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Recessional  By  cover art

Recessional

By: James A. Michener
Narrated by: Larry McKeever
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Publisher's summary

In his stunning new novel, best-selling novelist James A. Michener draws on his unparalleled gift for storytelling, his deep understanding of American society, and his own life experiences to illuminate the challenges of aging and the folly of youth in a Florida retirement home known as the Palms.

As the new, young director of the Palms, Andy Zorn suffers no shortage of loving support and wise advice from his "elders", a group of five passionate, outspoken residents who refuse to accept the passive roles that both society and family have handed them. Yet past scandal has driven Zorn to despondency - until he meets an extraordinary young woman in the rehab wing who has been forced to rebuild her life in the face of crippling injuries. Now Zorn finds himself falling in love - and with the help and gentle jabs from his more mature friends, he discovers a wonderful new purpose in life....

©2014 James A. Michener (P)2015 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"The best moments in the novel occur when the characters disclose what's in their hearts and minds with rueful, snappy humor." ( The New York Times Book Review)
"Michener hooks you with wonderfully humorous scenes. These are then interwoven between the moments of pain and heartache brought about by life choices we all must make." ( Tulsa World)
"Engaging.... One will be drawn into the novelist's world.... The lush natural setting provides James Michener plenty to show and tell." ( The Washington Times)

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What listeners say about Recessional

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Good Story

The story is engaging as expected from James Michener. The narration may be the worst ever.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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Love the story

I’ve been a fan of his works for most of my life, did not know this one existed. Was pretty excited to learn about something he wrote about my backyard. Great story, just terrible narration. Would love to see if reproduced, would love to see Netflix pick it up as a series. Highly recommended regardless.

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2 people found this helpful

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Excellent as usual!

Great character development throughout. Great opportunity to compare how social issues have changed over the years. Some (sadly) not much at all.

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Recessional

Very good flow and well read. Enjoyed the various characters. Well thought out and organized.

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Text book of life comes too late

Michener has written the definitive book of Life. This good old fashioned Story needs to be required reading for everry eighteen year old.

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6 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Perfect retirement vision

Great insights in living in a retirement facility and the extraordinary range of people in the final years of life.

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Oh my goodness, what a great read!

I haven’t read any of James Michener’s novels in decades. Oh my goodness! What a great novel! I especially enjoyed listening to it.

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars

can't listen any more

the narrator is awful. Maybe this is an interesting story but this narrator makes it totally banal and boring

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