The Longest Way Home

Publisher's Summary

Unable to commit to his fiancée of nearly four years - and with no clear understanding of what’s holding him back - Andrew McCarthy finds himself at a crossroads, plagued by doubts that have clung to him for a lifetime. Something in his character has kept him always at a distance, preventing him from giving himself wholeheartedly to the woman he loves and from becoming the father that he knows his children deserve. So before he loses everything he cares about, Andrew sets out to look for answers.

Hobbling up the treacherous slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro, dodging gregarious passengers aboard an Amazonian riverboat, and trudging through dense Costa Rican rain forests - Andrew takes us on exotic trips to some of the world’s most beautiful places, but his real journey is one of the spirit. On his soul-searching voyages, Andrew traces the path from his New Jersey roots, where acting saved his life - and early fame almost took it away - to his transformation into a leading travel writer. He faces the real costs of his early success and lays bare the evolving nature of his relationships with women. He explores a strained bond with his father, and how this complex dynamic shapes his own identity as a parent. Andrew charts his journey from ambivalence to confidence, from infidelity and recklessness to acceptance and a deeper understanding of the internal conflicts of his life.

A gifted writer with an unsparing eye, Andrew relishes bizarre encounters with the characters whom he encounters, allowing them to challenge him in unexpected ways. He gets into peculiar, even dangerous situations that put him to the test - with mixed results. Disarmingly likable, Andrew is open, honest, and authentic, and what emerges is an intimate memoir of self-discovery and an unforgettable love song to the woman who would be his wife.

©2012 Andrew McCarthy (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

A Real Winner!

This book has everything. Great writing. A cohesive tale. Depth. Really good editing. Terrific narration. Andrew McCarthy is flawed, like the rest of us, and he isn't afraid to show his vulnerability. He is a terrific storyteller and a fabulous wordsmith. Bravo.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

boring

Three hours in and can't listen to any more. These stories just aren't interesting to me. I wanted to stop before two hours but thought I would give it another hour, it has got to get better, but it didn't.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Wonderful Voice to listen to

What made the experience of listening to The Longest Way Home the most enjoyable?

I was first hooked with his voice...very naturally and fits author-narrator presceptive. His story of his travels and writing style was initially the reason I downloaded. I enjoy His travel column/segments in Travel Conde). Then i was intrigued by his real life dilemma with family and finding himself. I can't help but feel his passion and his vulnerability.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Interesting

Would you listen to The Longest Way Home again? Why?

Probably not, but it's interesting.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I liked his wife. She seems confident and kind.

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

HIs voice, I suppose.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When he deal with his son.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Surprised Me!!

I do enjoy celebrity memoirs, but I usually start them with lower expectations. And I am often pleasantly surprised. This book was one of those surprises!

The Longest Way Home by Andrew McCarthy is not an autobiography of his life so far--the sub-title describes this story perfectly. That may be why I enjoyed it so much--I'm not a fan of gossipy, tell-all books. But this story is beautifully written and narrated by Andrew.

I was truly surprised to learn that Andrew traveled extensively and has been writing travel articles for major newspapers and magazines, and is or was an editor of National Geographic Traveler. His love of travel shines through in this book, and I'm glad I invested a credit and my time, and listened to his story.

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

I was hoping it was going to be awesome

What did you like best about The Longest Way Home? What did you like least?

I enjoyed his journey...I just wished he was happier

Would you recommend The Longest Way Home to your friends? Why or why not?

probably not

What else would you have wanted to know about Andrew McCarthy’s life?

I guess I wanted to know more about his 'brat-pack' days.

I thought it would be better.

Would you listen to The Longest Way Home again? Why?

No, listening to this story once is enough. I thought Andrew McCarthy would tell a better story. Sadly he reads flatly without enough inflection and pauses to make things interesting. While he is widely known for his travel stories, I found them pretty boring.

Who was your favorite character and why?

His son. He seemed to have lost the most.

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

No. I listened to it in the car to and from work. Sometimes I just wished it would be over. McCarthy's self apologetic style was boring much of the time. I just wanted to shout, "grow up, already!".

Great listen!

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

Wonderful to hear the author narrate his own work. He lends an honesty to it like no other narrator could. He readsfast in some places, but it didn't bother me.

Interesting "behind the scenes" look

Would you listen to The Longest Way Home again? Why?

I enjoyed this book, athough it came across as a little "self absorbed" at times, which I suppose is typical for many famous people. Andrew did a very nice job in the presentation and the story itself was unique and well worth the time. If you like biographical material, then you will find this one worth a listen

0 of 1 people found this review helpful