My Reading Life

By: Pat Conroy

Narrated by: Pat Conroy

Length: 7 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

Best-selling author Pat Conroy acknowledges the books that have shaped him and celebrates the profound effect reading has had on his life. Pat Conroy, the beloved American storyteller, is a voracious reader. Starting as a childhood passion that bloomed into a life-long companion, reading has been Conroy’s portal to the world, both to the farthest corners of the globe and to the deepest chambers of the human soul. His interests range widely, from Milton to Tolkien, Philip Roth to Thucydides, encompassing poetry, history, philosophy, and any mesmerizing tale of his native South. He has for years kept notebooks in which he records words and expressions, over time creating a vast reservoir of playful turns of phrase, dazzling flashes of description, and snippets of delightful sound, all just for his love of language. But for Conroy reading is not simply a pleasure to be enjoyed in off-hours or a source of inspiration for his own writing. It would hardly be an exaggeration to claim that reading has saved his life, and if not his life then surely his sanity.

In My Reading Life, Conroy revisits a life of reading through an array of wonderful and often surprising anecdotes: Sharing the pleasures of the local library’s vast cache with his mother when he was a boy, recounting his decades-long relationship with the English teacher who pointed him onto the path of letters, and describing a profoundly influential period he spent in Paris, as well as reflecting on other pivotal people, places, and experiences. His story is a moving and personal one, girded by wisdom and an undeniable honesty. Anyone who not only enjoys the pleasures of reading but also believes in the power of books to shape a life will find here the greatest defense of that credo.

Listen to An Interview with Pat Conroy.

©2010 Pat Conroy (P)2010 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Reading Pat Conroy is like watching Michelangelo paint the Sistine Chapel." ( Houston Chronicle)

Intimate discussion by favorite writer

I felt like I was sitting across from Pat Conroy at his kitchen table learning about his tortured life as a child and the importance of his mother instilling a love of reading. This book took me on his journey from child reader to adult writer. There are so many books that he raves about that I now want to read!

Simply Outstanding - Loved It, Over and Over Again

I have heard more than 240 books on Audible. Right now, this is my favorite.

This short, but rich and honest book is full with content. If you have ever wondered what inspires a modern writer to write than this is the book for you. By its end, you may want to be a writer or be a better writer.

This book should be required reading for all English students, lovers of literature, teachers, and parents. Yes—teachers and parents—because as Conroy beautifully explains, it is because of these people—because of the actions they took to enrich his reading life—that he is one of today's best storytellers. And why he is with us still (listen to the book to learn more).

And if you love rare book stores, then you’ll enjoy chapter six. But it is after chapter 12 that you’ll want to read War and Peace. At the very least by its end, perhaps you'll be like me and simply want to hear more of Conroy's work.

Please click YES if this review was helpful to you. Enjoy the read.

Don't chew the gravel in his voice, just listen.

Any additional comments?

As brilliant as Pat Conroy is, you will have to get past the struggles of his own narration. Having said that, there is must to embrace about this book. One person's view on how books laid the groundwork for their writing life might not be earth shattering, but, its Pat Conroy, and that makes the difference. Get past the grit in his voice and just bask in what he learned and why he learned it. It is inspiring and beautiful. Not the narration, did I mention that? Everything else.

Enjoyed hearing Pat Conroy read his life stories

As a huge fan of Pat Conroy's books I was excited to see that he narrated this himself. It is very interesting to hear "My Reading Life" in his voice because it is a personal account of his life. I particularly enjoyed hearing about his interaction with other writers in the Atlanta area and the places they would hang out and meet. It also gives some insight into and further appreciation for many of his novels. I have always wanted to meet him and after listening to this audio book I felt as if I had.

Great writer memoir

What made the experience of listening to My Reading Life the most enjoyable?

Having just listened to The Prince of Tides & loving the often lyrical writing, I was anxious to hear more about the author. I was not disappointed! Learning more about his life deepens one's appreciation of his books (and frankly, all literature). Made me want to stop my life and just immerse myself in literature!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Conroy's mother. Her amazing dedication to educating herself and her children was awesome to hear.

What does Pat Conroy bring to the story that you wouldn???t experience if you just read the book?

At first you wish perhaps a more polished reader read the book, but you quickly are drawn into Conroy's passion and dedication to his art. Would not have been so personal without his own narration.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I always wonder which part of a book most closely resembles an author 's real life. How amazing that one of the most fantastical parts of The Prince of Tides is based on a true character from his real life (scary big criminal guy). It is also very rare that I have laughed out loud at certain parts of a book and also felt so moved and inspired about other parts. I still laugh thinking about the librarian episode. And I just downloaded 60-some hours of War abd Peace! Don't know about W&P, but if Pat Conroy says it's a great book, I'm willing to give it a go!

You will fall in love with this book

I found this to be a unique perspective from the author. A truly different sort of listen I highly recommend. It is his exceedingly personal account of his life filled with moments of sadness and hilarious laughter. His love of reading is inspirational and has had a profound effect on me and what I shall read in the future. Great job Mr. Conroy!

Magnificent

I’ve read this wonderful gem of a book in print, then, years later I stumbled across the Audible version. There is a reason why Conroy narrates his own work—-his rhythm and cadence and personality shine through each word of each chapter of each story from beginning to end. Just a marvelous time with one of my favorite authors. I’ll listen to it again and again.

Generally Disappointing

As a massive Conroy fan, I continually tried to will this book to be better than it is. Readers who are familiar with Pat Conroy, his life and works will find this rambling and reaching at best. Unfortunate effort.

Not one of my favorites!

I couldn't finish the book. I guess it might be interesting for some people to know more about Pat Conroy, but I suffered through his descriptions of his favorite books / authors and I found his voice irritating.