Textbook Amy Krouse Rosenthal

By: Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Narrated by: Amy Krouse Rosenthal, John Green

Length: 2 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

The best-selling author of Encyclopedia an Ordinary Life returns with a literary experience that is unprecedented, unforgettable, and explosively human.

In the 10 years since the publication of her beloved, groundbreaking Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life, number-one New York Times best-selling author Amy Krouse Rosenthal has been quietly tinkering away. Using her distinct blend of nonlinear narrative, wistful reflections, and insightful wit, she has created a modest but mighty new work.

Why the title Textbook Amy Krouse Rosenthal?

Because the book is organized into chapters with classic subject headings such as Social Studies, Music, Language Arts, Math, etc.

Because textbook is an expression meaning "quintessential", as in, Oh, that wordplay and unconventional format is so typical of her, so textbook Amy.

Because for the first time ever, listeners can further engage with a book via text messaging.

Because if an author's previous book has Encyclopedia in the title, following it up with a Textbook would be rather nice.

Not exactly a memoir, not just a collection of observations, Textbook Amy Krouse Rosenthal is an exploration into the many ways we are connected on this planet and speaks to the awe, bewilderment, and poignancy of being alive.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2016 Amy Krouse Rosenthal (P)2016 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"[A] groundbreaking new twist on the traditional literary experience.... Textbook is a delightful collection of interesting scenarios that directly point to life lessons. Rosenthal manages to spotlight grand moments and everyday moments with equal curiosity, proving that it can be both a privilege - and petrifying - to peek into one’s humanity.” (Associated Press)

"Textbook Amy Krouse Rosenthal, subtitled Not Exactly a Memoir, is quirky, rambling and funny, as befits a children’s book author. Poems, photos, drawings and musings add up to a charming but gently incisive experience - and the most simply exquisite ending." (Family Circle)

“Rosenthal is a marvel…a talented storyteller with an experimental flair for formatting.... This engaging, playful, and clever glimpse into one woman’s life offers lots of photographs, graphic illustrations, and diagrams, resulting in a book that will make readers smile as their notions of story delivery expand.” (Booklist)

Best ending ever

I’m a fan of AKR, and find her happy and quirky outlook on the world life affirming. The knowledge that she’s no longer walking this planet cast a deeper dimension on this reading. How I wish I’d read this earlier and been able to take advantage of her offers of interaction. Goodbye, I love you, thank you.

Gone but never forgotten

It is bittersweet to hear her voice over the last two days. This world will miss her ability to tell a tale. Rest In Peace, AmyKR. Bye, I love you!

Lovely

This was very touching, hopeful, and innovative. Very soft, warm, and glowing. I feel like Amy and I are friends now, in a way.

My new favorite book!

Upbeat and encouraging, funny, happy and sad. You have to listen to understand. Just do it.

Serendipitous

I came to read this book in an interesting way today, and I couldn't be happier that I did. What a beautiful, honest, heartbreaking and incredible experience that was. Thank you so much for your words, Amy.

Sweet, sincere, makes you appreciate life

Really enjoyed listening to this and having a window into her life in the most sincere way. I hope to live life the way she did- acknowledging it and loving it to the fullest.

Physical book > audiobook?

This book kept my interest for the most part and was very clever at parts. However, I think it would’ve been better for me if I had been reading the physical copy instead of listening to the audiobook because some chapters/anecdotes were not as enticing via speech.

Meh.

Looked up AKR after John Green's mention of their friendship in The Anthropocene Reviewed. I've got Encyclopedia on my wish list but this short ditty was available as an audiobook. Despite being less than 3 hours long, it was a slog to get through. I don't think the hard copy would've made things much better. Seems mostly like a scrap booky attempt at witticisms. And the gag of interactivity through text and website doesn't provide the depth or oomph that the overall effort is lacking.

Wanted to like it more

I really wanted to like this book more than I did. While I liked hearing the author read it herself, I wonder if the physical book would have been better.