Audiobook Mini Reviews: Moonwalking With Einstein, The Art of Fielding, The Odds
by Jenners • 10/03/2012 • 3 Stars, 4 Stars, 4.5 Stars, A Titles, Audiobook, Contemporary, F Authors, Fiction, Genres, H Authors, Literary, M Titles, Non-Fiction, O Authors, O Titles, Science • 53 Comments
Moonwalking With Einstein written by Joshua Foer and narrated by Mike ChamberlainGenre: Non-Fiction, Science
Where I Got It: Downloaded it from Audible
Why I Read It: Love that cover! Plus I was curious how Jonathan’s little brother writes
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Brief Description: Participatory journalism at its best, Joshua Foer (brother to novelist Jonathan Safran Foer) explores the world of mnemonists (memory experts to you and me) who can quickly memorize long lists of numbers, words, passages of poetry and more. Foer goes from covering the U.S. Memory Championships for a magazine article to competing in it, and along the way explores how memory works, what tricks and techniques mnemonists use, what role memory plays in our lives and many more little side passages that were always fascinating and interesting.
My Thoughts: This book is just fascinating. It held my attention throughout and had me mourning its end. After listening, I was compelled to try building a memory palace of my own … and damn if it didn’t work! More than 9 months after getting a list of 15 random words from Mr. Jenners and BB, I can still remember the list IN ORDER. If you’re looking for an interesting, amusing and educational non-fiction book, this would be an excellent choice.
About the Narration: Mike Chamberlain was the narrator, and his voice was the perfect fit for Foer’s book and personality. (His voice had a bit of a nerdy flavor to it that seemed appropriate.) Because the book is written in the first person, his narration made the book really come alive. In my mind, Joshua Foer talks exactly like Mike Chamberlain—whether he likes it or not.
The Art of Fielding written by Chad Harbach and read by Holter GrahamGenre: Fiction, Literary
Where I Got It: Downloaded it from Audible
Why I Read It: I kept seeing rave reviews and wanted to see if it lived up to the hype
My Rating: 4 stars
Brief Description: Set on the campus of a (fictional) small liberal arts college in the Midwest, The Art of Fielding follows a year in the life of four different people, all of whom are at a crossroads in their lives: Henry Skrimshander, a soft-spoken baseball prodigy whose entire life revolves around the game; Mike Schwartz, the charismatic, hard-working jock/leader who tries for greatness in sports but finds it more in inspiring and guiding others; Guert Affenlight, the college president who is experiencing a love affair that leaves him feeling dizzy and dangerous; and Pella Affenlight, Guert’s estranged daughter who returns to the campus after fleeing her marriage and is trying to find out just who she really is. Intertwined with the four main characters is Owen Dunne, a self-assured and confident student.
My Thoughts: I wasn’t going to read this book because of the whole baseball thing (which isn’t of interest to me in the slightest). But after reading a few positive reviews that said “Don’t worry about the baseball stuff,” I plunged into it and I’m so glad I did. This isn’t really a baseball book (although baseball plays an important role in it). It is really more about identity, friendship, family, facing your fears, finding your true voice, and figuring out your path in life. In a way, it is five-way coming of age story (even for the “old” guy.) The narration rotates between Henry, Mike, Guert and Pella, and Harbach does a great job of giving them each a unique voice. His decision not to give Owen his own voice was interesting, and I think it worked—even though Owen became one of the most intriguing and interesting characters and I was dying to get inside his head. Despite the plot veering off to “ridiculous” land near the end, I was always involved in the story and it even, maybe a teeny tiny itty bitty little bit, made me appreciate the game of baseball.
About The Narration: Holter Graham was the narrator, and he did a top-notch job. He gave each character a unique voice (making it easy to switch from one to the other without getting confused) and made the words come alive rather than feeling like they were being “read aloud.” It was easy to fall into the story, and I think his narration elevated the book for me—making it even more special than it might have been just reading it in print. If you’re looking for an audiobook, this would be well-worth your time (even if you hate baseball like me. HA!)
The Odds written by Stewart O’Nan and read by Boyd GainesGenre: Fiction, Contemporary
Where I Got It: Downloaded it from audio
Why I Read It: It was all over book blogs for a while and I got interested in it
My Rating: 3 stars
Brief Description: Art and Marion are on the brink of disaster—not only is their house being threatened with foreclosure but their marriage is a bit rickety as well. In a last-ditch attempt to salvage things, they take a Valentine’s Day trip to Niagara Falls (the site of their long-ago honeymoon) with the remainder of their life savings to risk it all on one big gamble for their future.
My Thoughts: I really wanted to like this book more than I did. I’m not even 100% sure why I didn’t like it. I think O’Nan captured all the details and nuances of a long marriage. Everything felt lived in and real. Perhaps that was the problem though. Art and Marion are in a rut. They are not “in love” anymore and can often barely tolerate each other’s company. This made for a difficult listen because I just didn’t look forward to spending time with them. Also, the ending felt abrupt and wrong. Still, I’d read another of O’Nan’s books because it is obvious he can write. I guess I just want to read about someone besides Art and Marion! I did enjoy “the odds” that started each chapter, which often foreshadowed what was to come. I also wanted to try Art’s roulette system. Too bad I couldn’t remember it when I was in Vegas in May!
About the Narration: Boyd Gaines was the narrator and although he did a good job capturing the frustration and worry and nuance in the characters, I still wasn’t captivated by the story. Also his deep voice just wasn’t well-suited for Marion. I think it would have worked better if a female had narrated Marion’s sections.
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You are so good at reminding me of the books I have and still need to read. I’m glad to hear that The Art of Fielding is not all about baseball. I know it has been getting rave reviews but I was still hesitant to finally pick it up and read it. Perhaps it is time to dust it off after all?
Pick it up and dust it off. It deserves a read, and I think you’ll find it quite satisfying.
I had a really hard time with The Odds… Did not like the characters!
I’m with you. I didn’t enjoy spending time with them.
I’ve actually heard about The Art of Fielding and have been curious about it for a while. I think I might give it a try…
It was much better than I thought it would be. I was all prepared to hate it because of the baseball thing.
I started to read Art of Fielding in print and just never got to first base with it
so dropped it. I love O’Nan, but I know he’s not for everyone.
Loving your baseball metaphor! Very clever.
that first one sounds interesting to me. nice reviews today.
It is totally engrossing.
The first two books sound like something I should read, especially the memory one.
The memory one is just so interesting. And who doesn’t need help with their memory?
Oh that memory one does sound fascinating! I swear I have the worst memory and hardly seem to remember anything. I knew a guy that went to a conference with probably almost 200+ people- over the three days he talked to every person- and on the last day during the talent show got up and said pretty much everyone’s name (he could have said them all he just stopped at some point to not drag on forever). I cannot remember names for the life of me- so that always amazed me that he could do that.
He probably used some of the tools described in the book!!
Alyce and I attended a presentation at the Tucson Book Festival where Foer spoke about Moonwalking with Einstein. It sounded super so I bought it and that’s all I remember! When I find my memory I’ll read it. Will you help me if I can’t find the book OR my memory?
Sounds like you need a copy of this book STAT!!!
The Art of Fielding might go down as my favorite read of 2012. My entire book club really adored it. I also agree with most everything you said about The Odds, although I enjoyed my time with those two wacky nuts more than you did!
You’re welcome to hang out with Art and Marion … give me Owen any day!
I got this book for Christmas 2011 and still haven’t gotten to it. I actually like baseball – probably my favorite game to watch in person. Not so much on tv because they insist on showing closeups of players faces rather than backing off so I can see the ballfield and watch the play develop – but that’s just me.
Sounds like I better get around to this one soon. Thanks for the review.
Wow … you sound like a serious baseball fan. I think the parts featuring baseball came alive in this book in a way that game has never come alive for me in person.
I have stayed away from The Art of Fielding due to the baseball stuff as well, and now that you have told me not to be afraid of it, I think I am going to go for it! I haven’t heard good things about The Odds, even though that is a book that I want to love. I don’t think I will be going forward with it though, because so many others just didn’t gel with it.
Go forth and read The Art of Fielding!!! The baseball stuff is well done and didn’t mar my enjoyment of it. And I think The Odds isn’t his best book but I’m going to check out some more because it is obvious that he is a good writer.
The first book sounds the best to me, though I’ve heard many good things about the second. (I just don’t think it’s my cup of tea) I could probably use some memory exercises! I’ve never been good at memorization, even as a student many years ago.
The memory techniques described in Moonwalking with Einstein are quite simple and they work! Some of the techniques I just can’t imagine investing the time into them and I don’t see how they would apply to real life but it was just fascinating to hear how our memory works best.
I’m going to read Moonwalking with Einstein soon – I’m impressed at your memory ‘stunt’, and I need all the help I can get in that department.
Not like baseball! How can that be? Glad you enjoyed the book though.
The Odds has been on my TBR wish list for a few months.
I’m sure you’ll love Moonwalking with Einstein … it just has so much to recommend it. And sounds like you enjoy baseball … I guess I’m not very American – HA!
I agree that the ending of The Art of Fielding was a little whacked. But I still thought it was an excellent book!
A book can be both whacked but excellent. I wish the whole “grave digging” part hadn’t happened … it was close to a perfect book until then!
Moonwalking With Einstein has to be one of my favourite book titles of the year. I’m glad it turned out to be as good as the title and cover suggested.
Isn’t it great when the whole package comes together in a book?
The Art of Fielding sounds the best of the three (I do enjoy watching baseball, just for the record). I am jealous of your audio book listening!
Keep in mind I listened to these books months ago and just got around to posting my reviews. I’m a very slow audio book listener! No more than one or two a month.
Jason listened to Moonwalking an created a memory palace too. He can now memorize a deck of cards…cool party trick
Wow … he did much better than I did with his memory palace! It is a cool trick, isn’t it? I can’t quite imagine a practical use for it though.
That’s what I said to him, but he was unfazed with his awesomeness.
Men!
I lurved Moonwalking with Einstein. So much fun!
I know! I want him to write another book now! (And I’m going to write my Tag post tomorrow.)
I think I need to read Moonwalking. Thanks for your great reviews.
Looking forward to trying The Art of Fielding as I love the narrator. Hope I like it a bit more than you. I “read” the Odds and liked it.
For some reason, the first one just doesn’t appeal to me though?? Glad u liked it though.
The Art of Fielding was great (with some flaws). And the narrator just makes it. I would definitely listen to him again.
The only one of these I have actually read is The Odds (I have The Art of Fielding on my shelves). I didn’t like The Odds. His writing is wonderful, but those two people made me feel yucky and skeezy and wasn’t much ever in the mood to pick up the book and waller in their misery. It was the longest short book I’ve ever read! But, I will read O’Nan again.
I agree with you 100%!
Moonwalking With Einstein is a book I’m VERY interested in. I can remember every phone number and address I’ve had, even back to before I started school! I remember other peoples phone numbers back to the one they had when I first met them.
The Odds sound like another one I’d like to read.
I suspect you’d LOVE Moonwalking with Einstein. It was just riveting, and I bet you could harness even more of your amazing memory.
Art of Fielding was the ARC that took a hit when my daughter spilled her water bottle on it in the car. I’ve since gotten another copy. I must give it a read.
The Odds was my first O’Nan book. I liked it enough to read three more after it. I can’t say I loved it, but I appreciated how tough it must have been to create the constant tension that was present throughout the book.
I do want to read more O’Nan books … and I think you were the one who kind of got me started on him.
I got about halfway through the Moonwalking book and then lost track of it (reorganized my books and I think it’s buried in a stack behind a stack), otherwise I would have finished it by now. It is such a fascinating read, and some of the strategies he writes about have helped me to remember names when introduced to new people. I don’t have great facial recognition skills, so it makes remembering names/matching them to faces even more difficult.
I can’t believe you could lose track of that book! It was so interesting!!!!
I swear I think the ability to write runs in families. I’d like to read all 3 of these books.
There must be something in the Foer family at least. Though I thought Joshua’s writing was much more accessible.
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