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Failing Up

How to Take Risks, Aim Higher, and Never Stop Learning

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Failing Up

Written by: Leslie Odom Jr.
Narrated by: Leslie Odom Jr.
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About this listen

I can tell you’re a dreamer – you’re a human. We hope, we imagine, and believe daydreams will be realized. Then lives take shape, ambitions are shelved. What does it mean to be realistic?

Leslie Odom, Jr., became a household name when he originated the role of Aaron Burr in the Broadway sensation Hamilton, a performance that won him the 2016 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical. But before he could perform for sold-out audiences in one of the most massively successful shows of all time, Odom had to stop playing it safe and take the risk of a lifetime. Now, with the depth and poetic power he brought to the stage, Odom shares his story in his own voice.

Listen in as Odom recounts his dynamic path to success with sincerity and vigor bound to inspire, motivate, and ultimately, help you believe in your own potential. In his intimate retelling of childhood dreams — finally fully realized — Odom shares insights to lift up listeners and offers concrete actions they can immediately apply to their own lives. Honest and thoughtful, Leslie Odom, Jr., transforms sentiment into success.

Cover photo by Christopher Boudewyns.

©2018 Leslie Odom Jr. (P)2018 Audible, Inc. Arts & Entertainment Biographies Theatre Success Inspiring Entertainment

What the critics say

"Listening to Leslie Odom, Jr., it's clear that he approached the narration of his audiobook with the same attention to craft, preparation, and openness that he strives to bring to all of his projects.... Listeners will be glad to spend time in his company." (AudioFile)
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Leslie has such a soothing voice to listen too. And to hear his story and the lessons he learned was a real treat.

An amazing storyteller.

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I bought it as I always wanted to know more after hearing his Tony award acceptance speech. This memoir / inspirational journey was a fascinating read. Not what I expected, but thoroughly enjoyable and the behind the scenes of just how much hard work it was to achieve what he has to date was fascinating.

His deep, deep passion for his craft comes through, as well as his appreciation for all his mentors (some of which are very well known).

So interesting

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Nice afternoon listen. Not an overally emotion or thrilling tale but some special moments with some good lessons. Great to get into the mind of someone I've always admired.

Build your own table.

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He takes you on a journey that forces you to reflect in the gentlest way possible. Truths hit hard but are softened by the soothing delivery.

Enchanting

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Odom's mellifluous voice guides you through a beautiful story of hope by allowing yourself to take risks and possibly fail.

A must listen!

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I loved this piece - thank you Leslie for sharing your story, so beautifully read and narrated by yourself. It found me in the right time, as an artist and writer alone in the midst of quarantine and gave me a little boost to keep going.

Inspiring

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Leslie takes a while to get into this little book but punch’s well above his weight.

Locomotive

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this is a book that you should listen to over and over, as much as you're able. it is a continued source of inspiration and joy for me. it is incredibly well-written and performed. it may well be my favourite book

Spectacular

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beautiful telling of his journey, very authentic and heartfelt. he's excellent at storytelling and his chasing of dreams is impressive and inspirational. one might look at Odom and see an unimaginable talent, but he breaks it down to a formula that seems attainable... consistency, persistence, constant action...but it's not going to be easy. when you take a step towards your dream, the universe take two to get you there. what did you do today to get where you want to go?

genuine bio with lots of nuggets

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Leslie’s writing is earnest and sweet, & his delivery is impeccable (no surprises there.) Loved hearing his story in his own words & voice. A very human book.

Warm & comforting like a London fog.

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