61 Comments
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Melanie Morgan's avatar

I didn’t expect to listen to all of this - I’m trying to get to the store before the world cuts loose The start of my day - but I realized midway how connected I felt, and what a blessing that is for the start of my day.

Cathy Marie Michael's avatar

I don’t enjoy reading, therefore having discovered audiobooks feels like a new adventure! These 75 year-old eyes tire easily while reading the written word.

Thanks for your explanation. Now I understand why I discard many of these audiobooks just a short while after starting them and why lately I have been drawn only toward books read by their author.

I can’t wait to get a hold of yours

Lorraine Yamin's avatar

As a teacher of people with dyslexia, this conversation about hearing and visualizing text is incredibly relevant and deeply appreciated. Essentially, it is about comprehending; encoding, processing and recalling what has been "read", even when the text is being accessed through auditory vs. visual means. Thank you for caring to share this experience.

Anand Giridharadas's avatar

Thanks, Lorraine! That perspective is so interesting

Paula B.'s avatar

I am so excited about your book and your audiobook, Anand! I have already ordered the paper book, but now I want the audiobook as well. I must say that your enthusiasm and deep caring are infectious and so inspiring. I have written many books myself, and I know exactly what you're going through. It's joyful and terrifying and life-affirming and so many other things. And yes, I do care about the details of audiobook production--they're so fascinating. (I turned only one of my books into an audiobook; I hired an actor who is amazing and wonderful and perfect for my book, and that process was much the way you're describing because he needed to ask a lot of questions about the characters and the story.) I cannot wait to read and listen and I intend to tell all my friends about your wonderful work.

Lucybear's avatar

I can't wait to get my book! I pre-ordered it… The audio will be a treat, especially since you will be the reader. Thank you so much for your generous spirit.

Carol's avatar

Interesting video and I look forward to "reading" your audiobook. I recently learned the difference between narrating and performing the reading of a book. Tom Hanks "performed" The Dutch House" by Ann Patchett. He really made the story come alive!! Good luck on your venture.....

Betsy Wolfston's avatar

Appreciation for the gifted artist you are and for sharing your talents with us.

From your writings, to your beautiful voice, to your mind, to your hair, to your pink wall filled with books, to your tender heart sharing your children’s thoughts.

Thank you.

You are a living piece of poetry needed for these times🙏🥹🥰

Alisia Grenville's avatar

Congratulations!!! Anand, I am so happy for you and thrilled. Looking forward to reading and listening. Xoxo

Diane Magnussen's avatar

You have become a sort of still point for me I don’t know if that’s the right term, maybe an orientatng presence, and I don’t miss anything you write or record here, you are the one person‘s writing or speaking or interviewing that I don’t let pass me by —because the world and my own life are so confusing and confounding, Your grounded brilliance, and warmth help settle my confusion and open my perspective and understanding. Plus, I love that you let us into your daily life and beautiful relationship with your son, plus on top of it I can’t read very well due to very early in life brain injury, so audio and audiobooks are my way into writing and books. I do deeply long for reading, but having this alternative of audio brings me into the world and allows a feeling of belonging. And also again, as somebody who listens to audiobooks your window into that world is fascinating, thank you for sharing..

The gratitude is reciprocal. Did anyone see Project Hail Mary? The scene where Rocky rolls his hands to indicate not just you, but” you and me.” I feel myself wanting to do that now, roll my hands and say: you and us.

Eva Scazzero's avatar

Wow! Fascinating to learn what goes on behind the scenes

Clare Nolan's avatar

I so agree with everything you stated in your video. Thank you for sharing with and validating us. You always teach me something I hadn’t thought about before.

Jan's avatar

Wow! So cool! Thanks for telling us about the process, and for sharing your personal story with Orion. My cousin, who grew up loving and reading books is a huge fan of audio. I’ve never really tried one, but I think I will listen to Man In The Mirror since you’re narrating it. Still getting my signed copy, though! Finally, it’s so nice to be appreciated. I’m grateful you feel, as I do, that The Ink community is unique and special! I appreciate the time you took to connect with us. Good luck with your narration.

Nina's avatar

Thank you letting us into your experience. I found myself loving your audio for this update, especially the creaky chair when you moved. Perhaps it’s not, but in my mind it’s an old wooden chair with character, and I love the lack of perfection, that your movements move the chair, and we can’t see it, but we can hear it. Is it an old chair with character? Now I am curious.

Claudette Azevedo's avatar

Thank you for sharing such a beautiful and intimate moment that you had with Orion.

Claudette Azevedo's avatar

I love the whole idea of “letting names breathe.”

Kaethe Weingarten's avatar

I love the anecdote about Orion. Believe it or not, I am relieved that Priya's book is coming out three weeks before yours because I have been wondering how you re going to manage September -- the beginning of the school year -- with both of you on tour. I guess the tours will be staggered? Are you and Priya talking with your children about what it is like reading your books? Does she have Paula Parker also?

Anand Giridharadas's avatar

LOL our fall is going to be a beautiful mess! We will have to let you know how it goes. Hopefully with minimal wreckage and maximum chaotic joy. Yes, we talk to the children about all of our work and share as much as they can understand. They seem interested and then ask for ice cream

Kaethe Weingarten's avatar

chaotic joy: a perfect oxymoron. Thank you!

Claudette Azevedo's avatar

Yes! It really is perfect.