What The Beginner's Goodbye is about:
Anne Tyler gives us a wise, haunting, and deeply moving new novel in which she explores how a middle-aged man, ripped apart by the death of his wife, is gradually restored by her frequent appearances—in their house, on the roadway, in the market.
I couldn't wait to get to this book because Diane@Bibliophile By The Sea, gave it 5 stars! When I saw it in audio form at my library, I decided to listen to it instead! I am here to confirm that her five star rating was right on and I think the audio comes close to being perfect too! I found myself at times laughing at the pictures Aaron's words created in my mind, and other times feeling his sorrow so much that it hurt. The title of this story is wonderful and I feel that it ties the whole book together in regards to what Aaron did for a living and how he tried to go on living after the loss of his wife.
Recommend? Absolutely and without hesitation! This will be one of my favorite audios to date because I loved the humanity of the story and the sheer exquisiteness of Tyler's words. She writes with such an ease and allows the reader or listener in this case, to lose themselves within the pages of her stories of ordinary people experiencing grief and starting over.
Source: Public Library
Narrator: Kirby Heyborn- He did an excellent job and I felt that he captured the essence of Aaron.
Length of audio: 6 hours and 22 minutes
Bookish Thoughts #33
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So glad to read that you enjoyed this one as much as me. It's definitely on my Top 5 list for this year. Glad the audio was just as good. Your passionate review makes me want to read it again:)
ReplyDeleteOh boy, adding it to my list. I need to get some extra audible credits! Glad you loved it, Staci. I've enjoyed a few of her novels.
ReplyDeleteAlright. I'll give this one another try. I have it on my Nano and started it a month or so ago, but switched to another book (Little Princes, I think). I trust your opinion (and Diane's), so I'm just going to have to listen to this one as soon as I finish Wild. Thanks for the recommendation!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a cute book of a man coping in his own way! Anne Tyler is such a good writer!
ReplyDeleteI am loving this review!! Adding this one to my list!!!
ReplyDeleteI love Anne Tyler and have this in print. Now I wish I had the audio version.
ReplyDeleteI just discovered the joy of audio books (I posted my first audio review today). I don't remember reading any Anne Tyler but I will look for her books on audio from now on. The combination of a great writer and narrator makes for some awesome listening.
ReplyDeleteAnne Tyler is a great writer. I haven't read this one but it's now on my tbr list. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteOh man, now I gotta listen!
ReplyDeleteIf I get back into audio books, I'll make sure to give this one a try. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure I'm going to have to get to this one someday. nice review.
ReplyDeleteI need to request this. I think I haven't read anything yet by her!
ReplyDeleteI was excited to read it, but when I began, I found I couldn't bear it. Really too sad for me.
ReplyDeleteI trust your and Diane's judgement so this one is going on the list. Updated Adobe and voila! I can now comment. Sheeeeeesh. Glad that was the simple answer but it sure gave me some aggravation.
ReplyDeleteYou've got me intrigued. Not really into sad stories but once in a while they hit the spot. Put it on my wishlist.
ReplyDeleteI haven't listened to a good audio in a while, sounds like this would be just the ticket, as heartwrenching as it is I love reading about peoples' journey through grief
ReplyDeleteAnne Tyler has become an 'audio author' for me. I've listened to her last 3 or 4 books and have enjoyed them all very much (especially Digging to America). This one is on my ridiculously long audio wish list, too.
ReplyDeleteWow! After that review, how can I possibly pass this one up? As I am really into audios these days, I believe that will be my format of choice as well. This will also be my first Anne Tyler book, although I do own another one. Can't wait to give this one a listen!
ReplyDeleteI used to read a lot of Tyler but haven't picked up one of her books in years. This one sounds like the one to get me back to Tyler.
ReplyDeleteTyler is one of a handful of authors who is on my Read Everyhting They Read list! This one looks good (but sad).
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