Lost at Sea: The Jon Ronson Mysteries

By: Jon Ronson

Narrated by: Jon Ronson

Length: 15 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

Jon Ronson is fascinated by madness, extraordinary behaviour and the human mind. He has spent his life investigating crazy events, following fascinating people and unearthing unusual stories. Collected here from various sources (including The Guardian and GQ America) are the best of his adventures. Always intrigued by our ability to believe the unbelievable, Jon meets the man preparing to welcome the aliens to Earth, the woman trying to build a fully conscious robotic replica of the love of her life and the Deal or No Deal contestants with a foolproof system to beat the Banker.

Jon realizes that it's possible for our madness to be a force for good when he meets America's real-life superheroes or a force for evil when he meets the Reverend 'Death' George Exoo, who has dubiously assisted in more than a hundred mercy killings. He goes to a UFO convention in the Nevada desert with Robbie Williams, asks Insane Clown Posse (who are possibly America's nastiest rappers) whether it's true they've actually been evangelical Christians all along and rummages through the extensive archives of Stanley Kubrick. Frequently hilarious, sometimes disturbing, always entertaining, these compelling encounters with people on the edge of madness will have you wondering just what we're capable of.

This is an updated edition with new afterword, written and narrated by Jon Ronson.

©2012 Jon Ronson (P)2012 Audible Ltd

Odd and revealing

Any additional comments?

Another surpassingly strange, devastating wry, and bizarrely engrossing set of encounters via Jon Ronson. Here, he has collected various essays, articles, and the like from a wide range of topics, all circling around the oddities of the human condition (generally, being outside the mainstream in belief, action, or accident of circumstance). As always, Ronson's unique voice comes through with humanity, humor, and emotion. Some chapters leave you chuckling, some inspire pity, others are disomfiting, all are revealing. Recommended.

fun and intriguing

several fun and intriguing stories. several fun and intriguing stories. Author has an interesting few of the world. would be nice if there was some resolve to a few of these stories comma but doesn't really happen. still full of a lot of interesting and thought-provoking things.

Interesting, fun, uncomfortable (in a good way)

This was an interesting collection of stories. I enjoy the perspective and like the unique stories. I really appreciate how much Jon kept himself in the story. Too often journalists remove themselves and that creates distance from the events reported. It's sort of dehumanizing. Jon definitely keeps the human component front and center which can be uncomfortable but revealing. I also enjoy Jon's narration; his delivery is half the fun.

compelling tales from a gifted raconteur

Fantastic set of stories ... amusing, fascinating and always interesting. Thoroughly worth every minute of listening, with Ronson's droll recounting of these stories an enjoyable element of the audiobook. Long content too... was amazed at how many chapters and stories kept rolling out.

A chance to glance the fringes

Jon Ronson compassionately and even-handedly offers insight to people we may never know exist. He maintains a compelling flow. His narration is not the polished, sonorous sound we are usually fed, however after a short while it becomes clear it is the voice attached to the writer and thus the story and weaves well together. This is my first Jon Ronson book and I look forward to more. Enjoy.

Excellent Listen!

If you could sum up Lost at Sea: The Jon Ronson Mysteries in three words, what would they be?

This was an excellent listen! The author/narrator sounds a lot like Bill Bryson, very similar personality also. I highly recommend!!!

Good Read

Where does Lost at Sea: The Jon Ronson Mysteries rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I think it's one of the better ones. It's more of a bunch of little stories so it's better if you are going to listen a little at a time.

If you’ve listened to books by Jon Ronson before, how does this one compare?

N/A

Have you listened to any of Jon Ronson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

N/a

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

The wacky world

Well... that was interesting...

Would you listen to Lost at Sea: The Jon Ronson Mysteries again? Why?

I would listen to parts of it. The book is a collection of short stories, and it seems that the best ones are toward the end.

Would you recommend Lost at Sea: The Jon Ronson Mysteries to your friends? Why or why not?

I wouldn't know what to say. I read the book because I saw the author on Jon Stewart and it was portrayed as a funny book. However, as I read it, I felt like it was a less-funny Seinfeld; a book without a purpose. Parts were funny, and other parts were sad. Was the point to entertain, make a point, or show that the world stinks? I'm still unsure.

Which scene was your favorite?

His interview with the Insane Clown Posse... wow. Just... wow. Yet again, it was a mix of funny and chilling reality.

Any additional comments?

Whatever its purpose, the book was very well written.

great as usual

I like the unpretentious style of Jon Ronson's storytelling AND narrating.
the stories are incredible, interesting and highly entertaining.

Good Stories!

I love Jon Ronson narrating his own books, which is rare. He's a great storyteller and this random collection is worth the purchase.