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Tales of Wonder: Adventures Chasing the Divine: An Autobiography Audiobook
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(3.12) - 168 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
“In this delightful autobiography, Smith tells us how he became the dean of world religion experts. Along the way we meet the people who shaped him and shared his journey—a Who’s Who of 20th century spiritual America: the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., the Dalai Lama, Aldous Huxley, Timothy Leary, T.S. Eliot, Thomas Merton and Pete Seeger.... A valuable master class on faith and life.”
— San Francisco Chronicle Book Review
As Stephen Hawking is to science; as Peter Drucker is to economics; and as Joseph Campbell is to mythology; so Huston Smith is to religion. Tales of Wonder is the personal story of the author of the classic The World’s Religions, the man who taught a nation about the great faiths of the world, and his fascinating encounters with the people who helped shape the 20th century.
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"Though I give this five stars without hesitation, much of the reason I loved it so much is because I have already appreciated the author for quite some time, so reading his autobiography was significant for me. I'm not sure how good it would be if you didn't know his work. And some of you reading this would NOT like this book."
— Catherine (5 out of 5 stars)
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“Tales of Wonder brims with fascinating insights and tidbits.”
— Boston Globe -
“In this delightful autobiography, Smith tells us how he became the dean of world religions. Intellectual playfulness is definitely the spirit with which this book was written. Right to his final act, Smith is proving to be the consummate professor, giving us a valuable master class on faith and life.”
— San Francisco Chronicle Book Review -
“Smith parts the curtain on his past and says, “Look!” with the enthusiasm of a child—something he has not yet lost at age 90. The result is a joyous romp with a favorite uncle among holy places and mysticsthe most interesting of them the author of the book.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“Essential for students of religion and highly recommended for others as well.”
— Library Journal
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Tales of Wonder Listener Reviews
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" Even after reading his autobiography, I'm surprised I hadn't heard of Huston Smith. It sounds like his whole life would've fit right into the things I was reading about in college and after. Basically, he's a religious scholar who has explored the world's religions very open-mindedly while retaining his ties to Christianity. Very interesting take on everything - I wish there would have been a little more about his travels, but perhaps that's in one of his other books... "
— Turi, 1/13/2014 -
" Unexpected delight. It was a gift and I wasn't sure... His wife's name is Kendra "
— Kendra, 1/8/2014 -
" I came to this book through the Harvard Psychedelic Club. I'm usually not a huge fan of autobiography, but this was ok. Lots of pictures. I enjoyed thinking about what it must have been like to grow up in rural China in the 1920s. He definitely has had a fascinating life. Smith talks about a friend of his that did a pilgrimage on the west cost from Los Angeles to Ukiah. He took a vow of silence and it took him three years because for every third step they would bow down on the ground. I'm still somewhere between cool and totally crazy. "
— Catherine, 12/21/2013 -
" excellent, enjoyable, easy read; autobio of Huston Smith; very personal and engaging "
— Bob, 12/13/2013 -
" Considering the broadness of Huston Smith's experiences and travels, this is a book of surprisingly little consequence and meaning. But it's interesting enough to lead me to read most of it. "
— Evan, 10/29/2013 -
" Good book full of optimism, especially for us cynics. "
— Vance, 10/26/2013 -
" Reading for Pastor's book club. "
— Danielle, 7/28/2013 -
" Huston Smith is amazing. This is his autobiography, and (if you are interested in religion) you will wish you could live his life. "
— Paul, 4/23/2013 -
" It is a wonderful autobiography that really takes you into his life long deeply honest and searching quest for the spiritual way. I appreciate his other books all the more for having read this one. "
— Carol, 2/17/2013 -
" I loved this book. What an interesting man! I expected this book to be rather dull/dry and was pleasantly surprised by the delightful tales Smith shares with his readers. Recommended it to several friends. You don't even have to know who he is in order to love the book and find his life fascinating. "
— Ann, 2/17/2013 -
" such an amazing book, this guys life is just so amazing, when he studies religion, he studies it "
— James, 7/26/2012 -
" This was a beautiful life story of one of our most important teachers. I took many notes and listed some in my quotes section. Most importantly perhaps, I am inspired to really be and continue to become a lifelong seeker, thinker, and teacher. "
— Matthew, 5/17/2012 -
" Interesting survey of the world's religions. I enjoyed the read. "
— Mark, 1/14/2012 -
" I hold Huston Smith in high regard as an educator on the World's reiogions , so I enjoyed his autobiography. "
— Sue, 6/1/2011 -
" I truly enjoyed seeing the craft, as well as glimpsing the human frailities, of Huston Smith. I think both are very important, and I cried over his description of what he thinks happens when we die. Beautiful. "
— Susan, 5/9/2011 -
" I had the distinct honor of traveling with Huston the summer of 1984, and I only wished I'd taken even more time to discuss his ideas with him face to face. A delightful read about an amazing man! "
— Shelli, 4/2/2010 -
" I would give this book 3 1/2 stars if possible. I enjoyed the book and it has inspired me to look again at his other writings. This one read like a short introduction to his work. I wanted more depth and detail. "
— Carol, 1/15/2010
About Huston Smith
Huston Cummings Smith is among the preeminent religious studies scholars in the United States. His work, The Religions of Man (later revised and retitled The World's Religions), is a classic in the field, with over two million copies sold, and it remains a common introduction to comparative religion. In 1996, Bill Moyers devoted a five-part PBS special to Smith's life and work: The Wisdom of Faith with Huston Smith. Smith has also produced three series for public television: The Religions of Man, The Search for America, and (with Arthur Compton) Science and Human Responsibility. His films on Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism, and Sufism have all won awards at international film festivals.
About Michael McConnohie
Michael McConnohie has appeared in soap operas, cartoons, prime-time television, and on stage. His audiobook readings have ranged from true crime to history, biography, science, self-help, and poetry. He has seen much of the world as a supervisor of foreign versions of major American films and has written and directed English versions of many prominent foreign films. He believes that a good book is a friend you can visit over and over again and always enjoy the conversation.