Lost at Sea: The Jon Ronson Mysteries

By: Jon Ronson

Narrated by: Jon Ronson

Length: 15 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

Jon Ronson is fascinated by madness, extraordinary behaviour and the human mind. He has spent his life investigating crazy events, following fascinating people and unearthing unusual stories. Collected here from various sources (including The Guardian and GQ America) are the best of his adventures. Always intrigued by our ability to believe the unbelievable, Jon meets the man preparing to welcome the aliens to Earth, the woman trying to build a fully conscious robotic replica of the love of her life and the Deal or No Deal contestants with a foolproof system to beat the Banker.

Jon realizes that it's possible for our madness to be a force for good when he meets America's real-life superheroes or a force for evil when he meets the Reverend 'Death' George Exoo, who has dubiously assisted in more than a hundred mercy killings. He goes to a UFO convention in the Nevada desert with Robbie Williams, asks Insane Clown Posse (who are possibly America's nastiest rappers) whether it's true they've actually been evangelical Christians all along and rummages through the extensive archives of Stanley Kubrick. Frequently hilarious, sometimes disturbing, always entertaining, these compelling encounters with people on the edge of madness will have you wondering just what we're capable of.

This is an updated edition with new afterword, written and narrated by Jon Ronson.

©2012 Jon Ronson (P)2012 Audible Ltd

Wonderful!

As I think back on all the stories I can't select a favorite one. I know that these stories are going to stay with me for years.

I Like Jon Ronson, But This Book Not So Much

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

I purchased this book after reading the very enjoyable 'So You've Been Publicly Shamed' by Jon Ronson. I was expecting another well researched, interesting, and fun book but I was slightly disappointed. For that reason probably wouldn't recommend this book to a friend.

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

The book is a collection of mostly dark, sad stories. My favorite one though was about Phoenix Jones the real life Seattle comic book superhero.

What about Jon Ronson’s performance did you like?

I like the personality he gives to the story.

Any additional comments?

This book was just too dark for me. Others may like it more.

Captivating topics, well-crafted storytelling

Relevant and well-crafted reporting of events that are telling of the way we perceive madness, crime, mental illness and the boundaries of normality. The narration and themes are captivating.

Great stories, poor narration

Would you try another book from Jon Ronson and/or Jon Ronson?

I think Jon Ronson is a fantastic reporter and has lived an extraordinary life. I would love to meet him at a dinner party. That being said, I thought every sentence sounded the same. The inflection, pitch, timber, and timing were all on the same length for almost every sentence. Very robotic read. I had to skip some of the chapters that were less interesting because his voice couldn't keep me engaged.

Love it

Love most of his stuff, but this one is my favorite. I go back to it every so often. Has lots of little shorts, most of which are good. I love Jon's voice and his humor.

Bizarre Bazaar

Jon Ronson is a master of the absurd which both surrounds AND is within us. Whether it is indigo children, alien abductees, Christian pentecostalism, SETI, Insane Clown Possee or Stanley Kubrick, Ronson probes into all that is weird and wonderful.

Perhaps one of the best things about Ronson (and his delightfully appropriate narrative style) is that he eschews the superior tone characteristic of most skeptics in favor of a wryly self-deprecating humor which acknowledges his own (and by implication, our) attraction to these phenomena. Not all of it is light-hearted; there is a darker side to some of his subjects, such as the would-be school shooters in North Pole, Alaska. Throughout, Ronson has an extraordinary ability to sympathetically engage with his subjects while retaining his sense of gentle skepticism. His aim is not to ridicule but to understand and to be amazed and sometimes to be saddened--and he invites us to do the same.

Ronson does not have an agenda. Don't be surprised if your own particular ox is gored; but in Ronson's hands the experience is humbling rather than enraging. To paraphrase Pogo, he reminds us that "we have met the crazies…and they are us."

Clever as always

I adore Jon Ronson and his fantastic, quirky voice.

I would recommend listening to this book as you might a podcast and not straight through as it is more enjoyable in smaller doses.

Recommended first Ronson Read

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

This book is divided into shorts that give a quick preview of Ronson's general writing style and a glance at his charming and sometimes mischievous personality.

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

His voice adds a level of naivety and playfulness to the stories which I have always appreciated and feel his voice helps conveyhis intent when in dialogue with some of the characters he encounters. I have listened to "men who stare at goats" which was narrated by someone else, and I wasn't as glued to the listening experience. Ronson does an amazing job.

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

His descriptions of the psuedo-psychic Sylvia Brown who I have always DESPISED! I was so thrilled to hear his interpretation of her. I am a visual person and I find his descriptions to be very realistic and hilarious like distorted caricatures that some how capture the true essence of a person's soul.

Any additional comments?

I hope that he continues to supply us with more books because I am running out of ronson books to read.

enthralling

What made the experience of listening to Lost at Sea: The Jon Ronson Mysteries the most enjoyable?

Every story was very interesting. I listened to it nonstop on a road trip.

What did you like best about this story?

Jon Ronson and his honesty

What about Jon Ronson’s performance did you like?

The slow pace.

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

A peek into the word of lunatics

Any additional comments?

I'll probably listen to all of Jon Ronson's books.

Jon Ronson is The Man

Would you consider the audio edition of Lost at Sea: The Jon Ronson Mysteries to be better than the print version?

The narration makes it golden. Fun stories, super narration and Jon Ronson...what more can a person want!

What other book might you compare Lost at Sea: The Jon Ronson Mysteries to and why?

Unique in itself

Which character – as performed by Jon Ronson – was your favorite?

All

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, I savor it over time

Any additional comments?

This book makes you happy.