The Memory of Running

By: Ron McLarty

Narrated by: Ron McLarty

Length: 13 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

Award-winning actor and playwright Ron McLarty is well known for his audiobook performances. What fewer people realize is that he's also an accomplished author. In this wonderfully quirky novel, available exclusively as an audiobook, McLarty takes readers on a quest to find hope and redemption with an unlikely hero.

Smithson Ide is 43 years old and weighs 279 pounds when his parents die in an accident. Lost in memories of childhood, Smithson uncovers his old Raleigh bicycle in the garage and begins a cross-country journey to find his beautiful, but tragically psychotic sister. Keenly aware of how ridiculous he must appear, Smithson nonetheless perseveres through a journey that is hilarious and horrifying. It is a trip, he soon realizes, that might provide his last chance to become the person he has always wanted to be.

In late 2003, in his column in Entertainment Weekly, Stephen King called The Memory of Running "the best novel you won't read this year." This glowing endorsement of the audiobook resulted in Ron McLarty receiving a $2 million two-book deal from Viking Penguin. Also, Warner Brothers has shelled out big bucks for the movie rights to The Memory of Running, for which McLarty will write the script.

©2002 Ron McLarty (P)2002 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"Ron McLarty's The Memory of Running is the best novel you won't read this year. But you can experience it, and I'm all but positive that you'll thank me for the tip if you do....What I hope is that you'll order a copy and experience it for yourself....It's bighearted and as satisfying as one of your mom's home-cooked Sunday dinners." (Stephen King, Entertainment Weekly)

Wonderful!

I loved this book, loved the characters and the narration. I must admit that I may have been somewhat biased having grown up in New England.

Unique Book - Didn't like bonus interview at end

With so many reviews about the book - I'm not going to focus there. However, I did enjoy the book, despite my frustration with the lead character's (Smithy) lack of ability to communicate well and the seemingly inplausible way most of the characters Smithy met/knew embraced/loved him.

I found myself having many questions after listening to the book regarding the love interest relationship, why the author made Smithy so seemingly dumb, if he intended Smithy's journey to change the way he lived and be more of a driver than passenger in his life, and why he didn't put more closure to some of the story lines.

I thought the bonus interview would have delved into some of these topics but I found the interview incredibly superficial. All about the author and not about the book's contents. The interviewee/interviewer relationship got a little chummy for me. I was disapointed that more insight wasn't provided from the interview.

I couldn't find any good stuff.

What can you say about a family that is punished by schizophrenia which drags on for years affecting all those around them. I found this dreary and the hapless victims involved really annoying. But, I don't really know, thats just what I think. It makes you want to go drink a case of beer and eat a half ton of chips. I did hang until the end and wanted to kick Smithy a lot of times. As for King's recommendation he ought to go for a ride in a Buick 8.

This is a great book

Although this is out of the genre I generally read I thought I would give it a try. It is a book you wont want to put down. The story is so detailed you really feel you begin to know this character.

Engrossing & moving story and listening experience

Overall, an engrossing & moving story and listening experience. Some wonderful stories within the main storyline. Seems to be a story of dialogue that is written to be performed and the author/narrator is magnificent. Highly recommend this audiobook!

Honestly, what was the point?

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I wasn't particularly impressed with the story thread. I get the flashbacks--they were mostly important to trying to understand the point of the book. Still, there were times when the current story and the flashback didn't entirely mesh.

The story itself was just OK. I guess I never quite understood why Smithy rode across the country. It was almost as though he never actually decided to ride--he just did. In the eponymous book and movie, Forrest Gump ran across the country for no reason, just because he felt like it. In much the same fashion, Smithy Ide rode--for no apparent reason.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

I think the interaction between Bethany and Smithy was good. Smithy was the only one that ever really understood what The Voice was that drove Bethany to her eventual demise. The emotional detachment that he had, though, was annoying. He never really connected with Bethany, with Norma, or with anyone else. Yes, I get that he was a socially inept, self-professed loser. Maybe that was what made his character unappealing.

One kind of feels sorry for both Norma and Smithy. After Norma's accident, neither of them could bridge the chasm that separated them for years. Again, I get that this is how the emotionally damaged characters were. Still, it takes away from the interest factor.

What about Ron McLarty’s performance did you like?

McLarty has a good voice for audiobooks. I've heard him in a couple other books, most notably for me, David Baldacci's "Camel Club" series. His voice is good for the more rough-and-tumble characters in the action threads, maybe less so for Smithy Ide and his supporting cast. Overall, McLarty's narration was good.

Could you see The Memory of Running being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

I don't see this being a particularly engaging series or movie. "Forrest Gump" meets ""My Name is Earl"? I guess I could see it happen, but I wouldn't line up to watch it.

The Memory of Running

It was very interesting, but it took a while to get use to all the flash back and time changes taking place in each chapter.

You can change your life.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. This remarkable narrative not only describes the transformation of a person from hopelessness to strength, but the background of 1990's America is fascinating. How Smithy's family holds together under the strain of a mentally ill daughter, focussing so much energy and love into her care, grieving when she disappears, is inspirational. The humour with which characters such as Smithy's uncle Count are dealt with is wonderful. The human failings of Smithy, such as ignoring Norma after her accident when she is confined to a wheel chair, makes it all the easier to relate to him. It is beautifully read, and i just could not stop listening to it.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Smithy, because I could see aspects of myself and many others in his character.

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

Ron McLarty's empathy for Smithy comes through in his narration.

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

Smithy's phone calls to Norma and the silences within those phone calls.

Any additional comments?

Highly recommended.

A wonderful introduction to the magic of audio...

What made the experience of listening to The Memory of Running the most enjoyable?

I just loved Ron's voice and the 'realness' he delivered for me, describing the story with words and phrases that were sometimes so simple and yet were able to create magic in my mind...a truly great book to 'carry around with me' and be entertained and enthralled as the story progressed with visual magic, getting to know a country I knew very little of until now. thank you

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Memory of Running?

Any additional comments?

I particularly loved the interview with Ron at the end of the book, as this provided so much insight into his talent for story telling...I began to feel as if I was finally the child that receives the privilege of being at the feet of a magic story teller...something I have missed for 64 years.

Nice

Excellently narrated, well-written book. I was drawn in by the plot; the interesting characters kept me coming back for more. I was sad when the story was over and disappointed by the ending.