One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

50th Anniversary Edition

By: Ken Kesey, Robert Faggen - introduction

Narrated by: John C. Reilly

Length: 10 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

A 50th-anniversary edition of Ken Kesey's searing American classic.

Boisterous, ribald, and ultimately shattering, Ken Kesey's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest has left an indelible mark on the literature of our time. Turning conventional notions of sanity and insanity on their heads, the novel tells the unforgettable story of a mental ward and its inhabitants, especially tyrannical Big Nurse Ratched and Randle Patrick McMurphy, the brawling, fun-loving new inmate who resolves to oppose her. We see the story through the eyes of Chief Bromden, the seemingly mute half-Indian patient who witnesses and understands McMurphy's heroic attempt to do battle with the powers that keep them all imprisoned.

Hailed upon its publication as a "glittering parable of good and evil" (The New York Times Book Review) and a "roar of protest against middlebrow society's Rules and the invisible Rulers who enforce them" (Time), Kesey's powerful book went on to sell millions of copies and remains as bracing and insightful today as when it was first released. This new deluxe audio edition commemorates the 50th anniversary of the original publication of the novel on February 1, 1962, and will be a must have for any literature lover.

©1990 Ken Kesey (P)2012 Penguin Audiobooks

Awesome

John C. Reilly is great as usual, and the book is a classic, I’d recommend this to anyone.

Ralph doesn't Wreck the Cuckoo's Nest

I've always enjoyed One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, but it was not the kind of story (or movie) that I felt I would ever revisit. While often the antics of R.P. McMurphy keep moments light, its underlying commentaries on mental health issues and societal normalcies are challenging. Admittedly, I was drawn back to this story because I enjoy listening to these classics when performed by familiar voices. John C. Reilly didn't disappoint. He carried the somber moments of a pensive Chief Bromden and the playful mischief of McMurphy and the acutes. Great production, and great read.

I never would have thought John C Reilly could do what he did

First, I’d like to mention that I normally never pick books based on the narrator, I mostly pick on content or what I’m feeling at the time. I started listening to the book and realized I recognized he voice, then read the name and thought, “I know this voice.” I look up the name and was incredibly surprised to find out who’s voice it was. I then realized that I’ve not seen him in a serious movie ever (I’m sure they exist, I just know him from Stepbrothers).

Second, this book is incredibly dark and deep. Yes there are some funny parts and John C Reilly lets himself shine on those moments, but he really lets him self shine on doing the voices for all the different characters. He did an excellent job narrating this book, so much so, that I was incredibly disappointed when I watched the movie after finishing.

Third, for those that do not know about this book, it’s a classic. I can’t remember if I read it or not when I was younger but I’m certainly glad that the first time I realized I read it, was upon listening to this production. I 100% guarantee that you will enjoy listening to this, I know I will be listening to it over and over again.

ps

God Bless the USA. me hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhy bed I love you too I hope you have a great day today and I love you too I hope you have a great day today and I love you too I hope you have a great day today and I love you too I hope you have a great day today and I love you too

What a read

I'm working my way through the classics, and I admit I admit i was a bit hesitant to read this due to the length and knowing how it ends (somewhat). I gave it a go anyway and I'm really glad I did. It's a fun, enjoyable read that moves pretty quickly and hits all the right notes. I'm looking forward to watching the movie at some point.

John C. Reilly was the best!

I read this book a long time ago in HS and found it laborious. Hearing it again, with John C. Reilly as the many voices for the many characters brought the powerful story to life. Wonderful production!

Amazing audiobook experience!

Wow, John C. Reilly does an amazing job. I could picture all the different characters based on his voice acting skills. Also a wonderfully written book. They don’t write like that anymore.

An excellent reading of a classic

This books lends itself perfectly to the audible format. John C. Reilly's reading is spot on to the theme of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. The voice and pacing with which he reads further adds to the anticipation of the unfolding story. An excellent reading of a classic book.

just as good as the movie

I loved the movie and the book was amazing as well. jcr is a great narrator. you still never really find out why most of the guys end up in the asylum, but there is alot more secondary character development in the book. also interesting how different mac is in the movie compated to the book.

Blown Away by John C. Reilly

Where does One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is in the top 10 audio books that I've listed to.

What did you like best about this story?

John C. Reilly's reading. I've seen him in a couple of movies, but I had no idea that he was capable of this kind of voice acting. Each character receives his own voice. One of the 3 best audio experiences that I've had.