a thunderbolt from Zeus, but there have been a lot of big bangers in boxing; Mike Tyson's came with a pulsating story line like few others.” (Gordon Marino, Wall Street Journal)

“Parts of [Undisputed Truth] read like a real-life Tarantino movie. Parts read like a Tom Wolfe-ian tour of wildly divergent worlds: from the slums of Brooklyn to the high life in Las Vegas to the isolation of prison…. Mr. Tyson’s idiosyncratic voice comes through clearly on the page here - not just his mix of profane street talk and 12-step recovery language, cinematic descriptions of individual fights and philosophical musings, but also his biting humor and fondness for literary and historical references that run the gamut from Alexandre Dumas to Tolstoy to Lenin to Tennessee Williams…. A genuine effort by a troubled soul to gain some understanding of the long, strange journey that has been his life.” (Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times)

Wow I was addicted to Mike Tyson.

I loved it. It was raw, real and truly undisputed truth about a Legend.

rare

It's very rare to gain such an intimate portrait of someone. This book is honestly a top 10 for me.

Great Read

This was an exciting read about an extraordinarily great (and deeply painful) life. I hope Mike finds peace...

95% great

Where does Undisputed Truth rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Biography wise, at the top.

What other book might you compare Undisputed Truth to and why?

It reminded me of ham on rye, by Bukowski. Cant tell you why, though.

What does Joshua Henry bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

the emotion on his voice at given parts of the book really makes the difference.

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

Yeah, but it ismhard to stay 20+ hours concentrated.

Any additional comments?

it gets a little slow ate some points.

I love tyson. What an interesting man.

This book provides the reader with facts and moments of his life and career that led him to where he is today. So amazing. Please read

Mike tells his story with very, very blunt detail.

I was captivated by this book. It's very crude and made me cringe at times, but seems to reflect well on it's complicated subject, Mike Tyson.

I only wish Mike could have read it himself. The performance was good, but it could have been so much more personal.

Thank GOD for Larry Sloman

I agree with the other reviewers – this book was excellent and kept me interested for all 20+ hours of it. I’m pretty sure I have the genius Larry Sloman to thank for that. This rollercoaster life story is spilled out too cohesively and thoroughly for a first time author, even if it is Tyson’s life… he couldn’t have pulled this off with just anyone. I did roll my eyes enough to make myself dizzy at all of the self-induced chaos Tyson can’t keep away from… he is truly a moth to a flame, no matter how many times he gets metaphorically and literally punched, he keeps going back for more.

The insanity surrounding the massive quantity of women, money and drugs is almost incomprehensible. If you look in the dictionary I bet there is a picture of Tyson under EXCESS and GLUTTONY. Without his rudder, Cus D’Amato, Tyson intentionally rowed into storms without any hesitation – he spent most of his life trying to die.

Hang on and enjoy the ride.

good book!!

loved the book, his truths, his stories were vivid. good book. good book. good book. good book.. real felt truth.

Huge fan of Mike

Huge fan.... it's really sad to think about how much talent He wasted and towards the end of the book you may get tired of the repeated theme

A must have!

What an incredible account of the incredible life of one of the biggest figures in my life time. Mike Tyson's life has been an incredible roller coaster. Definitely or that I can relate to in a smaller scale. From tremendous poverty to riches unimaginable. From a nonexistent concept of family to being in the middle of one of the most solid parent figures any child could envy. I applaud Mike for truly letting the world into his pain, sorrow, happiness and subsequent peace. I am glad that currently him and his family is doing well and thriving. Stay strong Mike!!!