The Horse in My Garage and Other Stories

By: Patrick F. McManus

Narrated by: Sean Pratt

Length: 5 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

The Horse in My Garage and Other Stories is a hilarious addition to Patrick F. McManus’s existing work in humor. The author weighs in on his childhood, everyday life, and outdoor tales with his typical exaggerated commentary that will elicit a belly laugh from all types of listeners.

Read about the antics of Patrick’s friends Rancid Crabtree and Retch Sweeney in such stories as “Shaping Up for the Hunt” and “Bear Hunters”. McManus plays off the recent obsession with hoarders in his surprising story “The Lady Who Kept Things”. In the titular story, meet Patrick’s horse, Huckleberry, and enjoy the experience of all the problems that come along with owning your own horse - or keeping him in the garage.

Other great stories include “Catch-And-Eaters”, about the importance of a forked stick when fishing; “$7000 TV Historical Extravaganza”, a look at one director’s loose interpretation of historical accuracy and political correctness; “A Lake Too Far”, concerning the woes of Patrick and his wife, Bun, on a fateful birding trip in Australia; and “Chicken Chronicles”, which involves Patrick’s memory of wandering around naked in the chicken yard when guests came to call.

So pull up a chair, sit back, and enjoy laughing to the hilarious adventures of Patrick F. McManus in The Horse in My Garage and Other Stories.

©2012 Patrick F. McManus (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

The Most Laughs from McManus' books despite flaws

This audio book by Patrick McManus generated the most laughs throughout than any of the other books of his that I've listened to.

However, even though the Introduction explained that this compilation came from a stack of unpublished stories, and that some of the stories would be similar to previously published stories, there was still what appeared to be a serious flaw in editing or proofreading. Yes, some stories were recognizable, although told differently - showing how an writer can use different takes on the same concept. However, I was baffled to hear what seemed to be the same story twice in this audio book.

After listening to a number of Patrick McManus' books narrated by Norman Dietz, in the voice of an older man, slightly gravelly, it was a bit disconcerting to hear these stories, some of which seem to be told in the format of a man recalling his youth, told in the voice of a younger man. While Sean Pratt did an admirable job, with good timing to get the laughs, his voice has such clarity and lacks age, so it was sometimes a strange fit.

I really enjoyed the fire watcher article and the story about making a history film documentary on a low budget. Of course, the rest of the characters were just as enjoyable as ever.

Lots of laughs were evenly scattered throughout, and much appreciated too.

Love the different versions!

As noted at the first of this book, it contains many stories that might be familiar! But as you listen, you find your self laughing at the different ending or alternative version of the story!

i just love McManus!

i've been reading McManus ever since i was young, before which my parents read him to me. we are big fans and i was thrilled to find him listed among the authors of this app. whether outdoorsy or not you'll laugh yourself silly at his stories and undoubtedly find yourself a much better ourdoorsman after listening to his anecdotes.

Not up to par

Not at all what i’ve come to expect from this terrific author. Usually filled with funny stories of the area of the northwest where I live this was disappointing in that funny stories were not like they were in his other books. I Would suggest Kerplunk if you really want a good laugh.Also it has a different narrator from Norman Dietz who has done a terrific job in the books I’ve already listened to.

Witty and enjoyable

We loved it. It's witty and enjoyed from age 11 to 45. Well done.

Classic Comedy

Standard issue, typical McManus.

Bill Heavey was the gateway author that lead me to McManus and I never regretted the decision to read is work… I found myself laughing out liud, by myself, listening while bumbling down the road in my old truck.

His simple, hilarious observations, correlation and comments make me re-evaluate my approach to life as well.

You don’t have to be a fan of the outdoors to appreciate this humor…. But it makes it THAT much funnier if you are.

Nostalgic Humor for Nature Lovers

I wish I had discovered this book while my father was still alive because he would have loved it. Enjoying it was a little like listening to his own humorous stories.

If you relish tales by authors like Jean Sheppard and Ray Bradbury, if you used to listen every week to A Prarie Home Companion, this book is for you. If you are lucky enough to have grown up in a small town or rural area with parents who enjoyed outdoor pursuits like hiking and fishing, if you spent childhood summer days wading creeks and climbing trees, you will enjoy it even more.

This book blends a love of the outdoors with wit, humor, and what I can only call Americana. It's a funny, nostalgic collection that may well bring back memories of your own first camping trip or most hilarious misadventure.

Comedy gold

Patrick McManus is hilarious and timeless. Give it a listen and enjoy the journey of his life

Hilarious!

I love the way Patrick writes and the way Sean narrated. He got me chuckling at the beginning to out right laughing soon after. I laughed all the way thru this book. I highly recommend this book.

Not his best

Lots of funny stories and just as he warns you in the introduction there is quite a bit of repetition.