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On God: An Uncommon Conversation Audiobook
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(2.98) - 131 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
In On God, Norman Mailer, a towering figure in American literature, explores his concept of the nature of God. In a series of probing, challenging, and uncommon dialogues, Mailer establishes his own system of belief, one that rejects both organized religion and atheism. He presents a view in which our world is created by an artistic God who often succeeds but can also fail in the face of determined opposition by contrary powers in the universe. As war is waged for the souls of humans, we in our turn are given the freedom—indeed, the responsibility—to choose our own paths. Mailer believes that our individual behavior, a complex mix of good and evil, will be rewarded or punished with a reincarnation that fits the sum of our lives. Ever original and unpredictable, this inspiring verbal journey offers a unique vision of a world in which “God needs us as much as we need God.”
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"Mailer's take on God is completely solipsistic and totally enthralling. I found it thought-provoking. It is the brainchild of Michael Lennon, however, who seems often to completely miss Mailer's point. That's interesting in itself, but begs the question of what the book might have been if it had been completely Mailer's own concoction. He is such a novelist, and Lennon is such a by-the-books academic theologist, it is funny to read two such different minds collide again and again so unyieldingly. There are moments when Mailer is clearly so fed up with Lennon's lack of imagination, and Lennon too gets frustrated by Mailer's free-form ignorance. Fun."
— Rachel (5 out of 5 stars)
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“[Displays] the glory of an original mind in full provocation.”
— USA Today -
“Mailer was always the wildest of the great generation of twentieth-century American novelists; reckless, hip, often offensive, always energetic. His essays, even when outrageous, are superbly written, his imagined lives of people intensely researched.”
— Telegraph (London) -
“Remarkable. [Mailer’s] a believer—in his own fashion…Here, he puts on the record his typically idiosyncratic beliefs.”
— Globe and Mail (Canada) -
“Thought-provoking…deliberate and expressive.”
— Rocky Mountain News -
“At once illuminating and exciting…a chance to see Mailer’s intellect as well as his lively conversational style of speech.”
— American Jewish Life
On God Listener Reviews
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" Mailer is a grump and seems to have a rather dim and narrow view of God, in my opinion. Interesting views but I didn't agree with many of them. I never got the sense he had much of a spiritual connection. "
— Carmen, 1/20/2014 -
" Abandoned mid-read because it wasn't quite was I was expecting...crazy old man. But still good. "
— Laura, 1/12/2014 -
" I started this book but there was no way I was finishing it. I did not like this book "
— Dianne, 12/5/2013 -
" Very interesting series of conversations on faith with feisty Norman Mailer. He has some interesting thoughts on the subject. Not for die-hard catholics... "
— Ceil, 12/1/2013 -
" Interesting perspectives and insights, "
— Mikal, 10/14/2013 -
" Norman Mailer's thoughts on god: "I feel no attachment, whatsoever, to organized religion. I see God, rather, as a Creator, as the greatest artist. I see human beings as His most developed artworks." "
— Godot0424, 8/24/2013 -
" this book made me temporarily lose my mind. you know, like, in a good way. "
— Caitlin, 10/9/2012 -
" This is a very interesting book, he has a very unique perspective on god and religon, while I don't agree on his view points I found it fascinating to read about. if you like reading about peoples different philosophies i'd recomend reading it. "
— Michelle, 8/26/2012 -
" Norman Mailer is usually awesome, but this book is a load of bullshit. I used it to start fires all winter. He acts like he and god are good ol pals who go out for cheeseburgers and beer once or twice a week. You senile son of a bitch! "
— Stephen, 8/17/2011 -
" I was greatly impressed with this book, more so than I thought. There is insight and thought and just an interesting perspective from one of America's premier authors. "
— Joe, 6/17/2011 -
" Interesting discussion. I found Mailer to be a bit flippant and presumptuous. Overall, it was a good read and it made me think. "
— Amy, 4/16/2011 -
" Norman Mailer is usually awesome, but this book is a load of bullshit. I used it to start fires all winter. He acts like he and god are good ol pals who go out for cheeseburgers and beer once or twice a week. You senile son of a bitch! "
— Stephen, 10/11/2010 -
" Mailer is a grump and seems to have a rather dim and narrow view of God, in my opinion. Interesting views but I didn't agree with many of them. I never got the sense he had much of a spiritual connection. "
— Carmen, 9/7/2008 -
" Very interesting series of conversations on faith with feisty Norman Mailer. He has some interesting thoughts on the subject. Not for die-hard catholics... "
— Ceil, 2/27/2008 -
" Interesting discussion. I found Mailer to be a bit flippant and presumptuous. Overall, it was a good read and it made me think. "
— Amy, 2/26/2008 -
" I was greatly impressed with this book, more so than I thought. There is insight and thought and just an interesting perspective from one of America's premier authors. "
— Joe, 2/3/2008 -
" Norman Mailer's thoughts on god: "I feel no attachment, whatsoever, to organized religion. I see God, rather, as a Creator, as the greatest artist. I see human beings as His most developed artworks." "
— Godot0424, 1/15/2008
About Norman Mailer
Norman Mailer (1923–2007) wrote more than thirty books, including The Naked and the Dead; The Armies of the Night, for which he won a National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize; The Executioner’s Song, for which he won his second Pulitzer Prize; Harlot’s Ghost; Oswald’s Tale; The Gospel According to the Son; and The Castle in the Forest. He was one of the cofounders of the Village Voice.
About the Narrators
Kent Bateman’s career spans forty years in theater, television, and film as an actor, singer, producer, director, writer, and narrator. He is also the recipient of several television and stage awards. 2007 marked his entry into audiobook narration with Blackstone Audio.
Malcolm Hillgartner is an accomplished actor, writer, and musician. Named an AudioFile Best Voice of 2013 and the recipient of several Earphones Awards, he has narrated over 250 audiobooks.