Keillor writes true to his "voice" and is always wonderful to read or listen to
926543
Keillor writes true to his "voice" and is always wonderful to read or listen to. I think he is special joy to us readers who savor a well-crafted sentence.
4036335
I purchaseed this CD set for my husband's birthday.  He is a big fan of Garrison Keillor.  We listen to the CD's in the car and the stories, songs, etc are not only funny but uplifting and meaningful!  Would recommend to people of any age!
1555211
Each voice is special and true.  Dr. Hossieni writes characters that reflect our own strengths and flaws.  Like his previous stories; he illustrates that the gulf between humans in our varied life experience is not so great.  I can read this story again and enjoy it with fresh eyes.
760261
Another Garrison Keillor classic!  Wonderful bedtime stories for my teen!
2604919
I have enjoyed reading this work over the years as well as the other books in the servies.  This story, autobiographical, of a English Vet just before the war, and later, after the war, is truely one of the top gems to be published over the past fifty years as far as reading pleasure goes.  The author is a natural story teller and truely a very, very good writer, actually, quite polished.  I certainly won't go into the plot or the story here as many others have already done so, but will, as I have, remark of the skill of this writer and the enjoyment his stories bring.  I admit to being one of those who have collected his work and tend to reread each book in the series ever so often.  Highly recommend this work.  I am sure you will enjoy it.
2227857
Garrison Keillor writes in an easy-to-read and folksy manner.  The book is wonderful story of a fictional city in Minnesota where old fashioned values still exist and human foibles are exposed in a gentle but telling manner.  You'll read it more than once.  I promise.
926504
He is one of my favorite authors and he never disappoints. This novel is entertaining, of course, but most important inspiring and true to the Christian faith and God's Word.
995899
Reading a Garrison Keillor book (except for the bizzare Book of Guys) is like laying on a couch next to a fire under a comforter while the rain falls outside.  Wobegon Boy continues the Keillor streak of writing  "comfortable" literature.  The characters are solidly defined,  the dialogue is witty, and the situations that arise in the book are  sharply told.
There aren't any surprises in Wobegon Boy.  The subject  is one that Keillor has visited many times.  But, then again, one doesn't  buy a Garrison Keillor book to be surprised.  One gets his books to  rekindle the feelings of home and family that one possesses (or wishes they  possessed) in their minds.  And Wobegon Boy is more than adequate to  meeting this task.
1181601
AudioBook Review:  Stars: Overall 5 Narration  5 Story 5

Fiona Wood is one of those authors who simply gets it. Her ability to present the mistakes, social awkwardness, concerns, fears and even joys that everyone can relate to from growing up. Not that everyones story is the same, but the ability to present characters that are understandable and compelling, whether or not you agree with their choices, makes this book very readable (or an easy listen). Using a male perspective and narrator for this story just increase the intrigue and unique quality of this story.

Dan has had a fairly easy go of life until this year, and then everything went pear shaped. His father has up and declared himself gay, just before the bankruptcy of his business. Creditors have taken over the family home, turfing Dan, his mother and Howard the dog, Hes got to leave his private school and friends, and of course, the humiliation.  Fortunately for Dan and his mother, her aunt Adelaide has left them her very large, very strange museum of a house.

Quite a bit to deal with, either as an adult or a teen, but Dan manages to muddle through after a few very rough chapters. Hes smart, hes caring and has a sense of humor that is both age appropriate and quite advanced for his tender years.  Oh and did I mention the girl next door who is the focus of his very simple affections? Yeah, Dan was adorable and compelling, wonderfully complex character who is desperately trying to pull himself together and adjust his behavior to fit the new circumstances.

Narration for this story is provided by David Atlas, and the use of a male narrator for the young teenaged Daniel works beautifully, without sounding too mature or disintegrating into the juvenile.  He uses tone and delivery to present Dans words, his keen observations and moments to great effect, the story is a pleasure to listen to.

All of the characters are wonderfully drawn, from Dans mother who is also trying to find her way along a path so very different from the one she envisioned.  Then there is Howard the dog: like most dogs hes pretty malleable, but it is his psychotherapists demeanor that is intriguing, and the recipient of Dans innermost thoughts as he works through his world. Using a list of Six Impossible Things that need immediate action to set his world to rights, the story builds to present a wonderful tale of overcoming the obstacles that life tosses at you with humor, support and a perspective that is far more adult than a boy of 14 is expected to have.  A wonderful read or listen.

I received an audiobook copy of the title from Hachette Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility
2796497
I've been listening to David Baldacci since he first came on the scene. Fabulous writing and engaging stories and who-done-it's.  King and Maxwell are two wonderful characters from other books and this is their latest adventure ~ heart pumping for sure!!!  I am an audio book junkie!!! I listen to 4 different ones at a time - car, work, kitchen and sewing room - it is so great to have some read to you who can bring the characters, emotions and places to life. I love to read, but I don't have time and I sure do not create the colorful dialog and pictures in my head when I am reading just text off a page.  Most of his books are read by Ron McLarty and Orlagh Cassidy two superb readers who I love to listen too.  The only hard part is waiting for David to put out another book with King and Maxwell to continue the saga.
837116
Ken Wiley always writes as though he were sitting in your livingroom telling you about things that happened to him.  He is a wonderfully rich story teller.  His life experiences just unfold as you read.
4259244
I recommend listening to this book, if you can. The narrator is fabulous and it puts a nice spin on each character's personality.
Overall, a very satisfying novel.
4318803
Kevin Hearne is keeping the art of storytelling alive and thriving quite nicely. His style of writing is succinct and enthralling. His wit is superb, both when he is being subtle and in-your-face, laugh-out-loud funny.
  By the way, Kevin. You know that TRUE storytellers tell stories right up until the day they pass from this world, right? This means we shall expect more from you on a regular basis.
  Having read all you've written several times, I'm not so patiently waiting. (This is where some might place a smiley-face.) (Note: no smiley-face.)
2968250
Reading these other 12 reviews, I am disappointed in the reaction to this brilliant book. Granted, if you're already a Keillor fan, you're in heaven as you read the lines and hear Garrison's voice insinuate the pauses and hesitations, the stuttering and comic inflections, that make his radio show a 25-year enduring icon of compassionate comedy.
His theme is a bit odd -- a young writer dreaming of one day joining the New Yorker fulfills that dream, only to be beset by the Mafia, a "can't live with it, can't live without it" marriage, and terminal writer's block.  Within the story is another story, that of the protagonist as lonely hearts editor.  The letters he receives, and the replies he sends, are hysterical, odd, and clever.
Don't overanalyze the humor and hyperscrutinize the plot.  This is just plain funny stuff, with the occasional poignant and touching revelation about what it means to be a human wrestling with one's devil of an ego.  It's vintage Keillor, and vintage fun.
204417
I Loved listening to this audio book of 1777 narrated by Robert Thaler. Robert's voice is so compelling and engaging, so familiar and so very attuned to the text, that the narrative simply flows. He is clearly one of the best narrators I have ever heard. He brings 1777 to vivid life. I would buy anything Robert Thaler narrates.
3260898
We often listen to audiobooks on long trips and it's rare to find one that entertains the whole family - Preschoolers, school-age and Mom and Dad!  This one did just that.  It's an interesting story with great characters.  The narrator was OUTSTANDING; one of the best I've ever listened to.  As soon as we got to the last disk, my son was asking me if there were other books by the same author.  We just finished the Chaos King as well and are hoping Ms. Ruby continues the story.
4138506
I must admit I am not a fanatic fan of "The King", however I have enjoyed several of his works.  I purchased the audio book and the narration was top notch.  The right voice and can bring an audio book  to life as the wrong voice and can kill even the most mind-bending novel.  With that said,  my favorites of the four stories are "Fair Extension" and "The Good Marriage."

Could the stories have been longer? Yes.  However who am I to tell "The King" how to write his often masterpieces.  I recommend the audio book to any King fan who want a tasty morsel to listen to while driving or relaxing at home.  I will not review the stories in detail as that would ruin the gems for the reader/listener.  I will only say "Fair Extension" involves a deal with the Monarch of Hell and "The Good Marriage" involves learning  a horrific truth about one's spouse.

Both are enjoyable and will tickle the spine!  Good Reading/Listening!!