I.M.

By: Isaac Mizrahi

Narrated by: Isaac Mizrahi

Length: 13 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's Summary

2020 Lambda Literary Award - Nominee

"Mizrahi speaks passionately...the warmth in both his voice and writing creates a singularly satisfying listening experience." (AudioFile Magazine, Earphones Award winner)

This program is read by Isaac Mizrahi, whose "warm and wry voice provides an extra incentive to check out this version of his story." (LitHub) 

“Isaac Mizrahi is a true Renaissance man. He can do it all! He’s managed to live several lives in one lifetime." (RuPaul)

Isaac Mizrahi is sui generis: designer, cabaret performer, talk-show host, a TV celebrity. Yet ever since he shot to fame in the late 1980s, the private Isaac Mizrahi has remained under wraps. Until now. 

In I.M., Isaac Mizrahi offers a poignant, candid, and touching look back on his life so far. Growing up gay in a sheltered Syrian Jewish Orthodox family, Isaac had unique talents that ultimately drew him into fashion and later into celebrity circles that read like a who’s who of the 20th and 21st centuries: Richard Avedon, Audrey Hepburn, Anna Wintour, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Meryl Streep, and Oprah Winfrey, to name only a few. 

In his elegant memoir, Isaac delves into his lifelong battles with weight, insomnia, and depression. He tells what it was like to be an out gay man in a homophobic age and to witness the ravaging effects of the AIDS epidemic. Brimming with intimate details and inimitable wit, Isaac's narrative reveals not just the glamour of his years, but the grit beneath the glitz. Rich with memorable stories from in and out of the spotlight, I.M. illuminates deep emotional truths. 

Praise for I.M.: 

“I.M. has everything! It’s colorful, hysterical, touching, bold, and heartbreaking. It’s about coming of age, creativity, being yourself, Jewish mothers, fashion, art, loss, and glamour. I loved it.” (Andy Cohen, New York Times best-selling author of Superficial)

©2019 Isaac Mizrahi (P)2019 Macmillan Audio

Critic Reviews

“The key to the warmth and overall success of the memoir is Mizrahi’s unapologetic, bare-all approach as he shares the best and worst aspects of his life…a charming and witty memoir.” (Kirkus)  

Even better then I hoped !

I love Issac so I was really looking forward to this book . When I saw that he was the narrator as well I pre ordered it ! I binged it and loved every minute of it .

A must read in 2019!

In this social media world we live in, where we compare our insides to others outsides, Isaac Mizrahi's memoir is what we need.
His truthful personal story of being born an outsider and his struggles to create his own life are heartening and inspiring and overall just make you feel less lonely and more human.

Genuinely uplifting

This is an intelligent, soulful memoir by a wonderful person. I am busy today but could not countenance not giving the props that are due. Very well written and read. I also grew up with Alba 66 “shakes” and weight loss meetings, also came to (some) terms with my body in New York City dance classes, am also in love with a man and in a family of quadrapeds. The descriptions of Midwood and lower Manhattan ring true but this transcends its specifics—a universal account of being oneself. Brave, revelatory. Highly recommended. Thanks Isaac. Love to you and everyone you love.

Wonderful Narration of an Interesting Memoir

I enjoyed this book and especially Isaac Mizrahi’s narration. I think he should continue to write. I’m sure he has more information for another memoir, but I’m inclined to think he is capable of writing something else.

It’s Okay

I felt like this book was more for Isaac’s own memory of his life than for the reader’s enjoyment. There was too much detail about his early childhood that seems embellished or impossible to remember. Perhaps he really has that great of a memory but to me it felt over the top. Over all he’s a very interesting guy and the end of the book really tied together some things I didn’t realize about his career trajectory.

Great Fun with IM

As a long time fan of IM, I thoroughly enjoyed the story of his life. The ups and downs, his background and challenging family. Aren't all Jewish mother's alike? His early years with puppet shows, bullying and awkwardness. We can all relate in some way, others in many ways. His reading the story was entertaining and I laughed out loud often.

I am thrilled that he found love, the love of dogs, what I think he would consider success and hopefully happiness.

Honest, entertaining and inspiring

I rarely love a book but I truly enjoyed every minute of this one. Isaac is a creative force and one finds oneself rooting for him throughout this book. Hearing it read by the author himself is an absolute treat!

i loved this book

What a life..a good story well told. I highly recommend this to all . Loved!

espectacular

loved this book. The recording by the author is fabulous. Every time a listen to a Chapter, I find it more interesting . A job well done.

Absolutely wonderful

What a wonderfully written peak inside Isaac’s extremely successful, grueling, exciting life. Hearing about his childhood and what is was like to grow up as a Syrian Jew gay man was interesting. And then how he broke into the fashion industry and make a name for himself was even more interesting. I loved all of it. This man can write, his personality is larger than life, he is very smart and creative, plus hearing him read it was the cherry on top. What a true performer. I loved hearing his switch to show business too. I strongly recommend this to anyone who would like to diversify their knowledge of different experiences and industries. He’s also pretty funny. Great read.