Brian Keeler has narrated 11 audiobooks on Listento.it by 9 authors, with an average listener rating of 4.7★ across 48 ratings. The most-rated is A Child Called 'It'.
A Child Called 'It'
Summary
Dave Pelzer's astonishing, disturbing account of his early years describes one of the most severe child-abuse cases in California history. This book spent over 175 weeks on the New York Times best-seller list and was also nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. Dave was in first grade when his unstable alcoholic mother began attacking him. Until he was in fifth grade, she starved, beat, and psychologically ravaged her son. Eventually denying even his identity, Dave's mother called him an "it" instead of using his name. Relentlessly, she drove him to the brink of death before authorities finally stepped in. With faith and hope, Dave grew determined to survive. He also knew that he needed to share his story. A Child Called "It" is the first of three books that chronicle his life. Through publications and public appearances, Dave is now recognized as one of the nation's most effective and respected speakers about child abuse.
©1995 David Pelzer (P)2001 Recorded Books
Change or Die
Summary
What if you were given the ultimatum: make a radical shift in your life, or lose it all? This was the question Alan Deutschman posed in "Change or Die", his sensational cover story for the May 2005 issue of Fast Company. Surprisingly, Deutschman concluded that although we all have the innate capability and fundamental need to change our behavior, we rarely do. Against all warnings and reason, heart patients and smokers continue to lead dangerously unhealthy lifestyles, and many doomed companies stick to the same archaic business practices that routinely destine them for failure. In this inspiring, revelatory book, Deutschman helps deconstruct and demystify five age-old myths about change, including the notions that small, gradual changes are always easier to make and sustain, and that we can't change because our brains become "hardwired" early in life. Introducing breakthrough research and progressive ideas from a diverse selection of medical, science, and business leaders, Deutschman demonstrates how to achieve lasting, revolutionary change. A powerful book with universal appeal, Change or Die addresses every sphere of life, from companies that must remake their corporate culture to survive, to individuals who must make 360-degree changes in their lifestyle or risk stagnation - or even death. Each chapter also includes several emotional stories about real people who have succeeded or failed in their attempt to change and why. Change or Die is not about merely reorganizing or restructuring priorities; it's about challenging everyone to make drastic transformations in all aspects of life - changes that are positive, attainable, and absolutely vital.
©2007 Alan Deutschman (P)2007 HarperCollins Publishers
The Lost Boy
Summary
The Lost Boy spent over two years on the New York Times best-seller list and has profoundly influenced more than one million readers' lives. Following the tremendous success of Pulitzer Prize nominee A Child Called "It", this book continues the extraordinary tale of author Dave Pelzer's childhood. On the verge of adolescence, Dave is rescued from his terrifyingly abusive, alcoholic mother and made a permanent ward of the court. Then the real journey begins. He is moved from one foster home to another, searching for identity and family. A rebellious, defiant boy, Dave seeks attention by shoplifting and even spends time in juvenile detention when suspected of arson. Finally, after five sets of foster parents, he finds a mother and father who love him. Pelzer, who has received commendations from Presidents Reagan, Bush, and Clinton, travels throughout the world inspiring others through speeches and work to prevent child abuse. His courageous story is enhanced by Brian Keeler's thoughtful narration.
©1997 David Pelzer (P)2001 Recorded Books
If You Survive
Summary
George Wilson has garnered much acclaim for this shattering and enlightening memoir. Detailing his odyssey from July, 1944 until the following summer, If You Survive is a startling first-person account of the final year of World War II. Wilson was the only man from his original company to finish the war. As a Second Lieutenant, he went ashore at Utah Beach after the D-Day invasion amidst burned vehicles, sunken landing craft, and broken fortifications. From the breakthrough at Saint-LO, to the Battle of the Bulge, to the final push on Germany, Wilson survived ferocious battles and bitter weather. After earning several decorations and a promotion to First Lieutenant, Wilson was wounded. But he healed quickly and returned to duty. Wilson’s account is an incredibly moving, continuous stream of devastating combat experiences that will make listeners wonder how any infantryman could have survived this war. Brian Keeler’s narration thoughtfully conveys this riveting tale of survival in the face of impossible odds.
©1987 George D. Wilson (P)2000 Recorded Books
Swear to God
Summary
Best-selling author Scott Hahn is a greatly admired Catholic theologian and lecturer as well as the director of the Institute for Applied Biblical Studies. His modern classic, Lamb's Supper, has sold more than 100,000 copies. Written in an accessible style, Swear to God is a testament to the seven sacraments, which Hahn sees not as boring rituals, but as powerful reminders of our covenants with God.
©2004 Scott Walker Hahn (P)2004 Recorded Books
No More Dead Dogs
Summary
Wallace Wallace hates the book Old Shep, My Pal. His reasons? It's boring, and he's tired of dog stories because the dog always dies. In his book report, he writes that his favorite part is on the last page where it says, "The End". Forced into detention, Wallace has a chance to witness rehearsals for the school play - which happens to be Old Shep, My Pal. Watching the drama take shape, he can't help but make suggestions. All the play needs is a Rollerblading dog catcher, a stuffed animal glued to a remote-controlled car, a moped disguised as a Harley, and some choreographed dance numbers with live rock tunes. Award-winning author Gordon Korman published his first book at age 12. Since then, he has applied his uproarious sense of humor to more than 30 novels, such as The Chicken Doesn't Skate and The Twinkie Squad. A skilled group of narrators captures every colorful character in this hilarious romp.
©2000 Gordon Korman (P)2001 Recorded Books
Planet of the Blind
Summary
Blindness in the 1950s was a social stigma. Stephen's mother wanted a normal life for him, so he fought desperately to uphold the illusion of sight. For a child frantic to fit in, each day was an exhausting pretence. He managed to ride a bike, when even reading involved pressing his nose to the page and painfully forcing his eyes to concentrate. Head up, he strode through a carefully memorized labyrinth of streets, hoping to fool passers-by that he could actually see.
©1998 Stephen Kussisto (P)1998 W. F. Howes Ltd
So You Want to Be President
Summary
Have you ever thought about being President of the United States? There are good things and bad things about the job. One good thing is you get to live in a giant house with a movie theater, swimming pool, and even a bowling alley! But on the other hand, sometimes people don't like Presidents. Once, somebody was so angry he threw a cabbage at President William Howard Taft. Are you smart enough to be President? Thomas Jefferson was an expert on politics, law, music, geography, and more - plus he played the violin, founded the University of Virginia, and designed his own mansion. But nine Presidents never even went to college, including Abraham Lincoln. Andrew Johnson didn't even know how to write until after he was married! Award-winning author Judith St. George's audiobook is a humorous and informative look at America's highest office. Learning about the Presidents has never been more entertaining than with Brian Keeler's lively narration.
©2000 Judith St. George (P)2002 Recorded Books
Letter and Spirit
Summary
Scott Hahn has inspired millions of readers with his perceptive and unique view of Catholic theology and worship, becoming one of the most looked-to contemporary authorities in these areas. In Letter and Spirit, Hahn extends the message he began in The Lamb's Supper, offering far-reaching and profound insights into what the Bible teaches us about living the spiritual life. For both Christians and Jews, the texts of the Bible are not simply records of historical events. They are intended, through public recitations in churches and synagogues, to bring listeners and readers into the sweeping story of redemption as it unfolds in the Bible. Focusing on the Catholic Mass, Hahn describes how God's Word is meant to open our eyes to the life-giving power of the sacraments, and how the liturgy brings about the "actualization" of the saving truths of Scripture. Letter and Spirit is a stunningly original contribution to the field of biblical studies and will help Hahn's many loyal and enthusiastic readers (and listeners) understand the relationship between the Bible and the Mass in a deeper way.
©2005 Scott Hahn (P)2006 Recorded Books
The Confessions of Max Tivoli
Summary
From critically acclaimed, award-winning author Andrew Sean Greer comes a story like no other. The Confessions of Max Tivoli is an ambitious and imaginative novel that leaves an indelible impression on readers. Max Tivoli is uniquely cursed. His mind ages normally, but he is born with the withered body of a 70-year-old man, and his body ages in reverse. Despite this torment, Max manages three times to cross paths with Alice, the woman who captures his heart. Because he appears to be a different person each time they meet, Max has three chances for true love. A story of self-discovery and sacrifice, set against momentous historical events, including the Great San Francisco Earthquake and World War I, The Confessions of Max Tivoli is a spellbinding masterpiece.
©2004 Andrew Sean Greer (P)2004 Recorded Books, LLC
Immigrant Kids
Summary
Many people came to America in the early 1900s looking for jobs, opportunity, and freedom, and a lot of them were kids. But what happened to all these immigrant children after they passed inspection at New York’s Ellis Island - that is, if they passed inspection? Life was not easy for immigrants. Large families lived in small, one-room tenement apartments with failing plumbing and few windows. Children had to go to school with kids from different countries and learn to read and write a new language. And many of the boys and girls were going to school at night, after working a 12-hour work day to help support their families. But these immigrants learned to persevere through all odds so they could make it in America. Newbery Medal winner Russell Freedman tells the immigrant story through the eyes of children. Brian Keeler’s clear narration will make difficult foreign and unfamiliar words easy to understand for listeners, allowing them to become immersed in the story.
©1980 Russell Freedman (P)2008 Recorded Books