Lisa

Although this memoir has elements in common with other memoirs by adult children of neglectful or abusive parents, this is FAR BETTER than Jeannette Walls "The Glass Castle" or Mary Karr's "The Lairs' Club."

It is as good as "House of Sand and Fog" and few works are.
I am an unabashed fan of this author's father and am delighted by this author's own novellas, essays and short stories.
This autobiography touched me in a way that few autobiographies could.

Of course I had "known" the elder Andre Dubus only as he presented himself in his work. I was surprised by the depths of my outrage toward him as I realized how he had neglected the children of his first marriage and how that neglect nearly -- but did not -- destroy his children.

On the whole, this is an eye-opening, triumphant and inspiring autobiography and the son's acceptance and forgiveness of his father allows me to continue to love that writer's work.
I read the NYT review, which praised Townie but said "until it loses traction in clichés about redemption at its very end" and I disagree with this evaluation.

This book deepened my admiration and respect for the younger Andre Dubus and I found the ending cathartic.

Like his father, Dubus is a writer's writer as much as he is a reader's writer.

Despite the elder Dubus' well-known act of heroism and the loss of limbs it cost him, if one is going to compare the two, know this: the younger Dubus learned more from his father's mistakes than his father learned from them.

I look forward to reading more work from Andre Dubus III and I thank him for reading what must have evoked at times painful memories.

As an Austinite, among my favorite lines: "That’s what Texas did to me, took my hatred of bullies and bullying and institutionalized it."

And Andre Dubus III did something for me no other writer has: he eloquently explained to me how the same release found in engaging in acts of violence could be found in writing. Bravo, Mr. Dubus, Bravo!

This one hour production doesn't cover every detail of the book, but it "hits the highlights" and serves as a great refresher (especially for someone who has read the book long ago).

It's a rather enjoyable if highly styled audio experience, with all the drama, sound effects, and melodramatic acting style of the time at which it was originally recorded. Gives a bit of Huxley's perspective, too, as he speaks at the intro to each 30-minute segment.

To students hoping to listen to this one-hour broadcast instead of reading (or listening to) the full novel: this will NOT suffice as a full replacement for the novel if your goal is to pass a detailed test on the novel. It's a great book and you'll be missing out if you rely solely on this broadcast. On the other hand, if you are truly not a reader or you are simply terribly pressed for time, you could do worse than to combine this one-hour broadcast with a decent study guide.

This is a thought-provoking, well-written and well-narrated novel. I've found myself laughing out loud (in places where laughter is appropriate). When one narrator describes a scene previously described by another, the listener gets a true sense of the the narrator's point of view. Picoult addresses issues that are important and I believe she does so fairly. But if I'd read the book, instead of listening to it, I would have had the ability to choose whether to listen to the songs at the beginning of each chapter. Listening to it on my iPhone, I have no choice (other than to take my earphones out and put them back in when I can tell the song is over. When Zoe sings, during the context of narrating the book, I don't mind at all. But the sappy women's-folk music at the beginning of each chapter, that is supposed to express Zoe's thoughts and feelings during this particular moment in her life, are as irritating as commercials through which one cannot fast forward while watching an excellent show.

David Rakoff's writing and narration are delightful. I think this is the best of the three audio books he's published to date. Say yes to the power of negativity!

This is a fun book - listening to it is a pleasure. Lipman is at her witty, wry and warm best. I've read all of her books and recommend "The Inn at Lake Divine" to intelligent friends who are looking for a good book to take their minds off of their troubles. I will certainly add "The Family Man" to my list of recommendations and in particular this audio version to my friends who need a "light listen" instead of a "light read." I mean no insult by the word "light." Lipman does tackle serious themes, but she does so with a fresh and gentle approach that doesn't feel preachy or taxing.

Edward Hermann is such a terrific actor - it's a real treat to listen to him narrate. Although I'd read "Presumed Innocent" long ago, I bought the audio version and listened to it just so I could get full benefit from listening to "Innocent." I don't think "Innocent" is quite as exciting or strong as "Presumed Innocent" but its worth purchasing. And I wasn't particularly happy with the female narrator who reads a few of the chapters of "Innocent." But on the whole, this is a good audio book for fans of Scott Turow and of Edward Hermann.

While listening to the first half of this novel, I became increasingly frustrated. It was well-written but boring. So many mundane and unsurprising details of married life with teens. Then something horrible happens and the rest of the novel is well-written but painful and sad. Anna Quindlen is a fine writer and Hope Davis is a good narrator, but I wish I hadn't used my monthly credit on this depressing book.

I found it impossible not to laugh out loud while listening to this witty comedy of manners. I've seen the play many times, but have never seen a production more enjoyable than listening to this performance. Bravo!

A well-written and thoughtful novel about infidelity. Cynthia Nixon's narration is superb. While some characters - particularly the married doctor and the injured child - are drawn a little too broadly, the novel gives the reader a sympathetic and believable portrait of both the wife and 'the other woman.'

Anne Tyler is one of my favorite authors, so I generally purchase her books as soon as they are made available. I don't know if Noah's Compass is any good - I'll have to read the printed book. This is the worst narrated book I've ever purchased - I've heard better from the volunteer readers at Librivox. Disgraceful. Mr Morey's narration lacks depth at all times and is particularly weak when he's reading the dialogue of characters who are female or children. He's reading aloud, there is no art to his performance.