The Accidental Tourist

By: Anne Tyler

Narrated by: Jefferson Mays

Length: 12 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's Summary

In this irresistible novel, Anne Tyler explores the slippery alchemy of attracting opposites, and the struggle to rebuild one’s life after unspeakable tragedy.

Travel writer Macon Leary hates travel, adventure, surprises, and anything outside of his routine. Immobilized by grief, Macon is becoming increasingly prickly and alone, anchored by his solitude and an unwillingness to compromise his creature comforts. Then he meets Muriel, an eccentric dog trainer too optimistic to let Macon disappear into himself. Despite Macon’s best efforts to remain insulated, Muriel upends his solitary, systemized life, catapulting him into the center of a messy, beautiful love story he never imagined. 

A fresh and timeless tale of unexpected bliss, The Accidental Tourist showcases Tyler’s talents for making characters - and their relationships - feel both real and magical.

©1985 Anne Tyler (P)2021 Recorded Books

A Favorite

Sublime. Subtle, dry humor , a story with perfect symbolism . Understated. Love this and the movie.

A Story of Loss and Healing

I read this book when it was first published and loved it. When the movie came out, I was happy to see that it stayed true to the book, unlike many other movies based on an excellent book (Possession, for example).

Many times when I listen to a book, I am editing it as I listen, which is not the reason I buy an audible edition. Sometimes I wonder how many similes an author can use in one page.. why not a metaphor occasionally? There are no distractions such as that in this novel. It is so well-written - the characters are three-dimensional, the plot well-developed, the language rich and descriptive. This is not the kind of writing that tells you - it is the kind of writing that shows you.

The narrator is impressive. I could listen to this over and over again, and likely will.

The movie is much better than the book.

The book is at least 2 times longer than it should be...probably 3 times longer. So many chapters do nothing for the story. The characters just aren't compelling enough to stretch the story out. It honestly becomes tedious to listen to.
On the plus side, the narrator does a great job.

Boring

The story is slow and lacks substance and intrigue. The only reason I finished was because of my book club obligation.

Always Great!

I have read and re-read this book over the years and I love it every time. Funny, sad, romantic, what more could you want? I don’t love all her books but this one is a gem.

On Purpose perfection

Stunning wondrous characterization, conflicts; Simply exquisite. How eloquently Macon changes into an Awakened Life. Amen.

who are we really within the life we’ve made?

I felt as though i d come to know almost all of the unique characters surrounding the protagonist. I was charmed by his gentle manner towards others and the matching voice the narrator gave him. I liked the way he meandered through life but when he realized more deeply than before, who he was, he took charge of his direction.

Such a Waste of Time

This book was terrible and pointless. I kept waiting for something to happen and it never did.

Seems to lose narrative drive as it goes on.

The movie was actually better. The book is too long and loses focus toward the end.

Good writing with wit and humor

“The Accidental Tourist” by Anne Tyler. I have wanted to read this book for a long time and I was looking for a book that was not a crime read, a political read, or a religious read. I wanted something well written, up-beat, and entertaining. I felt the writing was good and addressed the characters, average everyday people, with wit and humor. I found myself laughing at various times throughout the book. I did notice that the early chapters were very long and detailed while the chapters toward the end were much shorter. I am not sure if I will become an Anne Tyler avid follower, too soon to tell, but this read meet my objective of entertainment and I am now searching for the next Anne Tyler read. Experienced as an Audio book.