The Callahan Chronicals

By: Spider Robinson

Narrated by: Barrett Whitener

Length: 16 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

This omnibus edition contains the trio of books that introduced the world to Mike Callahan, Jake Stonebender, Doc Webster, Mickey Finn, Fast Eddie Costigan, Long-Drink McGonnigle, Ralph Von Wau Wau, and the rest of the regulars of Callahan's Place, in the stories that helped Spider Robinson to win both a John W. Campbell Award and a legion of fans.

Callahan's Crosstime Saloon is the neighborhood tavern to all of time and space, where the regulars are anything but. These time travelers, talking dogs, alcoholic vampires, and cybernetic aliens really, truly care about each other. It's the rare kind of place where bad puns are as appreciated as good conversation.

Time Travelers Strictly Cash is their policy. Lay your money on the bar, name your poison, step up to the line drawn on the barroom floor, and after drinking make a toast and throw the glass into the fireplace. It's an odd tradition but one that's led to some interesting stories.

Callahan's Secret may be something even the regulars would never guess. Then again, it may be as simple as listening to those post-toast stories. After all, like Callahan says, shared pain is lessened and shared joy is increased, a simple concept that could, after a few drinks, lead to saving the world.

©1997 Spider Robinson (P)2003 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Robinson is the hottest writer to hit science fiction since Ellison, and he can match the master's frenetic energy and emotional intensity, arm-break for gut-wrench." (Los Angeles Times)
"Tall tales....fine and funny....A significant achievement for light humor!" (Houston Post)

New regular to Callahan's

I was totally unfamiliar with Spider and Callahan's place. I selected this book based on its rating and its length. One of the BEST decisions I ever made. I can't wait to listen to more of the Callahan saga.

You gotta get this one!!

Fantastic

I just re-listened to this collection of stories. The narration is fantastic, and each one is like one of Callahan's famous Irish coffees. This is perfect if you're looking for a collection of quick getaways.

love Callahan's

If only I could go there. Spider is my big favorite. I wish he was still writing

Unbelievable (with one caveat)

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

In a heartbeat (and already did). It's great - the ungentle humor, the horrible puns, but most of all the kindness: something 20th century literature in general and sci-fi in particular did not have much of.
Not the weepy sentimental kind, but the real deal. Helping those who need it - and not meddling with those who don't.

Who was your favorite character and why?

All of them, pretty much.
(Because saying Jake or Mike would be trivial).

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

Lots of them. Most of them. And I'm not moved easily.

Any additional comments?

The last novella -- and the very last "epilogue"-style author's note -- are, pardon my French, for shits. The book would be awesomer without them. (It is still awesome, though).

so I saved the original Three for last. awesome!

I think most people were introduced to Callahan's at the beginning. I chose to start Midway through the collection, go to the end and then start at the beginning. I feel like it doesn't matter which order you listen to as long as you keep these three together it's a great story. do yourself a favor and get these books

A classic

One of my favourite books as a teen. The book is a collection of comedy, sci fi, philosophy, that span from the early 70s to the mid 80s. It's a delight.

This was not disappointing!

I listen to a lot of Spider Robinson’s books, but obviously not all of them as this one filled in a lot of blanks. I really enjoy the character development and they feel like family by the end of the book.

A bit too sickly sweet for me

I really enjoyed these books when they first came out, but that was a long time ago. I tried to listen to them now, and I gave up after an hour or two. Everybody loves everybody, and everyone takes care of everyone. The author never lets a real storyline get in the way of the general lovefest. I finally stopped listening, because I was afraid I was going to get diabetes from all of the sugar.

I had hoped for better

I enjoyed reading them as when they first published and always wished to have them collected. Listening to them all at one time is tedious. They were written as short stories and maybe that is how they should remain.

Well written but kinda boring

The writing is superb, the characters are very well done, but not much happens. It's all a bunch of odd characters in a bar swapping stories. There is a lot of humor but mainly in the form of puns, which is how all of the stories start. Then we get introduced to another strange character and learn his/her life story, then there is some kind of resolution to his/her problem. Then it's on to the next batch of puns and the next character. If you are looking for an example of great characterization and flawless prose, it's here. However, I was looking for more in terms of plot. I am about 3/4 of the way through this book and I'm having a really hard time finishing. Nothing so far has compelled me to keep listening. Oh, and the narrator's Irish accent is poor.