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The Man on the Mountaintop

By: Susan Trott, Libby Spurrier - adaptor
Narrated by: Stanley Tucci, Toby Jones, Clare Corbett, Rachel Atkins, Jeff Harding, David Thorpe
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Publisher's summary

Audie Award, 2019: Faith-Based Fiction and Nonfiction

Audiofile Earphones Award Winner

The Man on the Mountaintop tells the story of Holy Man Joe, an ageing and unassuming man who lives in a hermitage on top of a mountain. During the summer months, thousands of hopefuls line the single-file path leading to his door, seeking his wisdom. From bombastic, wealthy nobles intent on cheating their way to the top to drunkards who gradually build the physical and mental strength they need to quit their addiction, The Man on the Mountaintop is a rousing tale full of humour, wit and life lessons.

In an Audible Originals production, Stanley Tucci (The Devil Wears Prada, Fortitude) and Toby Jones (Infamous, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets) lead a multivoice cast in an inspiring tale that is as entertaining as it is profound.

Also featuring Alison Dowling, Anne Rosenfeld, Avita Jay, Christophe Hespel, Christopher Ragland, Clare Corbett, David Thorpe, Fran Canals, Hayward B. Morse, Jeff Harding, Lachele Carl, Laurence Bouvard, Liza Ross, Lobo Chan, Martin T Sherman, Paul Panting, Rachel Atkins, Richard Rees, Sagar Arya, Sheena Bhattessa, Stephen Hogan and Tim Bentinck.

A note from the author, Susan Trott:

Dear Listeners,

I was having trouble getting to sleep at night. Instead of counting sheep, I found myself counting people going up a mountain to see a holy man. Each night, semiconscious, I came to know this holy man and the pilgrims.

My insomnia problem was solved. Now I had a story to write. I wrote it quickly, although years later, when asked how long it took to write, I said 50 years, which was also true.

Recently the Dalai Lama said, 'You don't have to believe in God to be a kind and compassionate person.' Joe, our man on the mountaintop, would agree.

©2017 Audible, Ltd (P)2017 Audible, Ltd

Our favorite moments from Man on the Mountaintop

The hermitage was plain, rugged, and square.
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The door was opened wide...
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"It was a loving, passionate line…"
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The famous man, the personal assistant, and the sage
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  • The Man on the Mountaintop
  • The hermitage was plain, rugged, and square.
  • The Man on the Mountaintop
  • The door was opened wide...
  • The Man on the Mountaintop
  • "It was a loving, passionate line…"
  • The Man on the Mountaintop
  • The famous man, the personal assistant, and the sage
Susan Trott

About the Creator

Susan Trott is the author of more than 16 novels, including the best-selling Holy Man series, Flamingo Thief, and Crane Spreads Wings. Born in Andover, Massachusetts and educated in New England, she lives with her husband in northern California. A self-described homebody who travels widely, this mother and grandmother also enjoys table tennis and T’ai Chi.

About the Performer

After becoming interested in theater in high school, Stanley Tucci decided to pursue his passion professionally, enrolling in SUNY Purchase’s Conservatory of Theatre Arts. In 1982, the same year he graduated from the program, Tucci made his Broadway debut with a small role in The Queen and the Rebels. Only three years later, he starred in his first feature film, Prizzi’s Honor, beginning a long and celebrated career on the big screen. Tucci has appeared in everything from box-office mega-hits (all four installments of The Hunger Games, Captain America: The First Avenger, 2017’s live action Beauty and the Beast) to warm, feel-good comedies (The Devil Wears Prada, Julie & Julia, Easy A) to critically adored dramas (such as 2009’s The Lovely Bones, which earned Tucci the nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the Academy Awards, BAFTAs, and the Golden Globes). His television work has also racked up accolades and praise—Tucci won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for his portrayal of controversial columnist Walter Winchell on HBO’s Winchell, in addition to an Emmy for a guest spot on Monk, and a second Golden Globe for HBO’s Conspiracy. This Audible Original is not Tucci’s first venture into audiobooks; he and Meryl Streep received a Best Children’s Spoken Word Grammy nomination for their narration of 2008’s The One and Only Shrek, and he has lent his voice to a variety of books, including The Postman Always Rings Twice and The Good German.

About the Performer

English actor Toby Jones is internationally known for both his stage and screen work. Only a year after finishing his drama studies at L'École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq in Paris in 1991, Jones made his film debut in Sally Potter’s Orlando (1992). Less than a decade later, he won the 2002 Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his work in the West End comedy The Play What I Wrote. This strong start soon gave way to roles in acclaimed films including Infamous, Frost/Nixon, Captain America: the First Avenger, Captain America: Civil War, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, and Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. His voice will also be familiar to Harry Potter fans; Jones voiced the beloved house elf Dobby for the entirety of the film saga. Jones is also known for his television performances. His turn as film icon Alfred Hitchcock in The Girl earned him nominations for an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA while other roles on Sherlock, Doctor Who, Wayward Pines, and Detectorists were lauded by fans and critics alike.

Critic reviews

"Hollywood stalwarts Stanley Tucci and Toby Jones get behind the microphone and bring their versatile talents to this story of a holy man whom long lines of pilgrims desperately want to meet but few come to understand. In honest and soothing tones, Jones, as "Old Man Joe," skillfully draws out the hopes and fears of a number of troubled travelers, played by an excellent ensemble cast. Backed by original music and straightforward sound effects, Tucci's direct and gentle narration keeps this superb full-cast performance on track and flowing. A rare blend of down-to-earth wisdom mixed with fine acting and an engaging story - what a treat." (AudioFile magazine)

What listeners say about The Man on the Mountaintop

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Simple and Straightforward

Great story with so many lessons left in 1 or 2 sentences. Treat others as if they are holy.

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2 people found this helpful

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Really well done

This was such a great performance, excellent story, and wonderful message. I highly recommend this.

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2 people found this helpful

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great parables

simple and loving reminders 5 that how we show up in the world and treat ourselves and each other is a choice.

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    3 out of 5 stars
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Cliche

Only Joe was a fully fledged character. The rest were just scenery.

Tuchi was great. Joe was OK. The rest of the voices were as weak as the characters.

The sound effect were terrible. Scenery chewing from the Sidelines. Overproduced and distracting.

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A Modern Masterpiece!

I really loved and savored every minute of this- from the acting to the sound production, to the most wonderful and uplifting story, this audiobook is pure magic. Everybody should listen, especially spiritual seekers, or those who enjoyed books like Carlos Castaneda's, Paulo Cohelo's works, or The Celestine Prophecy.. although I must say this is my favorite of all of them!

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I loved it!

Endearing and insightful. Beautifully done by many talents. If you have any desire to become a kinder person than you are now, read/ listen to this!

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GREAT STORY

LOVED IT ... very enlightening and pleasant listen. HIGHLY recommend for thinking, reflecting and meditating.

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a very special book

it was very suprising and i feel blessed to have experienced it. it restored my peace.

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worth the time expended!

very enjoyable, thought-provoking, one that places a desire to re-listen!
highly recommend for a book club!

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Amazing! Will listen again and again.

Beautiful story! Encouragement and love woven in a way you dont realize you are receiving what you need without feeling less than.

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