The Magnificent Ambersons Audiobook

" A classic and one of the most interesting books I've ever read. It's a story that has stuck with me for years. I'd highly recommend this book. "

" Interesting and thoughtful protrayal of aristocrats coming to terms with mediocrity. "

" I enjoyed this story. Parts about urban sprawl made me think of my own Some of the insults used in the book certainly wouldn't have been known to be insults since they are certainly period related. A worthwhile read. "

" Reminiscent of Great Gatsby; fall from prosperity of a heartbreaking-ly spoiled child and subsequent rise into decency. "

" The writing kept me engaged more than the story, at first, because the main character is so arrogant. The story takes an unexpected turn, though, and the main character becomes more interesting. The use of a medium as a plot device, though, made the ending less satisfying to me --her role was unnecessary and contrived, not to mention creepy. Still better than most modern novels! "

" I really think it was a good book thought nothing really happened in the book. "

" The book was written in the early '20s but the themes are not dated. Experience is a great teacher, over indulgence of children is not good for their character, forgiveness is soul satisfying. Forgiveness is such an easy concept until we are called upon to use it. The value of an individual based on stratification of who has money in society is a worthless measure of judgment. "

" An excellent picture of a midwestern city growing and yet declining at the same time with the comimng of the industrialization of the United States is somewhat spoiled by a rather lame ending. The author forces a saccherine redemption onto the main character, who had been a prize ass for three-quarters of the story. Other major characters are unbelievable in their goodness. However, the mother and many of the minor characters are completely believable. A mixed bag here. You may like it, or it may be a wall-banger for you. "

" Story of a family going into decline as the town outgrows them. "

" very good - not a very sympathetic "hero" but engaging account of wealthy and powerful dynasty in decline "

" This is the 2nd PPW for 1919. Captures the times very well, filled with great color. "

" (Quick review, will update later) Won the Pulitzer Prize for the Novel in 1919. "

" This book won Pulitzer Prize for Novel in 1919. It truly is a masterpiece. "

" Interesting to learn about how time and change affect a town and a prominent family. "

" Uncle George has a great talk with Georgie about gossip. One of the best passages I have ever read. Man Georgie really got his in the end. "

" This was written in 1916 and is the second in a Trilogy. It follows three generations of a well-to-do family through their demise. The theme is one of obsession with class and possessions and is predictable. I'm sure this was revolutionary in it's time but is tiresome today. "

" I can always appreciate a book where I hate the main character. Georgie, you suck! "

" An excellent picture of a midwestern city growing and yet declining at the same time with the comimng of the industrialization of the United States is somewhat spoiled by a rather lame ending. The author forces a saccherine redemption onto the main character, who had been a prize ass for three-quarters of the story. Other major characters are unbelievable in their goodness. However, the mother and many of the minor characters are completely believable. A mixed bag here. You may like it, or it may be a wall-banger for you. "

" Seriously...this book just about killed me! Between the rambling and unlikable characters I seriously wanted to cry. Not a favorite, clearly! "

" Another Pulitzer read. Didn't really find any redeeming qualities in this book. The main character was a jerk, the mother enabled his selfish behavior, the "romance" had no chemistry and the girl realized he was a jerk but dated him anyway. Then at the end he unbelievably completely turns his life around and becomes a good person? Some of the same themes as Alice Adams, but at least she was a more sympathetic character. Again, I just feel like the themes are too strong and the characters are so over done that they are almost caricatures. It would have been great if we had read this in high school - don't think I would have had any trouble writing an essay about it, but not my idea of a good novel. "

" Reminiscent of Great Gatsby; fall from prosperity of a heartbreaking-ly spoiled child and subsequent rise into decency. "

" I didn't realize what a great book this is until the last word. This book was not at all about the Ambersons, but a much greater family. "

" This was surprisingly a very good book. It reminded me of Emma a lot, but all in all, a quick and easy read. "

" the aspect that had to do with the automobile's effects on the city were the best part. it kept me entertained, despite being a bit corny at times. the ending could have been better. "

" Fantastic and at times cynical look at the growth of the Midwestern city at the turn of the 19th century. One of three stories in Growth collection (along with The Turmoil and National Avenue). "

" The Magnificent Ambersons is perhaps The "American" Novel. "

" A real microcosmic view of New York City close to the turn of the century and the people who inhabited it. "

" The ending frustrated me..so oft is the case in life:) "

" He got his come-uppance, in the end. "

" Good story of family wealth, reputation, and the recklessness that takes all that away from the Ambersons. Don't think I need to read part 1 and 3 of this trilogy though. "

" Story of a family going into decline as the town outgrows them. "

" Story of brash, spoiled rich kid meanders a little, but the plot is original. Mystical ending makes a poignant statement about love. "

" How did I miss this Pulitzer Prize winner all these years? In addition to the excellent characters and plot lines, the thought provoking themes made this a worthwhile and enjoyable read. "

" Read this because it was on a list from Powell's. Interesting look at what happens when people choose not to change with the times ( even if those times were 100 years ago) "

" So good, but so sad. "

" Tarkington once voted the greatest living novelist - while Joyce and Proust were in their heyday "

" This was an excellantly written story of how the old world got left behind by the new industrial age. It is about how who you are became less important than what you do. a fun read "

" This is the 2nd PPW for 1919. Captures the times very well, filled with great color. "

" Glad I finally read something from this fellow Hoosier. "

" Totally stupid ending to a wonderful story. "

" I didn't realize what a great book this is until the last word. This book was not at all about the Ambersons, but a much greater family. "

" Pulitzer Prize #3. Having things and doing things seem to be mutually exclusive at the turn of the last century. Also, don't love your children for the sake of their existence, but for their actions. Otherwise, they will be horrible and selfish. "

" He got his come-uppance, in the end. "

" He got his come-uppance, in the end. "

" Interestingly, both this book (second Pulitzer awarded) and the first Pulitzer winner contained, as a major plot point, a character being run over by an automobile. I feel like that's a sign of the times. It must have been a relatively common occurrence. "

" Interestingly, both this book (second Pulitzer awarded) and the first Pulitzer winner contained, as a major plot point, a character being run over by an automobile. I feel like that's a sign of the times. It must have been a relatively common occurrence. "

" This novel is the story of a family and a town, tracing the fall from magnificence of the Amberson family, which coincides with the growth and industrialization of the town. "

" This novel is the story of a family and a town, tracing the fall from magnificence of the Amberson family, which coincides with the growth and industrialization of the town. "