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)

Smithson taught me...

...to speak simply; to listen; to understand that I really don't need a lot; to just be. His story is alternately endearing and heartbreaking. I came to feel a lot of affection for him. I think I even feel proud of him and his perseverance. I'm going to miss him. At the end of the audiobook there is an interview with the author which is very interesting.

Wonderful!

Would you listen to The Memory of Running again? Why?

Yes. I plan on listening to it again very soon.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I couldn't choose. Which is exactly why I love this book so much. Each character is interesting and has depth.

Which scene was your favorite?

When the priest reveals his indiscretion.

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

When he saves the little boy from the snow storm.

Any additional comments?

I have never reviewed a book before on audible. That's how much I liked this one.

worth it

an enjoyable journey to share, good writing, and good narration.

The Memory of Running

I downloaded this book mainly on Stephen King's recommendation. This has worked in the past but twenty minutes into the story I was wondering if I had made a mistake. Happily, it wasn't long before I was fully engrossed in the story and by the end of the book I was hoping for more. Like others I found myself cheering for Smithson Ide and his incredibly sad and incredibly engaging life.

Some have called this book "boring" with "shallow" characters. I found neither to be true. Older listeners will likely relate better to the plot, especially if they've had disappointments and tragedies of their own. A dominant theme running throughout the book is that terrible things can happen to people but people needn't become terrible as a result.

I would like to compare this book to Yann Martel's excellent "Life of Pi". Reviewers have said that the Life of Pi would make you believe in God. Similarly, McLarty's "Memories of Running" will make you believe in the goodness of people and the strength of the human spirit.

Good story, but some reservations

This was definitely an engaging story. It was hard to "put it down" - I found myself making excuses to go for rides in my car so I could listen more. I had a few reservations, though: 1) the narrator reads too slow for my taste. I'm a "fast listener," and even when I bumped up the speed on my iPod, it seemed to drag. But the expressiveness and clarity was good. 2) If you're sensitive to profanity and vulgarity, and frequent discussions of teenage sexual fantasies and experiences, beware. Otherwise, buy it and enjoy it!

good one

the narrative tone was enjoyable as was the character's back-and-forth from present journey to childhood through manhood. details of daily life and issues for someone with obesity were very accurate.i found myself really feeling for the main character, his struggle with his weight and his crazy sister. lots of odd characters in his life and encountered on his journey.

I miss him.....

The title character I mean. I too had to stick with it as this story doesn't exactly grab you from page one. But in this time of leading characters who are conniving and manipulative and win verbal battles with their opponents, Smithy was so refreshing. He couldn't be cruel or judgmental and really did see the best in everybody. Funny thing is.....I think we all know people like him. We all knew a boy in grammar school who obviously felt different - - and out of place - - but held a heart of gold. I found myself happily anticipating what I knew would have to be the perfect ending. I wasn't disappointed. The author said he missed Smithy as he wrapped up the writing of this story....and I can see why. No blood, no gore, no special effects....just a good story with well defined characters.

THIS BOOK IS WONDERFUL!

I cannot imagine a better listen. I loved this book. ...and the author does a terrific job.

Funny, Moving and heartwarming

Would you consider the audio edition of The Memory of Running to be better than the print version?

I did not read the print version, so I really can't say if it is better or not.

What did you like best about this story?

him riding his bike, it just reminded me of myself.

What about Ron McLarty’s performance did you like?

Everything

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

When he showed up at his friends house.

Any additional comments?

I'm not good a reviewing books, I just know what I like and know when others would like a book. I hope my review will prompt someone to buy this book, they would not be disappointed.

Take this on a long trip!

This audio book is remarkably well read, and the story sucked me in within the first chapter. I hated to get out of my car and leave it. My wife enjoyed it as much as me...an unusual occurence. Wonderful. Get it, you won't be disappointed.