600 Hours of Edward

By: Craig Lancaster

Narrated by: Luke Daniels

Length: 7 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

A 39-year-old with Asperger’s syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder, Edward Stanton lives alone on a rigid schedule in the Montana town where he grew up. His carefully constructed routine includes tracking his most common waking time (7:38 a.m.), refusing to start his therapy sessions even a minute before the appointed hour (10:00 a.m.), and watching one episode of the 1960s cop show Dragnet each night (10:00 p.m.).

But when a single mother and her nine-year-old son move in across the street, Edward’s timetable comes undone. Over the course of a momentous 600 hours, he opens up to his new neighbors and confronts old grievances with his estranged parents. Exposed to both the joys and heartaches of friendship, Edward must ultimately decide whether to embrace the world outside his door or retreat to his solitary ways.

Heartfelt and hilarious, this moving novel will appeal to fans of Daniel Keyes’ classic Flowers for Algernon and to any reader who loves an underdog.

©2012 Craig Lancaster (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

sweet, funny, & moving

I really enjoyed the storyline and the style of writing. the performance was Top Notch.

Not what I expected...a phenomenal read/listen!!

Where does 600 Hours of Edward rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best

Who was your favorite character and why?

Edward! He was just himself - a flawed, but honest individual.

Which character – as performed by Luke Daniels – was your favorite?

Edward!

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

When Edward reads the letter from his father

Touching, funny, and fascinating story

What did you love best about 600 Hours of Edward?

What I loved most was that I came to identify so much with Edward. There is a little of Edward in all of us. We all have obsessions, we all have challenges dealing with others, and we all have routines and patterns in life that provide comforting structure, but also limit us. This story helps us see ourselves better.

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favorite character was Edward. The reason is that Edward's character is so well developed. We come to know his habits, thoughts, and feelings. As the story progresses, I was rooting for Edward, to take the chances and make the choices that would help him grow and fully realize his potential. I also loved the characters such as his neighbor and her son, the shop teacher, his therapist, and his mother, who helped and loved Edward.

What about Luke Daniels’s performance did you like?

I think Luke's voice tone, pacing, and affect were perfect for this tale. I could not tell if some of the other voices were acted by Luke, or other actors. If they were all Luke, then he has an amazing range. He especially captured the proper tone for Edward and his mother and father.

Who was the most memorable character of 600 Hours of Edward and why?

Edward was certainly the most memorable character in this tale. The author was able by virtue of Edward's personality to take advantage of his routine and repetition, so that by the end, we had heard his likes, dislikes, and routine so many times that it would have been difficult NOT to remember Edward! Yet, the elements of repetition were in no way boring, the effect was like hearing the chorus of a song that grows on you. I also felt the character of Edward's father was well drawn. The resolution between the two was so powerful, and I was deeply moved.

Any additional comments?

I hope many people read this story, not just for enjoyment, but also to become more understanding of the challenges we ALL go through in life, to connect with others, and to be fully human. This is not the kind of story I usually read. I usually tend toward more escapist fare. However, I feel that now, I will try new forms of literature, just as Edward branches out to try new things! And, just like Edward, I feel more "Okay" about what I chose as my staples, too.

Beautifully Done

Where does 600 Hours of Edward rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Loved the book, its theme, its authenticity

What was one of the most memorable moments of 600 Hours of Edward?

the Garth Brooks incident

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

You could hear mirth in his voice when he read the funny parts - makes you want to laugh with him.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

I prefer facts.

Definitely an OCD kind of book.

I liked the book and thought that the narrator, Luke Daniels, did an excellent job. However, I kept hoping that more would happen in the plot to make it a lot more interesting than it was. I would have loved to have seen him succeed in a career and a relationship. That would have been wonderful to add to the story.

I would say that the story was interesting, but the ending not satisfying. I also did not like the repetition of events in the story like the details about the Dragnet tv shows. Every time he watched it, which was repeated daily, the author gave you details about the Dragnet episode. That was annoying after a while.

Great book!!!

This was a great book! The narrator was awesome, I cried and laughed and smiled for all 6 hours of this book...

Loved this story!

This is a funny and poignant story. The reading was perfect for the unique character's perspective. Two thumbs up.

Best narrator - great book!

What did you love best about 600 Hours of Edward?

I absolutely loved the narration. Luke Daniels was amazing in making each character such a different voice. I loved the story and the narration just made it that much better.

What did you like best about this story?

The infusion of humor in the story.

Which character – as performed by Luke Daniels – was your favorite?

Edward Stanton

Who was the most memorable character of 600 Hours of Edward and why?

Edward Stanton - you could just feel his pain and also identify with some of his character.

Any additional comments?

I highly recommend this book and I am now searching for more audible books narrated by Luke Daniels.

Not at all what I expected!

Any additional comments?

WOW! I just finished 600 Hours of Edward and I loved it. It was not at all what I would have thought when I ordered it. I'm pretty sure I never would have read it, or listed to it at the normal speed, so this is my suggestion, listen at a 1.25 speed, enjoy getting to know Edward, but most of all, don't miss this book. I gave Luke Daniels only two stars because at the regular speed I'm sure I wouldn't have listened. I do not for a minute think it is his reading. He has a director who controls the speed of the delivery. For me, it was way too slow. Do yourself a favor and check this book out.

Pulitzer Prize Worthy!

Would you consider the audio edition of 600 Hours of Edward to be better than the print version?

I have not read the print version but the narration brought Edward to life.

What was one of the most memorable moments of 600 Hours of Edward?

I thoroughly enjoyed Edwards letters of complaint and how they evolved toward the end. I also enjoyed the evolution of his relationships. There were far too many memorable moments throughout this book to highlight any one in particular.

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

Of all the narrations of all the audiobooks I have ever listened to, Luke Daniels surpassed them all! I feel the narration was critical to this story in particular to capture the many quirks and eccentricities of Edward. Luke Daniels nailed Edwards character in addition to the other characters of this book. He did an extraordinary job, even down to the slightest fluctuations of voice such as Edward remarking on words that he loved, which were expressed with pure delight. You could feel every one of Edwards highs and lows throughout the book. I enjoyed every second of it!

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

The letter from his father!

Any additional comments?

This is the type of book that comes around once every ten years. It is masterfully written. It is technical and creative writing at it's very best. Although the ending was superb, I grieved when it was over as I never wanted it to end. There was so much depth and humanity to the characters of this book and I genuinely cared about every one of them. I especially adored Edward. I wish I could be his neighbor and friend.