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The New Old Me  By  cover art

The New Old Me

By: Meredith Maran
Narrated by: Christina Delaine
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Publisher's summary

For fans of Anne Lamott, Abigail Thomas, and Ayelet Waldman, a postdivorce memoir, one woman's story of starting over at 60 - in youth-obsessed, beauty-obsessed Hollywood.

For fans of Anne Lamott, Abigail Thomas, and Ayelet Waldman, a postdivorce memoir, one woman's story of starting over at 60 - in youth-obsessed, beauty-obsessed Hollywood. After the death of her best friend, the loss of her life savings, and the collapse of her once-happy marriage, Meredith Maran - whom Anne Lamott calls "insightful, funny, and human" - leaves her San Francisco freelance writer's life for a 9-to-5 job in Los Angeles. Determined to rebuild not only her savings but herself while relishing the joys of life in La-La land, Maran writes "a poignant story, a funny story, a moving story, and above all an American story of what it means to be a woman of a certain age in our time" (Christina Baker Kline, number-one New York Times best-selling author of Orphan Train).

©2017 Meredith Maran (P)2017 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

What listeners say about The New Old Me

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Annoying - Pretty Much a Downer

What did you like best about The New Old Me? What did you like least?

Kind of a struggle to get through - Accurate portrayal of LA - but the hero is so unable to be satisfied

Would you recommend The New Old Me to your friends? Why or why not?

No - Character was "all about me" Blah Blah Blah

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

Disappointing

I was drawn to this book because of its catchy, wry title. The author did deliver on her story, but it seemed self-indulgent to me. Page after page of me, me,me. A main theme is how much she missed her wife, whom she never refers to by name. The endless repetition of the term " my wife" seemed an annoying affectation. Meanwhile, she never discusses becoming a lesbian after twenty years of marriage to a man, and having two children, whom she barely mentions.
There were a few amusing, sympathetic incidents and the writing is ok. I did finish the book to see how she found her way, but honestly I just didn't enjoy it.
Also, I found the narration grating. It wasn't terrible, but the narrators voice rose loudly so often for dramatic effect that I was always turning down the volume.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Quirky, Emtional, Real

Where does The New Old Me rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I loved this book... it was a weird start in my opinion - but I found my self anxious to listen further.

What did you like best about this story?

Life is not over at 60. Take Chances. Fall. Get up again!

What about Christina Delaine’s performance did you like?

I enjoyed the voice changes when reading different characters. And the pauses between words at times... very real

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Laughed and cried... and cheered for her a little.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Maddening. Masterful.

I've listened to this book many times. Sometimes JUST to get angry at the author, lol! As an Introverts' Introvert, I am stunned by the ways of the extrovert as chronicled here. Also, I appreciate the tale of heartbreak from both sides. The narrator was believable and sold the story quite well.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Loved this book!

Her voice is so authentic & true and yet sometimes it sounded like she was telling my story. Her characters and descriptions captured the setting, the mood and tone - pitch perfect! Really enjoyed the narration too. Five stars!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Loved it!!!

Meredith Maran is an incredibly charming and witty author. You feel like you in the company of a lifelong friend! Very inspirational and uplifting.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Great Story, Annoying Narration

I loved the story, but almost couldn't get past the over-dramatic, over-acted narration. I would have rather read this book just to avoid the narration. But I pushed on because I did really enjoy the story and the author's perspective.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Inspiring Reminder

I really enjoyed this book. Maran is a great writer, kept me very entertained. I think deep down everyone has the fear that they'll have to reinvent their lives when they get older, be it from divorce or death of a partner, or even a new job. Maran showed the reality of insecurity and dispair, but also the value of friendship and reaching out when comfort is needed. I'm so grateful to have this reminder of how important friends are and how much they are willing to give when you reach out. Life goes on be it alone or not, your choice.

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

Not what I expected at all

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

This book was about a lesbian relationship, separation, divorce. I am sure it is beneficial to some but 100% shocking for one with no idea this was the story line plus it was VERY dark.

What was most disappointing about Meredith Maran’s story?

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Would you be willing to try another one of Christina Delaine’s performances?

.

What character would you cut from The New Old Me?

.

Any additional comments?

.

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