The Memory of Running

By: Ron McLarty

Narrated by: Ron McLarty

Length: 13 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

Award-winning actor and playwright Ron McLarty is well known for his audiobook performances. What fewer people realize is that he's also an accomplished author. In this wonderfully quirky novel, available exclusively as an audiobook, McLarty takes readers on a quest to find hope and redemption with an unlikely hero.

Smithson Ide is 43 years old and weighs 279 pounds when his parents die in an accident. Lost in memories of childhood, Smithson uncovers his old Raleigh bicycle in the garage and begins a cross-country journey to find his beautiful, but tragically psychotic sister. Keenly aware of how ridiculous he must appear, Smithson nonetheless perseveres through a journey that is hilarious and horrifying. It is a trip, he soon realizes, that might provide his last chance to become the person he has always wanted to be.

In late 2003, in his column in Entertainment Weekly, Stephen King called The Memory of Running "the best novel you won't read this year." This glowing endorsement of the audiobook resulted in Ron McLarty receiving a $2 million two-book deal from Viking Penguin. Also, Warner Brothers has shelled out big bucks for the movie rights to The Memory of Running, for which McLarty will write the script.

©2002 Ron McLarty (P)2002 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"Ron McLarty's The Memory of Running is the best novel you won't read this year. But you can experience it, and I'm all but positive that you'll thank me for the tip if you do....What I hope is that you'll order a copy and experience it for yourself....It's bighearted and as satisfying as one of your mom's home-cooked Sunday dinners." (Stephen King, Entertainment Weekly)

Couldn't.Stop.Listening.

This was one of those books I could not stop listening to. I found myself listening to it during breaks, taking longer walks, not wanting to get out of my car... only to find out what happened next. Heartbreak, sadness, grief, hope, and happiness are just some of the emotions that will hit you in the gut on this amazing journey of courage and self-discovery.

Great read

I could not put this book down... McLarty has a way of making the saddest situations in life funny yet sad... Some of the situations on Id's trip made me laugh out loud. Very enjoyable book , would make a great movie.

Can't forget this book.

Would you consider the audio edition of The Memory of Running to be better than the print version?

Better in audio because I might not have given this book a chance if it were in print. I like listening to books. Many times I put a book aside before I give it a chance, not so with a book someone else reads. Since in this book the author reads you can trust he shares your passion for the book.

What did you like best about this story?

I wanted him to find his sister so badly. It was sad and funny in places. So well written.

Which scene was your favorite?

The whole scene where he finds the boy and they are rescued in the snow.

If you could take any character from The Memory of Running out to dinner, who would it be and why?

I would like the guy. He is pathetic and brave, silly and sincere. I could take him out to dinner and we could probably have a good talk.

Both laughs and tears

This is one of those rare occasions when the author is also a wonderful narrator. A story about simple people going about their every day lives, this story will bring an occasional tear to your eyes between many chuckles and laughs.

Wonderful, bittersweet ride

This book was sad, inspiring, quirky, engaging and overall a joy to listen to. As always, Ron McLarty's narration was stellar

Excellent! Wonderful!

What did you love best about The Memory of Running?

I absolutely loved this book! I just finished it and I want to start it all over again. It is full of such profound wisdom and such honest humanity, truly a wonderful work of art. For those who thought it was a little dull - nothing could be further from the truth. Day to day, mundane movements are what make up our lives. This man, although may at first to be simple, is quite thought provoking, kind and is actually what this world needs more of. His

What about Ron McLarty’s performance did you like?

I like that he doesn't try to make his voice sound like a woman's voice when reading a woman's part - truly annoying. I liked the different sound of the voice for the truck driver, rich and smooth. I liked Smithy's voice, steady and reliable.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely, if I could have!

great book

This is an excellent excellent book. I'm so bummed it's over. Great dialogue, great imagery, great story. Ron McLarty's narration couldn't be better - no surprise there I suppose. I am so impressed by how he can perfectly capture a character's personality with such subtle changes in his speech. I loved following along with Smithy on his crazy cross-country adventure - meeting, talking, listening, sharing with all the characters he meets, and having all the back-story filled in along the way as well. The great writing combined with the superb narration make this a top pick for me.

Simple, clear prose

With his simple, clear, and understated prose, Ron McLarty has written and narrated the finest audible book I've heard. Ron has a wonderful way of showing you Smithy Ide's inner life, which Smithy himself is mostly unaware of. The people Smithy encounters and the stories he hears on the road give an unflinching look at all aspects of humanity in all its messiness, cruelty, and kindness. I literally could not stop listening to this book until it was finished.

walking

Great human interest story, title is misleading though it is an epic journey of a likeable and unlucky character.

A beautiful book

This is a beautiful book performed perfectly by its creator. I look forward to reading his plays.