Scary, Man

By: Jeffrey Hickey

Narrated by: Jeffrey Hickey

As a professional storyteller and teacher, Griffin Donnelley has a mesmerizing way with words. In fact, it has enabled him to cut quite a swath through the small towns in California where he teaches in schools and performs in bookstores and town halls. Nonetheless, he just can't seem to catch a break, and is chugging along in his Camry from gig to gig, heading straight for utter burnout. Is there still time to reroute his faltering existence, or is his future looking decidedly scary? Droll and dead-on in its sizing up of contemporary culture, Scary, Man is author Jeffrey Hickey's wry and singular story of one man, his wife, and their daughter. Together, they embrace a new normal at the turn of the twenty-first century in America, while trying their hardest in the land of the free, and the home of the afraid.

©2013 Jeffrey Hickey & Bignboo Productions (P)2013 Jeffrey Hickey & Bignboo Productions

Poignant, powerful, human and real.

Would you consider the audio edition of Scary, Man to be better than the print version?

I have not read the print version.

What did you like best about this story?

Tense moments and painful insights, with moments of revelation, joy and humor. Hearing the story in the author’s own voice(s) is a joy. Topical and relateable, with a wide array of characters, plot twist and turns and surprises. Highly recommended!

Which scene was your favorite?

The a-fib visit to the hospital, and sequelae. Funny and scary! I've been in a few ambulances and Jeffrey captures it perfectly!

If you could rename Scary, Man, what would you call it?

I would not rename it.

Any additional comments?

I haven't listened to a book in almost 20 years, back in the dark ages when a long book came on 10 or more cassette tapes! This book has made me want to get back into that. Smartphone technology makes that much more convenient. :-)

Watch with your ears

Where does Scary, Man rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

My first. And I have a sneaky suspicion if I had listened to 100, it would be #1.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Scary, Man?

I don't want to give away any of the story lines, but I really thought the idea of "My Blood" was terrific.

Which character – as performed by Jeffrey Hickey – was your favorite?

I enjoyed all of them. Mr. Hickey's accents and voices were outstanding. It was like watching a movie with your ears!

If you could rename Scary, Man, what would you call it?

I wouldn't. Scary, Man is perfect.

Any additional comments?

I listened to this book while traveling between San Francisco and Scottsdale Arizona. Normally an excruciatingly long trip. I'm actually looking forward to driving back and listening to Mr. Hickey's other "audible" book, "The Coach's Son!"

A Great Read!

What did you love best about Scary, Man?

The development of the main character is intriguing. The narration of the audio book is excellent.Through the narration, and the changing of the characters voices, ever so slightly, I can visually imagine what these people look like and that's very important for me to be able to really enjoy a book.

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

His narration is entertaining and easy to listen to. It helps me to really get into the story by hearing the details versus reading the details.

Any additional comments?

I ordered this book as an audiobook and it's the first audiobook that I have ever purchased. Wow! The narration by the author Jeffrey Hickey is about the best narration I have ever heard in a storyteller. What makes it so unique is that with the description of the different characters, as well as, the voice changes for each character, I can actually envision what they look like and what they feel. I feel like I'm watching a play, although I'm listening to a book!
The main character, Griffin, is an interesting guy. At first, I wasn't sure I would like him but he grows on you with each of his experiences.

I'm not quite finished with the book but am really enjoying it and am looking forward to seeing what each of Griffen's adventures bring into his life!

A Great Character Driven Family Story!

Where does Scary, Man rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It is one of the best. The author is a talented storyteller. He is my favorite narrator on audible. The story is about a flawed but loving family, and how the community jumps to conclusions about a man who makes his living teaching and working with children. It is engrossing and well told.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved how real the characters are, especially Griffin. He is not a perfect man, but he shows the capacity we all have to change. I found it fascinating to watch how people start rumours and before long, everyone believes them. That is Scary, Man.

Which character – as performed by Jeffrey Hickey – was your favorite?

Griffin is my favorite character. He loves his family so much and would do anything for them., Although he has issues with other members of his extended family and his community, deep down he is a big old teddy bear.

Who was the most memorable character of Scary, Man and why?

I like how Claire shakes things up, but again, I have to talk about Griffin and how he accepted Claire and his wife for who they are. There is a memorable character at the end of the book, but talking about him would give too much away.

Any additional comments?

I could listen to Mr. Hickey narrate anything. He is a wonderful storyteller and does all the voices himself. Scary, Man is rich. There are many layers to it and anyone who loves character driven stories will enjoy this.