Pontoon

A Novel of Lake Wobegon

By: Garrison Keillor

Narrated by: Garrison Keillor

Length: 8 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

Garrison Keillor's latest book is about the wedding of a girl named Dede Ingebretson, who comes home from California with a guy named Brent. Dede has made a fortune in veterinary aromatherapy; Brent bears a strong resemblance to a man wanted for extortion who's pictured on a poster in the town's post office. Then there's the memorial service for Dede's aunt Evelyn, who led a footloose and adventurous life after the death of her husband 17 years previously. Add a surprise boyfriend and a band of newly arrived Mormon missionaries, and the gently rendered chaos is complete.

©2007 Garrison Keillor (P)2007 HighBridge Company

Critic reviews

• Audie Award Winner, Narration by the Author or Authors, 2008

"There's plenty of fun to be had with the well-timed deadpans and homespun wit." (Publishers Weekly)

This darkly funny story is an excellent listen.

Would you listen to Pontoon again? Why?

It is very amusing. Keller takes you into the imaginary adventures in a delightful, down home style that keeps you glued to your IPOD! The more you listen the more the side stories add to this unique view of life on the parie.

What did you like best about this story?

Garrison Keilor's style of story telling.

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

The characters he creates, his unique voice and dry humor.

If you could rename Pontoon, what would you call it?

Crazy Debbie's Derailed Marriage

A good one

I can't wait to listen to more books by this author. The story was both funny and touching. The multidimensional characters were realistic. The author's delivery seems dry, but lends nicely to the delivery of the story.

Keillor's a Treasure

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

Of course. The only thing better than seeing Garrison Keillor perform in person is having him read a book to you.

What did you like best about this story?

Keillor's almost monotone delivery enhances his wonderful sense of humor and gives so many real LOL moments. The ending should definitely be in a movie.

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite was not a scene; it was the conversations inside Barbara's head. Her mother may have been a wonderful character, but Barbara is the one I'd like to spend time with.

If you could rename Pontoon, what would you call it?

I wouldn't rename it.

Any additional comments?

I live near Lake Wobegon and love Garrison Keillor. I've followed him on the radio, on PBS, cassette tapes, CDs, books and now audiobooks. I think he and Fanny Flagg are two real American treasures and wish Audible had all of their books available. Please?

Best read so far this year

A uniquely written story about finding your best life while you can. A irreverent but hilarious at the same time.

Classic Garrison Keillor

Incredibly well developed characters. Nobody's perfect. Nobody's horribly bad. Very dry and droll which only serves to emphasize the zingers that Garrison Keillor will drop in occasionally. Well worth reading.

What a hoot!!

I’ve read this a couple of times and laughed out loud. Listening to Garrison Keillor read it just added to the entertainment. This book is a hoot!!

Hating Hawaii

a great message for this Lutheran in Oahu who wants to go back to the Iowa he hates. Thank you, Mr. Keillor.

I was expecting a bit more humor

I liked the book and I am a big fan of PHC but..
I was expecting a bit more humor. I was also surprised by the adult episodes.. I would not recommend this book as suitable for all ages.

Typical Garrison Keillor

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

Yes, if the friend likes Garrison Keillor

Would you be willing to try another book from Garrison Keillor? Why or why not?

Yes, he is a good narrator of his stories.

What about Garrison Keillor’s performance did you like?

The almost comedic timing and interpretation given to the text.

Who was the most memorable character of Pontoon and why?

Barbara, she learns about herself, her family, and her community.

Way more depressing than usual for Keillor's work

Kind of like reading a novel-length obituary, with detailed descriptions of big problems such as alcoholism. It definitely has some gems, but the overall effect each time I listen is to end up feeling depressed, so it takes some resolve to pick it up again each time.