Things the Grandchildren Should Know

By: Mark Oliver Everett

Narrated by: The Chet

Length: 5 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's Summary

How does one young man survive the deaths of his entire family and manage to make something worthwhile of his life? In this poignant and original coming-of-age story, indie rock musician Mark Oliver Everett tells the story of his "ridiculous, sometimes tragic, and always unsteady" upbringing and how it fed into his creativity.

The insecure son of a genius physicist, Everett was left to run wild with his sister while his father was off in some parallel universe of his own invention. A string of tragedies would claim his family members, one by one, yet somehow Everett managed to not only survive, but to make a life. Striking out on a journey to find himself, he channeled his experiences into critically acclaimed music with the Eels.

Told with surprising candor, Things the Grandchildren Should Know is an inspiring and remarkable story full of hope, humor, and wry wisdom.

©2008 Mark Oliver Everett (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

One of the best Audible books I've heard......

and I've heard a lot of them.
I became curious about the author after seeing Parallel Worlds, Parallel Lives. I wasn't familiar with his music.
It's a great survival story!
Compelling, well written and produced, and very well read!

Garbage

I am so disappointed that audible would include such a deceptive title about things that Grandchildren should know and then spew garbage in your ear. No wonder the world is so messed up. I have no idea who you think the majority of your subscribers are that would listen to an “Audible Original” like this. Please be more perceptive on your selection criteria.

Amateurish

This is what happens when someone who’s never been a reader, never studied literature or writing, up and decides he should write a book for the rest of us to read. The writing is mostly amateurish, full of empty and often corny clichés, never penetrating or insightful, and his tone reeks of that combination of self-pity and self-importance common to inexperienced writers (though to the narrator's credit, he manages to capture that tone).

A musician like Bob Dylan can write a decent memoir because he’s extremely well read and a first-rate poet. Keith Richards wrote a great memoir because he’s also well-read and had a decent writer help him. This book will appeal to Eels fans who aren’t interested in literary quality or great story telling, but I can’t see why anyone else would bother. Though he manages to get off an occasional one-liner, Everett's storytelling is strictly ho-hum, even when he's telling of a plane that crashed into his neighborhood.

Fascinating

I never read auto biographies but for some reason this one caught my eye. I enjoyed the whole story and recommend it highly

Love this author

This was one of the most interesting books I’ve read! The author has such a different take on life than most people, including myself. The descriptions of his life events are hilarious, heartbreaking & memorable!

Wow E!

This was an absolute binge fest of an Audible book. ME is as an amazing of a story teller as he is a song writer, who would have ever know that they are one in the same! Thank you for this masterpiece of a listen and for never giving into the man because frankly sir that is you! Everyone needs to read this when in doubt of strength and self worth. This is one of the best life stories I have ever heard. The son of a genius sure did carve out a special place in this universe!!

absolutely fantastic

I really truly feel inspired by it. As an Eels fan for so long, this book sheds a radiant light over E's complex life and intricate music. The honest tone of the book, its humor, witts, lessons learnt and wising up as he grows older is really astonishing to me. Highly recommended and not only to music fans. A great achivement and an ongoing comfort for me while reading or listening.

E Rules

Just like his music full of insight and emotion. Narrator Chet also a man of many talents

Sad, funny and inspiring...

Would you listen to Things the Grandchildren Should Know again? Why?

I have already listened to it twice.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Things the Grandchildren Should Know?

Everett's amazing personality and sense of humor shine through the tragic and defining stories of his life giving new insight into the man and his music. Also, beautifully read by The Chet.

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

I have listened to The Chet perform live with the Eels for years. As for audio books, I do not believe he has done any others but with his voice and annunciation, I would definitely love to hear more.

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

This book was so good, I woke up at 5 am just to finish it before going to work.

Any additional comments?

I strongly recommend this book.

Fantastic

I’m not a critic so who cares what i have to say. I enjoyed the book and found it to be insightful. Worth a listen.