Customer Reviews
Most Helpful
3 out of 5 stars
By
Sean
on
12-31-03
A Live Performance
Almost twenty years ago, shortly after The Meaning of Liff was published, a friend of mine called me up and invited me to see Douglas Adams that evening at MIT. When Douglas came on stage he started the evening off with a few stories. He next explained how The Meaning of Liff came to be written and then proceeded to read several definitions. Finally, he went on to read selected excerpts from the Hitchhiker?s Trilogy and afterwards he willingly signed my three paperback books.
I mention the above because I thoroughly enjoyed, and have never forgotten, that wonderful evening. Hearing all the writings/speeches/interviews from The Salmon of Doubt being read was wonderful and it vividly brought that evening back to life for me. So much so that I wanted to listen to Douglas performing live again, so I purchased this audio book.
Unfortunately, this live performance did not captivate me. It is missing the spontaneity and sense of fun that I felt twenty years. This is partly due to my enjoying Douglas?s stories and readings from The Meaning of Liff, missing here, very much. However, I also remember his readings of the Hitchhiker?s excerpts as being funnier and warmer than this performance.
I give this audio book a qualified recommendation. If you have never heard Douglas Adams in person than I think you will enjoy his performance here. However, if you have heard him perform in person then you may feel like me after hearing this.
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25 of 26 people found this review helpful
3 out of 5 stars
By
Tyler
on
09-20-16
Not the full story
I was under the impression this was the full book. It is not, however, it is still entertaining.
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3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful
5 out of 5 stars
By
C. G. Brown
on
04-17-16
Share and enjoy
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
4 out of 5 stars
By
Lee Grant
on
05-21-15
A chance to hear the definitive version...
This production isn't the type that'll win awards.
This is not an important detail.
It's not glossy, well produced and sometimes the quality of the recording is barely adequate.
None of these are important details either.
It's a chance to hear Douglas Adams read his wonderful prose in a live environment, the literary equivalence of the rock-god slamming his fender in front of a sweaty, thrashing crowd.
The joy of Audible is hearing authors read their own work, the extra detail inferred from an inflection or simple pause adds layers of delicious delight without adding words.
To hear Douglas do this is a treat and if you're a fan of his work then this really does demand your attention.
This last point is an important detail.
Share & Enjoy.
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6 of 7 people found this review helpful