A Place of My Own

The Architecture of Daydreams

By: Michael Pollan

Narrated by: Michael Pollan

Michael Pollan’s unmatched ability to draw lines of connection between our everyday experiences - whether eating, gardening, or building - and the natural world has been the basis for the popular success of his many works of nonfiction, including the genre-defining best sellers The Botany of Desire, The Omnivore’s Dilemma, and In Defense of Food. With this updated edition of his earlier book, A Place of My Own, listeners can revisit the inspired, intelligent, and often hilarious story of Pollan’s realization of a room of his own—a small, wooden hut, his “shelter for daydreams” — built with his admittedly unhandy hands. Inspired by both Thoreau and Mr. Blandings, A Place of My Own not only works to convey the history and meaning of all human building, it also marks the connections between our bodies, our minds, and the natural world.

©2010 Michael Pollan (P)2010 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"[A]n inspired meditation on the complex relationship between space, the human body, and the human spirit.” (Francine du Plessix Gray)

well this was a good one

audiobook read by the author (👍👍), this one tells the story of Michael's homemade 'work cabin' or whatever it's deemed: a place to write & such

he employs architects & friends to help him learn the ropes of carpentry, learning & relaying (to us) much in the process

i learned about balloon framing, which was the innovation that led to lower-cost, easy-to-assemble houses w/ more customization

Pollan puts his usual touch into this book, teaching as he goes [a blend of research w/ hands-on]; arriving at a completed structure by the end

t'was his second book, which leaves me w/ 2 or 3 for future discovery [one of my fav. authors here] -- still to go: "Omnivore's Dilemma," "Food Rules," & "Pollan Family Table"

Overall an awesome audio book

I enjoyed the story, particularly the characters that Pollan brought into it. The sections where he incorporated context and history were meaningful, too.

All around a good story

very insightful. the perspective shared of owner vs carpenter vs architect is great. also, great thoughts shared on pursuing your own place or tiny home. cheers

Deep into the emotion of...

I must disclose that I think Michael Pollan is one of our greatest minds. That said, his personal, philosophical story of building this place was everything I could have hoped for. From the designing, siting, essential collaborations to choosing the views, specific woods and other materials all made this fun and self reflective.

Nailed it

Love hearing the author read. Great book, wide variety of subjects explored with a consistent and driving concrete foundation to build from and plenty of unique insights. Well done!

Geeezezzz hammer a nail please

OK this fella thought out the whole thing... for years... with angst... and pain... and sorrow... and tons of time and thought.... He built a garage in the woods to write in???? ... I can not for any money ignore the ignorance of the author of the physical world... but if you have money and time and can make reasonable people take that money to humor you... gee that's the book... and he sells the entire place in a few years... Duh... no DUH.. .what an arrogant poofter... He makes a room the way Jacques Pepin makes a puff pastry... too much thinking...

Fine story, very academic

To begin, I have this book in print. I struggled to finish it, thought the audiobook would be easier. And while it was nice to hear the author's voice, the book is very in-depth, but in a different direction I would have liked.

great listen

Micheal Pollan is a great writer and his performance is nice and easy to listen to. as a carpenter, his story of building his own office is recognizable and funny. as we have all dealt with the things he went through. can't wait to listen to more of his books.

Great

for the person longing to get their hands dirty again. Little long winded at parts, but really great description of what it's like to undertake a "small" but thorough construction project from inkling to end.

Great!

Pollan did an amazing job as always. This was an absolute joy to listen to!