A Place of My Own

The Architecture of Daydreams

By: Michael Pollan

Narrated by: Michael Pollan

Length: 9 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

Michael Pollan’s unmatched ability to draw lines of connection between our everyday experiences - whether eating, gardening, or building - and the natural world has been the basis for the popular success of his many works of nonfiction, including the genre-defining best sellers The Botany of Desire, The Omnivore’s Dilemma, and In Defense of Food. With this updated edition of his earlier book, A Place of My Own, listeners can revisit the inspired, intelligent, and often hilarious story of Pollan’s realization of a room of his own—a small, wooden hut, his “shelter for daydreams” — built with his admittedly unhandy hands. Inspired by both Thoreau and Mr. Blandings, A Place of My Own not only works to convey the history and meaning of all human building, it also marks the connections between our bodies, our minds, and the natural world.

©2010 Michael Pollan (P)2010 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"[A]n inspired meditation on the complex relationship between space, the human body, and the human spirit.” (Francine du Plessix Gray)

well this was a good one

audiobook read by the author (👍👍), this one tells the story of Michael's homemade 'work cabin' or whatever it's deemed: a place to write & such

he employs architects & friends to help him learn the ropes of carpentry, learning & relaying (to us) much in the process

i learned about balloon framing, which was the innovation that led to lower-cost, easy-to-assemble houses w/ more customization

Pollan puts his usual touch into this book, teaching as he goes [a blend of research w/ hands-on]; arriving at a completed structure by the end

t'was his second book, which leaves me w/ 2 or 3 for future discovery [one of my fav. authors here] -- still to go: "Omnivore's Dilemma," "Food Rules," & "Pollan Family Table"

All around a good story

very insightful. the perspective shared of owner vs carpenter vs architect is great. also, great thoughts shared on pursuing your own place or tiny home. cheers

Deep into the emotion of...

I must disclose that I think Michael Pollan is one of our greatest minds. That said, his personal, philosophical story of building this place was everything I could have hoped for. From the designing, siting, essential collaborations to choosing the views, specific woods and other materials all made this fun and self reflective.

Nailed it

Love hearing the author read. Great book, wide variety of subjects explored with a consistent and driving concrete foundation to build from and plenty of unique insights. Well done!

Great!

Pollan did an amazing job as always. This was an absolute joy to listen to!

One of my favourite authors

Micheal pollen is a amazing writer!!
His writing style keeps me hanging the entire book ... every time !

A wonderful read!

A masterful convergence of ideas associated with architecture, construction, and the pursuit of place. A real surprise treat in the reading is a clear explanation of the Deconstructivist movement that took place in the Nineties in addition to a brief history of architectural theory in general, all woven in with its relevance on every day building components such as the pitched roof, window, finish trim etc.

another fascinating story!

I never tire of listening to Michael Pollan's stories. I am usually quite surprised but they are over so soon.

Comprehensive and comprehensible.

As a teacher or architectural theory, I believe this is an excellent place for any architecturally curious student to start. I wish all my students could have the experience Pollan describes, and that they would think half as deeply as he does on the topics he covers. He balances providing a broad view of the field with the specifics of building design, spatial experience, history, theory, detailing, craft, and construction in a writing style that’s completely accessible.

Geeezezzz hammer a nail please

OK this fella thought out the whole thing... for years... with angst... and pain... and sorrow... and tons of time and thought.... He built a garage in the woods to write in???? ... I can not for any money ignore the ignorance of the author of the physical world... but if you have money and time and can make reasonable people take that money to humor you... gee that's the book... and he sells the entire place in a few years... Duh... no DUH.. .what an arrogant poofter... He makes a room the way Jacques Pepin makes a puff pastry... too much thinking...