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  • The Memory of Running

  • By: Ron McLarty
  • Narrated by: Ron McLarty
  • Length: 13 hrs and 17 mins
  • 4.2 out of 5 stars (31 ratings)

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The Memory of Running cover art

The Memory of Running

By: Ron McLarty
Narrated by: Ron McLarty
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Summary

Award-winning actor and playwright Ron McLarty is well known for his audiobook performances. What fewer people realize is that he's also an accomplished author. In this wonderfully quirky novel, available exclusively as an audiobook, McLarty takes readers on a quest to find hope and redemption with an unlikely hero.

Smithson Ide is 43 years old and weighs 279 pounds when his parents die in an accident. Lost in memories of childhood, Smithson uncovers his old Raleigh bicycle in the garage and begins a cross-country journey to find his beautiful, but tragically psychotic sister. Keenly aware of how ridiculous he must appear, Smithson nonetheless perseveres through a journey that is hilarious and horrifying. It is a trip, he soon realizes, that might provide his last chance to become the person he has always wanted to be.
©2002 Ron McLarty (P)2002 Recorded Books, LLC
Action & Adventure Family Life Literature & Fiction
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Critic reviews

"Ron McLarty's The Memory of Running is the best novel you won't read this year. But you can experience it, and I'm all but positive that you'll thank me for the tip if you do....What I hope is that you'll order a copy and experience it for yourself....It's bighearted and as satisfying as one of your mom's home-cooked Sunday dinners." (Stephen King, Entertainment Weekly)

What listeners say about The Memory of Running

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for sarahmoose2000

Just Fantastic

I cannot recommend this enough to everyone, it's the most heartwarming book I've ever listened to. You will take Smithy close to your heart and be upset when it's finished.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for A. Wolff

What an enjoyable 15 hours

I've just finished listening to this book and feel bereft.
It was lovely.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for AvidReader

American Small Town 1960

Found the characters frustrating and annoying. The overt 'Americanism' was just too much for me. Made it to chapter 7 and couldn't listen anymore. Just wasn't my 'cup of tea.'

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