The Labors of Hercules Beal

By: Gary D. Schmidt

Narrated by: Fred Berman

Length: 8 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

From award-winning author Gary D. Schmidt, a warm and witty novel in the tradition of The Wednesday Wars, in which a seventh grader has to figure out how to fulfill an assignment to perform the Twelve Labors of Hercules in real life—and makes discoveries about friendship, community, and himself along the way.

Herc Beal knows who he's named after—a mythical hero—but he's no superhero. He's the smallest kid in his class. So when his homeroom teacher at his new middle school gives him the assignment of duplicating the mythical Hercules's amazing feats in real life, he's skeptical. After all, there are no Nemean Lions on Cape Cod—and not a single Hydra in sight.

Missing his parents terribly and wishing his older brother wasn't working all the time, Herc figures out how to take his first steps along the road that the great Hercules himself once walked. Soon, new friends, human and animal, are helping him. And though his mythical role model performed his twelve labors by himself, Herc begins to see that he may not have to go it alone.

©2023 Gary D. Schmidt (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers

Laughed and cried

Those who have read Gary Schmidt know that he is an exceptional storyteller who weaves in solid and true life lessons without ever sounded “preachy.” It’s amazing that he was able to do that even with having a ex-military man turned teacher who is tough as nails but who became tender at just the right moments (and it was usually those moments that choked me up.) The story, the setting, the characters were all expertly rendered and unforgettable. Woven throughout the story is the strong thread of Greek mythology whereby Hercules (the myth) becomes accessible and relevant. I loved the strong, sensible female characters in this story - Viola, Ellie, Mrs. Savage. I questioned whether it’s plausible that poor Hercules could have experienced that many car accidents in his young life, but will concede artistic license on that plot choice. I loved the reading of Fred Berman right from the start. His voice had expression and softness at just the right moments and different voices for the major characters, complete with a hint of a New England accent. He was absolutely amazing. If you want to be reminded of what it is like to be human together in this wild and precious life, don’t hesitate - read this book!

Schmidt does it again...

I am a long-time Gary D. Schmidt fan. but I go years between reading his novels, and every time I read a new one, I am always reminded once again why he is probably the most underrated young adult novelist whoever lived. Indeed, he is one of the best. This novel carries so many of his trademarks that it's impossible not to fall in love with him all over again. The eccentricity, depth and loveliness of the characters, the lovingly nuanced New England setting, the frenetic intensity of the polarities of laugh-out-loud hilarity and gut-wrenching pain and sorrow: it's all here, and honestly, it's right up there with the Wednesday Wars, an accomplishment I never thought he could achieve. And the narrator, just wow. I've never heard of this guy, but holy cow, I would have hand-picked him to lovingly portray any of Schmidt's novels. His voice has a gentleness and love behind it that gives the story even more layering. His soft and gentle tone when describing something hard, mixed with his jovial, mischievous tone when a prank is being pulled really pull you in and force you to drop whatever you are doing and just listen. All in all, this is my favorite audible production, and I've listened to over 300 titles. This is truly, gently art.

You can’t go wrong with Gary Schmidt!

Great book for any age! Absolutely loved this book! You can’t go wrong with Gary Schmidt! 5 stars

Wonderful story

This book was just the kind of book that makes you laugh and cry throughout it and gets you attached to every character and storyline and I think that it should be a mandatory read for middle school

Loved the consistency of the narrative.

Was a coming of age story that focused on positive relationships and dependencies. We all need a reminder that struggles pass and growth is constant.

Gary D Schmidt is a brilliant writer!

I (and my teenagers) are big fans of Wednesday Wars and Ok For Now. We also love Pay Attention Carter Jones. We loved Hercules Beal. Brilliant writing. Gary D Schmidt has become one of my all-time favorite authors. The narrator is superb as well.

A Clever Coming-of-Age Novel

I love all of Gary D. Schmidt's books. With engaging voices, vibrant characters and deep themes, Schmidt explores coming-of-age in engaging ways. The Labors of Hercules Beal is one of Schmidt's best works. Hercules Beal is a wonderful protagonist, and his voice has just the right amount of sarcasm and heart. The supporting characters are equally engaging and so much fun. I especially loved Achilles, Herc's brother, and Viola, "the vampire". As with all of Schmidt's books, things are not always what they seem, and characters who at first appear to be unlikable become unforgettable friends. I loved Mr. Moby, the bus driver, Mrs. Savage, the sculptress and the many other characters. A truly special treat was learning about Lieutenant Colonel Danny Hupher, whom we first meet as a kid in Schmidt's The Wednesday Wars. He's now a tough but amazing teacher, and I absolutely loved learning more about him.

How can a seventh grader, (the smallest kid in his class even though he is named Hercules), complete the twelve extraordinary mythical labors of his namesake? It turns out that there are many clever ways to look at the labors and to perform them. In the process, Hercules Beal just might learn more about himself, his brother Achilles and many members of his Cape Cod community. He might also come to realize that life, while unpredictable and unfair, also contains much beauty. We are not alone.
This book is so comforting while simultaneously honest about grief and hardships. Schmidt is not afraid to tackle difficult issues. Even so, his books always leave me with a sense of assurance and a feeling of hope. Like the best redemption stories, The Labors of Hercules Beal is, at its heart, a story of finding a way to persevere even through the darkness.

Fred Berman is an exceptional narrator and imbues this novel with magnificent vitality. He made me laugh out loud at certain points and grow teary-eyed at others. His voice has just the right amount of sarcasm and warmth to make the listening experience amazing. This is a terrific book to listen too. I especially loved his portrayal of Hercules, Mr. Moby, Mrs. Savage and, especially, Lieutenant Colonel Hupher.
Happy listening, and God bless you all.

Amazing

Loved this book it made me cry then again all his books make me cry

So funny with lots of tender life lessons

I loved this book. Highly recommend for all ages. Very easy and enjoyable to listen to

Moving story, engaging read

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author wrote in such a way that I felt I knew Hercules! His attention to grief was moving and relatable