Train Dreams and Jesus' Son

Trains Dreams was a slow, immersive story that artfully unfolds a story of aman's simple life. I thought I would not care for a story of a man who seemed to have no introspection, but as I read more deeply, I began to understand how well this character was wrought. On the surface he and the supporting characters appeared two-dimensional; but now I believe the author was writing with the simplicity of the times and demonstrated how people truly interacted and presented themselves. What is so uncanny about this novella is observing how the character's true self was revealed so subtly, almost to be missed, if the reading was not attended to more closely.

Jesus' Son--why would I care about a manipulative, opportunistic lost soul as the main character? Written in the first person, I felt like this was the author's real-life story and I did not like him. But the writing was mesmerizing, and for every reprehensible action or discussion the character embarked on, I was transported by the poetic narrative. A purely wonderful experience. And somehow as the character, in such simple steps, attempts to redeem himself, he becomes sympathetic and an individual to be cared about.

Both stories so masterfully written. The narration in both instances was spot-on, a beautiful voice that characterized his subjects with a straightforward but empathetic understanding.

Both these books reveal a special voice in American literature, a perspective at once recognizable and distinctive.

Train Dreams explores the mindset of America as seen through a man's trials in developing the country, establishing a partnership, and interacting with the landscape.

Jesus' Son similarly explores the mindset of a distinctly contemporary creature, the modern addicted youth with little direction or self-awareness. The Mennonite couple's ordinary difficulties and the sense of possible redemption for the protagonist made for compelling listening, particularly with the book's infusion of humor.

I was interested in Train Dreams because it is set in northern Idaho, near my home. I also wanted a taste of Denis Johnson's writing before hitting his bigger work. I am not sure that I will follow-up on Johnson's work. These left me luke-warm on his work.

That is the missing element -- not much memorable.

He did a good job.

No. Better to start over.

This review sounds more negative than I intended. The stories were good and creative, just not remarkable. (Isn't that what we want? Remarkable?)

I did not listen to Jesus' Son but Train Dreams was excellent. The voice of the narrator was perfect for story. The story itself was great and I won't give away the end but I found it to be perfect.

There is only really a single character so I would guess it was that one. There are other characters but they do not play a huge role in the story.

As is true of most audible books I think the human voice, and Will Patton's in particular, brings something that is just not present in when I read.the

I thought the end was stunning. I didn't cry but only because my son was sitting next to me in the car.

Worth the price (or at least it's worth one of my annual tokens).

Yes - certainly Train Dreams. The story affects you long after you stop listening. The writer has a very delicate touch, never descending to sentimentality or mawkishness.

Granier; a simple man's interaction with the world told with such dignity and pathos. Some scenes, like the fire, or the worlf girl, really affected me.

I listen to a lot of Will Patton's work, mainly because I am addicted to his readings of James Lee Burke's novels. He is always brilliant. The cadence and tonality in his voice here is quite different to the JLB material. Granier's story is told with a breathy tenderness that I just loved. On foot of getting addicted to his readings of JLB's work, I have seen a lot of Patton's film work and he has extraordinary range and nuance, which clearly spills over to his readings.

Denis Johnson is a writer's writer--in all the good ways. Jesus' Son was and still is one of my favorite books, an elegant pile of deceptively simple stories of youthful addictions and desperation.

Train Dreams recreates the memories of an isolated, hard working life that none still living possess. In the early half of the past century, Robert Grainier works first as a logger and migrant construction worker before he is forced to sublimate his grief (over the sudden loss of his family) into the simple acts of homesteading work and odd jobs, and in those efforts, he works through the loss that still haunts him.

These books are good and worth your time. The narrator of this recording, Will Patton, chews the words carefully and owns each moment on the page.

I just have the audio version

I enjoyed all of the characters. I loved the talent and sa v v y of the author Denis Johnson.
Hope he writes more stuff. I'll buy it.

Did he do Water for Elephants? If so yes. Will Patton was perfect for the characters in Jesus' Son . Did a great job on Train Dreams also.