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Andy Catlett: Early Travels: A Novel Audiobook
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(4.01) - 367 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Berry opens this latest installment of the Port William series with young Andy Catlett preparing to visit a place he’d been to many times before, though this would be an adventure he will take very seriously. Nine years old, Andy embarks on the trip by bus, alone for the first time. He decides it will be a rite of passage and his first step into manhood. Sometimes a handful at home, Andy was a good boy when visiting his Grandparents’ houses, and he looked forward to the little spoiling certain to come his way. A beautiful short novel, this book is a perfect introduction into the whole world of Port William and will be as well a new chapter for those already familiar with this rich unfolding story.
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"This is a short book but begs to be slowly savored. It is a reminisce, Andy Catlett looking back at a visit with his Grandparents during the WWII era. When he stepped off the train to be greeted by his kin, Andy was stepping from an aspiring business community back into a rural centered way of living. It is written with a tinge of sadness, as the mature Andy recalls a way of life that is forever gone. There's no real plot or action in this novel, rather, it is a study in personalities. Each character etched in Andy's memory is introduced thoughtfully, their foibles and traits and interactions painted skillfully with words as clear as paint on canvas. The telling is woven with the wisdom that can only come from maturity and the vantage point of years. Wendell Berry sprinkles his wonderful poetic language sparingly; never so much fluff but robust and substantial in a way fitting to the sturdy and hardworking agrarian folk he describes."
— Poiema (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“Berry writes wisely.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“Speaking in a voice full of down-home wisdom, Michael creates an atmosphere in which we can imagine sitting in the company of our own grandpa, soaking up his history, which, by extension, is our own.”
— Audiofile
Andy Catlett Listener Reviews
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" This was my first introduction to Wendell Berry with a book I borrowed from my parents. It was like wrapping up with a warm blanket in front of a toasty fire - warm, comforting, soothing, slow, and savory. It was not action-packed by any means but rather reflective and calmingly slow-moving. It is the story of a young boy's first journey by himself to visit both sets of his grandparents in Port William, Kentucky. The story is told by the old man he has grown into looking back and remembering this time. Like some books are "beach reads", this book is a "log cabin read". I will read more of Wendell Berry. "
— Maggie, 2/17/2014 -
" Short and simple yet powerful and profound. "
— Shrader, 2/16/2014 -
" Delightful. I'm never dissapointed with anything I read by WB. "
— Joshua, 2/10/2014 -
" This one covered about a week in Andy's life when he's 9 years old. The writing is still excellent, but I didn't find as much to identify with. "
— Susan, 2/5/2014 -
" A young boy sets out on his own to visit both of his grandparents' places. Rural Kentucky, 1940s, so far from today's world, for most of us, in time and distance, and we see it through Berry's eyes, with love and longing. Another gem in the Port William masterpiece. "
— Toothy_grin, 2/5/2014 -
" Listened to it and think I would have enjoyed it more if I have read it. "
— Allison, 1/15/2014 -
" Another great Wendell Berry book. "
— Vickie, 1/8/2014 -
" Another wise and lovely novel by Wendell Berry. He never fails to move me and teach me. "
— Andi, 12/14/2013 -
" A short and pleasant read. My favourite part was a passage in which Andy reflects on the nature of time and death. "
— Olive, 12/12/2013 -
" An interesting book given to me by a friend. It was especially interesting to read now was it takes place near Louisville and we just returned from a trip there. "
— Leslie, 11/28/2013 -
" A sweet and precious little book!! "
— Beth, 6/27/2013 -
" Oh my gosh! I finished a book! Nice, easy read winter read - like drinking warm milk. And what made it better was reading it in Kentucky at Christmastime - just like in the book. "
— Elisabeth, 5/5/2013 -
" Enjoyed this! It gave me a glimpse of the small town boyhood of my own father. The simple direct writing is true and good. "
— Eric, 1/27/2013 -
" Wendell Berry is an expert. I had the opportunity to hear him speak around this time also, and he is extremely interesting! "
— Tina, 12/22/2012 -
" I love being introduced to a new author and finding out that I do indeed love the book--the story, the style, the approach, etc. I am now going to check out another one of his books. "
— Pat, 10/15/2012 -
" Another good book in the Port William series... "
— James, 8/10/2012 -
" Enjoyed the fine prose. "
— Kris, 7/19/2012 -
" got bogged down in occasional preaching, but otherwise a perfect painting of a time and place "
— Pattieb, 5/19/2012 -
" Low-key novel that led me to reflect on the impact and influence my community and family had on me as I was growing up...how much of who I am is rooted back then and there. "
— Pamela, 11/30/2011 -
" This is a little preachier than his other novels, but since I agree with his criticisms and observations, mostly, I didn't mind it. I don't know how younger people would like this, but I was warmed by the nostalia. "
— Katherine, 7/20/2011 -
" Wendell Berry is a delightful read. He is a Kentucky author who I learned about on NPR and wanted to read since I was going to be in Kentucky. He has a very thoreauian view of the land and has a strong sense of American family values. "
— Mindy, 7/13/2011 -
" Listened to it and think I would have enjoyed it more if I have read it. "
— Allison, 5/30/2011 -
" Another wonderful book by one of my favorite authors. Berry tells a timeless story of life in the 40's in rural America. <br/> <br/>Definitely recommend this book to anyone. <br/> <br/>simply, <br/> <br/>Tim "
— Tim, 8/9/2010 -
" Wendell Berry is an expert. I had the opportunity to hear him speak around this time also, and he is extremely interesting! "
— Tina, 7/25/2010 -
" Another good book in the Port William series... "
— James, 3/18/2010 -
" A short and pleasant read. My favourite part was a passage in which Andy reflects on the nature of time and death. "
— Olive, 9/21/2009 -
" Enjoyed this! It gave me a glimpse of the small town boyhood of my own father. The simple direct writing is true and good. "
— Eric, 8/20/2009 -
" Wendell Berry is a delightful read. He is a Kentucky author who I learned about on NPR and wanted to read since I was going to be in Kentucky. He has a very thoreauian view of the land and has a strong sense of American family values. "
— Mindy, 6/16/2009 -
" This one covered about a week in Andy's life when he's 9 years old. The writing is still excellent, but I didn't find as much to identify with. "
— Susan, 2/9/2009 -
" Oh my gosh! I finished a book! Nice, easy read winter read - like drinking warm milk. And what made it better was reading it in Kentucky at Christmastime - just like in the book. "
— Elisabeth, 1/22/2009 -
" A young boy sets out on his own to visit both of his grandparents' places. Rural Kentucky, 1940s, so far from today's world, for most of us, in time and distance, and we see it through Berry's eyes, with love and longing. Another gem in the Port William masterpiece. "
— Toothy_grin, 11/18/2008
About Wendell Berry
Wendell Berry was born in Henry County, Kentucky, in 1934, and lives and farms with his wife, Tanya Berry, close to the place of his birth. A poet, critic, storyteller, and activist, he has written more than fifty books. He is the recipient of The National Humanities Medal, awarded by President Barack Obama, and was named The Jefferson Lecturer for 2012. He is a winner of the Richard C. Holbrooke Distinguished Achievement Award, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
About Paul Michael
Paul Michael, winner of several Earphones Awards, has also won the prestigious Audie Award for best narration. He has acted on stage, radio, television, and in feature films in Canada, Great Britain, and the United States. He has had leading roles in series and made-for-television movies and has guest starred in such series as VIP and Alias. He has been nominated for a Canadian Emmy and has recorded over 150 audiobooks, including the international bestseller The Da Vinci Code.