Wild Child

And Other Stories

De: T. C. Boyle

Narrado por: T. C. Boyle

In the title story of this rich new collection, T.C. Boyle has created so vivid and original a retelling of the story of Victor, the feral boy who was captured running naked through the forests of Napoleonic France, that it becomes not just new, but definitive: yes, this is how it must have been. The tale is by turns magical and moving, a powerful investigation of what it means to be human. There is perhaps no one better than T. C. Boyle at engaging, shocking, and ultimately gratifying his readers while at the same time testing his characters' emotional and physical endurance.

The 14 stories gathered here display both Boyle's astonishing range and his imaginative muscle. Nature is the dominant player in many of these stories, whether in the form of the catastrophic mudslide that allows a cynic to reclaim his own humanity ("La Conchita") or the wind-driven fires that howl through a high California canyon ("Ash Monday"). Other tales range from the drama of a man who spins Homeric lies in order to stop going to work, to that of a young woman who must babysit for a $250,000 cloned Afghan and the sad comedy of a child born to Mexican street vendors who is unable to feel pain. Brilliant, incisive, and always entertaining, Boyle's short stories showcase the mischievous humor and socially conscious sensibility that have made him one of the most acclaimed writers of our time.

©2010 T. Coraghessan Boyle (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Reseñas de la Crítica

Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2010

“Superlative author T.C. Boyle is also an excellent reader of his own work. His voice is purely American West - flat-voweled, pleasantly modulated, with a hint of a baritone growl. He reads without vocal flourish, but with an intensity that captures the listener and won't let go. It's pell-mell without being rushed; urgent but not desperate; entirely articulate. And such stories... This is a mesmerizing audiobook experience.” (AudioFile)

"One of the most inventive and verbally exuberant writers of his generation." (New York Times)

"Boyle is a marvel at descriptive prose." (Washington Post Book World)

Not sure which way to tip the scale...

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Listening to a well written novel is never a waste of time. Some stories were more interesting than others but you can't deny Boyle is an artist with words.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The gentleman from "The Lie" was by far my favorite character. Everyone wants to escape but very few of us have the balls or ability to try, lol. His childish antics were morbid yet hilarious.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

I found the narrator well suited to these stories. There were a few times where I felt confused because the transition from story to story was too abrupt. I think the pause between them should have been longer.

Could you see Wild Child being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

I could definitely see the one story "Wild Child" being turned into a movie ;)

Any additional comments?

This isn't an easy read. Many of the stories end when you least expect them to. I found myself wanting more and feeling somewhat depressed. A lot of time is spent on everyday activities with very little embellishment or luxury. These stories are raw and realistic so don't read them if you're looking for a feel good novel. I appreciate an author who can evoke emotions from their readers and thoroughly enjoyed this book.

PRETTY GOOD

Any additional comments?

A little boring at parts, but I would recommend the book, if you are interested in this sort of genre.

Fans of short stories will enjoy this.

What made the experience of listening to Wild Child the most enjoyable?

Well narrated, intelligent and entertaining - all except for "Wild Child" which was the last and my least favourite of all the stories. A bit of a formulaic fable - it was also the least imaginative of the stories for me but don't let that put you off, the other stories are certainly worth listening to - and I'm not even a fan of short stories.

Have you listened to any of T. C. Boyle’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Any additional comments?

All in all a good listen.

Couldn't get into it...

What disappointed you about Wild Child?

Because I loved his other books, especially Drop City

What could T. C. Boyle have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

I guess it isn't the fault of the author. I have a harder time with short stories. I usually love series or really LONG novels with articulately drawn characters.

What didn’t you like about T. C. Boyle’s performance?

Most of the time I prefer when the author does not read their own story. Very few authors can do that, and see their work with fresh eyes.

What character would you cut from Wild Child?

Didn't get that far...

Any additional comments?

Nope.

NOT FOR ME

Would you try another book from T. C. Boyle and/or T. C. Boyle?

NOT SURE. THIS STORY JUST DEPRESSED ME.
ii couldn't get passed the second chapter

What was most disappointing about T. C. Boyle’s story?

iT WAS DEPRESING

Did T. C. Boyle do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

i GUESS

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Wild Child?

DONT KNOW

Any additional comments?

NO