My Adventures with God

By: Stephen Tobolowsky

Narrated by: Stephen Tobolowsky

Length: 11 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

From legendary character actor Stephen Tobolowsky - who currently appears on The Goldbergs, HBO's Silicon Valley, and Norman Lear's new One Day at a Time, author of The Dangerous Animals Club and The Tobolowsky Files podcast - My Adventures with God is a funny, introspective collection about love, catastrophe, and triumph, all told through the lens of his evolving relationship with the mystery that is "God".

As Tobolowsky explains, "It's hard to believe in nothing. Even cats believe in suppertime. As much as we love certainty, we are often shaped by the invisible, the unexplainable - something we call faith. We are inclined to acknowledge the holy. Even if it is only a paper heart we find in an old suitcase."

My Adventures with God is a series of short stories exploring the idea that most people's lives seem to fit into the template of the Old Testament. We all have powerful creation myths: tales of our childhood and family, our first battles won and lost. It is our Genesis. Then, like in the Book of Exodus, we go into slavery. Rather than building pyramids, we lose ourselves in fear and ambition - in first loves, first jobs, too many dreams mixed with too much beer. We eventually become free, only to wander in the wilderness. At some point we stop and proclaim to the universe who we are. This is our Leviticus moment. We reconcile what we thought we would be with what we have become. We often attempt a mid-course correction. Then, as in the Book of Numbers, we are shaped by mortality as we bear the loss of family and friends. Finally, we retell our stories to our children hoping to make sense of the journey, as Moses did in Deuteronomy.

Tobolowsky's stories tell of a boy growing up in the wilds of Texas, finding and losing love, losing and finding himself - all told through the prism of the Torah and Talmud, mixed with insights from science, and refined through a child's sense of wonder. My Adventures with God not only shines a light into the life of one of America's most beloved actors, but also provides a structure to evaluate our own lives and relationship with God.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2017 Stephen Tobolowsky (P)2017 Simon & Schuster, Inc.

Captivating story-teller

Didn't know the author by name before reading this book. Now a big fan of his writing, story-telling and the person!

Excellent!!

I laughed, cried and enjoyed every moment.
My Adventures with God is a must listen.

Thoughtful and honest

Loved this book. Contained an inspiring message. I learned a lot about dealing with life’s many challenges. Great narration.

Loved It!

When I first started this book, I picked it out of several unread choices from my library, not remembering exactly what it was about. My first impression was to return it, thinking why did I purchase this? I kept on listening and I am glad I did. This was such an interesting, well written and narrated story of progressive growth, seeking, and understanding. I am very happy to share in Stephen's journey. Btw, when I finished, I went back and listened to Chapter One again and it held more meaning this time.

Great Read!!!

Thought this was a very engaging memoir with great narration by the author. Loved reading about his life adventures and ruminations on God. Seemed honest and oh so humorous!Can't remember when I laughed out loud so many times while reading one book. Was so sorry when it was over!

Storytelling at its best!

I didn't really know what to expect from this book, save for what the summary said. I suspected a kinship with Mr. Tobolowsky simply by the characters he plays in film and televison (and my admiration for character actors). What a great read. I laughed, I cried and connected to some of his experiences on a very deep level. Thank you for this lovely adventure.

Compelling and perspective changing

Stories and life lessons that are both very engaging and will change your perspective. There is much to be learned when walking in someone’s shoes for even a short bit. A well payed out book that will get you to think, cry, and turn to the powers in the universe and make peace with them. A good read for those religious, spiritual, or otherwise.

The reread was well worth it, never a dull moment. The most fundamentally awesome human experience!

heart warming

an absolutely delightful book to listen to... always put a smile on my face. His voice is soothing with a comical undertone. I LOVED all the stories.

Shema

I loved Stephen's stories & his narration. He is funny, I laughed out loud, sincere with great insights about himself & about life in general. His insights about God, miracles, & life will stay with me for a long time. I liked this audio so much I ordered a hard copy so, I could read it & do highlights on the inspirational statements I enjoyed while listening. Thank you Stephan for a terrific read. Shema!

love love love!

the existential musings of a sensitive and honest human being. there was laughing and crying and more laughing. like life.