Spoonbenders

A Novel

By: Daryl Gregory

Narrated by: Ari Fliakos

Length: 14 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

Teddy Telemachus is a charming con man with a gift for sleight of hand and some shady underground associates. In need of cash, he tricks his way into a classified government study about telekinesis and its possible role in intelligence gathering. There he meets Maureen McKinnon, and it's not just her piercing blue eyes that leave Teddy forever charmed but her mind - Maureen is a genuine psychic of immense and mysterious power. After a whirlwind courtship, they marry, have three gifted children, and become the Amazing Telemachus Family, performing astounding feats across the country. Irene is a human lie detector. Frankie can move objects with his mind. And Buddy, the youngest, can see the future. Then one night tragedy leaves the family shattered.

Decades later the Telemachuses are not so amazing. Irene is a single mom whose ear for truth makes it hard to hold down a job, much less hold together a relationship. Frankie's in serious debt to his dad's old mob associates. Buddy has completely withdrawn into himself and inexplicably begun digging a hole in the backyard. To make matters worse, the CIA has come knocking, looking to see if there's any magic left in the Telemachus clan. And there is: Irene's son Matty has just had his first out-of-body experience. But he hasn't told anyone, even though his newfound talent might just be what his family needs to save themselves - if it doesn't tear them apart in the process.

Harnessing the imaginative powers that have made him a master storyteller, Daryl Gregory delivers a stunning, laugh-out-loud new novel about a family of gifted dreamers and the invisible forces that bind us all.

©2017 Daryl Gregory (P)2017 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Hilarious, heartfelt and brimming with humanity." (Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney, author of The Nest)

"Masterful...gracefully balances the outrageous melodrama of Chicago mobsters and shadowy government agencies with the ordinary mysteries of family dynamics.... Readers will emerge from the fray sure they know each Telemachus down to the smudges on their hearts. A skillfully written family drama that employs quirk and magic with grace." ( Kirkus Reviews)

" Spoonbenders is brilliant. With the Telemachus clan, Daryl Gregory has created a family that is part J.D. Salinger and part David Foster Wallace. But the most impressive trick in the novel isn't how they read minds. Gregory's real gift is how he uses them to show the depths of the human heart." (Christopher Farnsworth, author of Killfile and Blood Oath)

Finally something different !

It's so difficult to find a storyline that that hasn't been done. Here it is.

Quirky characters and an excellent narrator.

Outstanding!

If you could sum up Spoonbenders in three words, what would they be?

Fun! Fun! Fun!

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

No, but he was absolutely perfect for this book. He did the voices so well, this is one of a few times when I think I got more out of the book having it read to me, than reading it myself. If you had to imagine the voices in your head, it would be Ari's.

Who was the most memorable character of Spoonbenders and why?

I'd have to say Buddy, but I couldn't say why without a spoiler alert.

ESP: Extraordinary, Satisfying, Paradoxical

Very original concept, great layering of motives and pay-offs. Wish there was a more ominous/unusual villain than the over-played mob. The final twist was an awesome trick- wasn't expecting another surprise during the resolution. Great "slight of hand" until the very end. Bravo to the writer and the narrator. Will be looking forward to the next one!

I'm glad I listened to it

I could have done without the incestuous creepiness in the beginning. I don't feel the parts added much to the story, it could have been done in an a lot less pervy way. it made me pretty uncomfortable, to the point where I didn't feel like I wanted to continue listening.
in the end I'm glad I did, but I feel like it could have been done in a more tasteful way, maybe not have that right in the beginning or something? idk. I wouldn't recommend it to friends because of the whole incest thing, I don't want them to think of me as "the incest enthusiast", but I would probably recommend it to strangers.

Delightful tale of a family of psychics

Delightful tale of a family of psychics told with humor and heart. Wonderful, loveable, fallible characters combine with a plot that kept me guessing until the final chapters. There's a reason Daryl Gregory is one of my favorite authors! (less)

Entertaining Story Of A Rather Weird Family

Would you consider the audio edition of Spoonbenders to be better than the print version?

I have not read the print version, but the audible version was very entertaining.

What did you like best about this story?

The story, weird as it was, grew organically and made perfect sense in the framework in which it was told. You may see some things coming, but I doubt you will see all the twists.

Which scene was your favorite?

Probably the "picnic" at the climax of the story. There are a lot of story pay-offs here, but by no means all of them.

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

It's a bit long for one sitting. I was not sure this was up my ally for the first couple chapters, but I quickly warmed to the characters. Give it a couple hours if you feel the same way in the beginning - I expect you will change your mind too.

Any additional comments?

This does not fit into any specific genre, but you will find crime drama, science fiction (if you don't believe in psychics already), family drama, and a healthy amount of humor. Recommended.

hilarious, sad to have it end

The funniest, most imaginative book ever! A sheer delight to read and sadly it goes quick because you can't put it down!

Simply Fabulous

One of the best books I’ve listened to. Lots of twists and turns. Fun mixed with intrigue. Ari did a great job with the narration.

very very slow

When it did pick up it was good but there were way too many lulls that seemed to go on forever. The premise was good but cut have been written better.

Fun and interesting cast of characters

Would you consider the audio edition of Spoonbenders to be better than the print version?

Absolutely. Ari Fliakos makes the characters come alive.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Spoonbenders?

Irene killing it in the interview.

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

I've listened to Cash City. I thought both performances were great.

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

No.

Any additional comments?

I love the changing perspectives that the story is told from. It makes each character's story seem so honest. By the end you feel like you really know this crazy family.