Born with Teeth

A Memoir

By: Kate Mulgrew

Narrated by: Kate Mulgrew

Length: 10 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

Audie Award, Narration by Author, 2016

Raised by unconventional Irish Catholics who knew "how to drink, how to dance, how to talk, and how to stir up the devil", Kate Mulgrew grew up with poetry and drama in her bones. But in her mother, a would-be artist burdened by the endless arrival of new babies, young Kate saw the consequences of a dream deferred. Determined to pursue her own no matter the cost, at 18 she left her small Midwestern town for New York, where, studying with the legendary Stella Adler, she learned the lesson that would define her as an actress: "Use it," Adler told her. Whatever disappointment, pain, or anger life throws in your path, channel it into the work.

It was a lesson she would need. At 22, just as her career was taking off, she became pregnant and gave birth to a daughter. Having already signed the adoption papers, she was allowed only a fleeting glimpse of her child. As her star continued to rise, her life became increasingly demanding and fulfilling, a whirlwind of passionate love affairs, life-saving friendships, and bone-crunching work. Through it all Mulgrew remained haunted by the loss of her daughter until, two decades later, she found the courage to face the past and step into the most challenging role of her life both on and off screen.

We know Kate Mulgrew for the strong women she's played - Captain Janeway on Star Trek; the tough-as-nails Red on Orange Is the New Black. Now we meet the most inspiring and memorable character of all: herself. By turns irreverent and soulful, laugh-out-loud funny and heart-piercingly sad, Born with Teeth is the breathtaking memoir of a woman who dares to live life to the fullest, on her own terms.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2015 Kate Mulgrew (P)2015 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"Mulgrew's strong stage presence and genuine emotions will make listeners want to experience this audiobook all in one go." ( AudioFile)

A divine read for a big fan.

This book was a joyful glance into the history and life of one of my favorite actresses, who paints with words so effortlessly that I couldn't stop listening. I may be biased, but I could listen to Kate Mulgrew's voice all day.

awesome story

Loved it. The reader was awesome, pulling you further into the story. never a dull minute.

Beautiful, moving, avante garde

This was something I picked up on a whim and absolutely loved.

Kate’s memoir is precise and beautifully written. I was moved by how gracefully she depicted some of the best and worst moments in her life with compassion and whimsy.

Living as an actress who was an empowered woman- even at her lowest points she self advocated and the world met her on some of these that were surprising for the era.

She goes there with vulnerability displaying a kind heart, strong will and fair share of luck in both the details and how she describes them.

For example, in her description of her own rape, there was compassion for the perpetrator. In her description of the nurse who only lets her glimpse her newborn daughter, gratitude. I’m sure she had pain and anger, being human after all, but animosity to which she might be very well entitled is so clearly not the foot with which she chooses to lead.

I aspire to carry myself with such grace.

I would put this on the must read list.

Unequivocally Excellent Writing

An honest and beautifully written narrative, describing a life filled with: chaos; culture; disintegrating love relationships; career ambitions; family obligations and an uncompromising need for self-determination. The audio version, is graced with emotive recitations, spoken in the author's voice. An inspiring autobiography, although unexpectedly frank in its use of sometimes gratuitously crude vernacular. Yet; even these unwelcome verbal assaults, have the effect of adding an element of unedited authenticity.

Amazing story!!!!

Loved this story - intriguing and captivating. It was hard to put down. Would definitely recommend to anyone.

Fascinating

Kate Mulgrew knows how to take you into the events of her life as if you were there.
She's hypnotizing.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book

Mismo group is as talented a writer as she is an actress! Her book is well worth the read

Wonderful

Wonderfully written memoir narrated by the author. Mulgrew shines with her wit and humor. As other reviewers noted she doesn't talk much about Star Trek: Voyager, but her life is so interesting and her family so extraordinary that it doesn't matter and you want to continue listening to her forever. In fact I downloaded other audiobooks narrated by Mulgrew after finishing this book just so I could listen to her more.

Loved the book & Performance

I love the way that Kate read the book. Every character has a distinctive voice. It was a joy to listen to.

poweful first chapter; this will be read in 2 days

powerful chapter 1. I have always loved Mulgrew's voice and mannerisms. she is as tough as Captain Katherine Janeway of Star Trek Enterprise. To know this is her very own story is a treat.