Lit

A Memoir

By: Mary Karr

Narrated by: Mary Karr

Length: 12 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

Lit follows Mary Karr's descent into the inferno of alcoholism and madness - and her astonishing resurrection. Karr's longing for a solid family seems secure when her marriage to a handsome, Shakespeare-quoting poet produces a son they adore. But she can't outrun her apocalyptic past. She drinks herself into the same numbness that nearly devoured her charismatic but troubled mother, reaching the brink of suicide. A hair-raising stint in "The Mental Marriott" awakens her to the possibility of joy, and leads her to an unlikely faith.

Lit is about getting drunk and getting sober; becoming a mother by letting go of a mother; learning to write by learning to live. It is a truly electrifying story of how to grow up - as only Mary Karr can tell it.

©2009 Mary Karr (P)2010 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

"Astonishing....One of the most dazzling and moving memoirs to come along in years." (Michiko Kakutani, New York Times)

Dark and Real

Mary’s voice adds to the exhaustive reality of an all too common life. I resonate so much with her story of a life begun in the American south. Alcohol is insidious and almost impossible to avoid. It colors a life like bright red blood that dries into a dark red, ugly stain.

Strong Memoir & Fantastic Narration by Mary Karr!

If you could sum up Lit in three words, what would they be?

Compelling. Interesting. Honest.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved how this story didn't just discuss Karr's alcohol addiction, but also how she made her way as a writer and author during this time. You didn't just get "Lit" in regards to being drunk, but also in regards to "literary." I found that aspect of her early life as a writer even more interesting than her addiction.

What does Mary Karr bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Having Mary Karr read her own story really gave me a sense of place and person. Mary's voice, with its slight southern accent, really added to the nuances of the words and narration. I feel as if I got so much more out of this listening to her read her memoir to me than to read it myself. It was so compelling, I'd find myself doing chores around the house just so I could keep listening to it in on my iPod!

Any additional comments?

If you like a good story by someone who isn't afraid to share it all, to show herself in an unflattering light, and appreciate the writer's life, you'll love this.

Wow!

I enjoyed this book so much!!! I was not familiar with Ms. Karr prior to listening to this book and as a Syracuse native, I was to find out that she’s practically in my own back yard! I enjoyed her humorous approach, sarcastic candor and just overall real-ness. She tells her story in such a way that it makes you feel like you were there for each situation or encounter that she describes. It’s a long but fantastic listen!

moving

wonderfully narrated by the author. thoughtful and funny. one of my favorite reads so far.

I thought it was kinda whiny and fake.

Would you try another book from Mary Karr and/or Mary Karr?

No, I don't think I'll try another book by Mary Karr. I mistakenly thought this was the memoir of an average Jane who overcame struggles with alcoholism, but she is a professional memoirist and a college prof to boot. If you take away all the literary fluff the book would be about 6 or 7 hours long. I actually wish I could personally call her and ask for my money back and tell her I think she is a big fake. Due to the fact that she is a professional I kept wondering if she was just hyping up her alcoholism and after about 3 minutes of her admittance into the mental hospital she is complaining about being there like some angsty kid.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Her narration was flat and unenethusastic, I thought it was whiny because she doesn't sound thankful at all for her success.

Excellent

Mary Carr’s style of writing and storytelling grabs the readers instantly, taking us from tears to laughter to introspection, all in one short paragraph. Pure joy to have her narrate.

Excellent

Loved this just as I loved her previous memoirs :) definitely recommend listening to or reading !

Entertaining and Engaging Story

What made the experience of listening to Lit the most enjoyable?

Hearing the book being read by the author added so much more to the enjoyment of learning this story. Mary Karr is very entertaining and I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Definitely! However, I did not have the opportunity. I listen to books most nights when doing chores, etc. I found myself anxiously awaiting the end of the day so I could begin listening to "Lit" again. Excellent story!

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed this book so much that I purchased the Kindle version as well. I have not read Mary Karr's first two books but definitely will in the future. She has some great interviews on YouTube. If you are the least bit undecided about purchasing this book, go to YouTube and read some of her introductions to the book. You will definitely be hooked.

Nothing short of extraordinary

I listen to a lot of audiobooks and this one reaches the pantheon of the top 10. Mary Karr, though not always most animated, is inspired.

definitely worth a listen

narrator has a harsh halting voice. loved the pieces about learning to get off booze and help from AA and God. loved the honesty about drinking.