From the author of The Memory of Running-a beautifully crafted story of a man who returns home to discover the truth about his past Featuring the warmth and authenticity that made The Memory of Running such a major success, Traveler wraps a beautifully written ode to friendship within a compelling mystery. Jono Riley is an aging bartender and part-time actor in Manhattan who is compelled to return to the working-class neighborhoods of East Providence, where he came of age with his three best friends in the early 1960s. Jono is drawn into an attempt to solve the mystery of several shootings that occurred back then. As the surprising truth emerges, Jono is forced to come to terms with a past that is not quite what he remembers, even as he makes new resolutions in the present.
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"I like Ron Mclarty's writing, that's why after finishing his first book, I borrowed this one immediately. He didn't disappoint me. The style is still similar, but more interesting with a mystery. Nevertheless, the main character having almost similar background (grew up in East Providence, joined the army, sent to and wounded in Vietnam) kind of bores me a little bit. And I don't like the ending very much, may be he had not gone in depth in the feeling of Bobby's, not sure exactly how to explain. Anyway, it's still a good book."
— Sandy (4 out of 5 stars)
" A wonderful book that shares the joy of boyhood friendships in 1950s-1960s. Also reenters the world of immigrant families: Dagos, Micks, Portagee... "
— Kaeli, 2/8/2014" Interesting read -- the protagonist is about my age. The story goes back and forth between significant events during his school years and his life today. Several "mysteries" are answered at the end, but not in neat and "happily ever after way," which would out of sync with the story (and life). Well written and I will definetly watch for other books by him. "
— Shar, 2/8/2014" I did not think this was as good as his first novel but an entertaining read nonetheless. He's more of a story teller than a writer. "
— Art, 2/7/2014" Ron McLarty's (of East Providence) second book following The memory of running (which I didn't read). The main character is an actor/bartender who returns to EP after the death of a childhood friend. Through some confusing flashbacks, the reader finds out all about the close group of friends and how they grew up (or didn't). The thing that really bothered me was that he called what is really Slater Park Goddard Park. Why would he confuse Pawtucket with East Greenwich? "
— Deb, 2/4/2014" Great characterisation and narrative voice, as in 'The Memory of Running', less-than-great plot. "
— Riem, 1/25/2014" Great read...all takes place in East Providence, Rhode Island (where i lived once). Really stays with you and I couldnt put it down. "
— Lkgallop, 1/24/2014" I believe this book was not as great as his previous book "The Memory of Running: A Novel", nevertheless is was ok, nothing special. Once you are done reading you have this empty feeling as something was missing from the story. This book could have been a short story Definitely not a novel. "
— Umlaut, 1/19/2014" I listened to this on CD. I thought it was very interesting and enjoyed the mystery. The "traveler" is a bullet. "
— Judy, 12/26/2013" Easy read. A bit of mystery, a bit of love story. Full of east coast Irish,Italian friendships. "
— Pam, 12/24/2013" This was another audiobook. I liked this story better than 'The Memory of Running' by the same author. I still think his narration is what I like best though. "
— Dawn, 12/7/2013" Another gentle McLarty protagonist relives his vivid childhood and adolescence while trying to come to terms with who or what he has become. A compelling read. "
— Garth, 11/29/2013" I just love this guys writing! It takes me back to Rhode Island every time. He is about 10 years before me, but it had not changed much from his time to mine. This is not as good as MEMORY OF RUNNING, but it keeps you entertained and interested. I look forward to more from him! "
— Charlie, 10/12/2013" Listen to it. Really liked the author reading his own work. "
— Mlmusick, 9/17/2013" A good mystery, interesting characters, flashing back to the 50's and 60's, my era! "
— Susan, 9/7/2013" Sometimes disturbing but often intriguing and always entertaining. "
— Brian, 7/14/2013" Enjoyed the book - great plot with several surprises; uses the flashback tool to tell the decades-old story of the main character. "
— Dianne, 3/13/2013" listened to this on audio book on the way to Iowa, I took "Naked Lunch" out to listen to this,good thing I rented two from the library. "
— Chamie, 3/5/2013" The audio version is not listed here, I listened to the book that was narrated by the author. I'm not usually a fan of author/narrators, but McClarty is a narrator turned author and his reading of his books is usually spot on. I really liked this book, I usually like his books. "
— Mum, 7/27/2012" I loved this book, almost more than In the Memory of Running (which I didn't think was possible). "
— Angela, 5/28/2012" another good book to read by the pool! "
— Sherwestonstec, 4/21/2012" This wasn't as good as The Memory of Running, but I still liked it. The author is a very good writer. "
— H, 2/9/2012" Enjoyed this one so much, I read it twice! "
— Elizabeth, 6/3/2011" Aging not so successful NY actor/bartender returns to the working class Providence of his youth seeking answers to the shooting that belatedly killed his first love. Well written, evocative of a time, place, and boys and girls of the early 1960's. "
— Barbara, 5/29/2011" I absolutely LOVE Ron McLarty as a narrator. If you're going to "read" his works, better to listen to him narrating his stuff. I really enjoyed this story, with the flashbacks to his childhood friendships. "
— Maria, 5/14/2011" Next Maynard Book Club read "
— Collette, 4/7/2011" Great characterisation and narrative voice, as in 'The Memory of Running', less-than-great plot. "
— Riem, 12/4/2010" A good mystery, interesting characters, flashing back to the 50's and 60's, my era! "
— Susan, 11/11/2010" This book started out slow but it was one of those that I was glad I stuck through it for. Great ending. "
— Sarah, 10/22/2010" I love coming of age stories. This was mainly about the guys, but very insightful and interesting. "
— Dayne, 10/12/2010" McLarty is a great narrator. I liked the authentic voice of his character Jono and the descriptions <br/>of childhood friends & memories. The plot took an odd twist that I wasn't sure I liked. "
— Susan, 8/24/2010" listened to this on audio book on the way to Iowa, I took "Naked Lunch" out to listen to this,good thing I rented two from the library. "
— Chamie, 5/29/2010" The story was alright, but it moved along rather slowly. "
— Katy, 4/27/2010" Lots of father/son stuff. altho not w/out a bit of humor, quite sad. Growing up's sometimes hard. Good descriptions, esp of the pumpkin head "
— Mary, 2/7/2010" Sometimes disturbing but often intriguing and always entertaining. "
— Brian, 11/1/2009Ron McLarty is a veteran actor of television, film, and stage as well as an award-winning audiobook narrator. He has more than 100 television appearances to his credit, including as a series regular on Spencer for Hire and Law & Order. His film career began in 1977 with a performance in The Sentinel and continued with such films as The Postman, Flamingo Kid, and, most recently, How Do You Know? His stage credits include Broadway and other productions. He has narrated more than 100 audiobooks, earning nine Earphones Awards and recognition by AudioFile magazine as a Best Voice in Mystery & Suspense in 2009 and 2010. He has twice been a finalist for the prestigious Audie Awards and then won the award in 2001 for Best Mystery Narration. He is also an accomplished playwright and an acclaimed novelist.