Art in America

By: Ron McLarty

Narrated by: Ron McLarty

Author of the acclaimed novel The Memory of Running, Ron McLarty is an American original whose infectious prose will swiftly ensnare any reader. Art in America tells the story of unknown writer Steven Kearney, an aging man whose lifelong commitment to his art finally brings him to homelessness in NYC. Then miraculously he receives an invitation to become playwright in residence of a troubled Rocky Mountain town.©2008 Zaluma,LLC (P)2008 Recorded Books

Another great tale from Ron McLarty

Mr. McLarty is a master of characterization. His quirky, endearing characters come to life for me - I can both see and hear them as I read his words. He is also a truly gifted narrator. So I end up with the novel in two forms - printed and audible- first reading, then listening. The best of both worlds.
The book jacket has a review likening this novel to A Confederacy of Dunces and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. ACoD is one of my all-time favorite books, but there is no likeness between the two protagonists, other than large heads and weight. What the two novels do have in common is well-drawn characters, with many eccentricities. The allusion to OFOtCN befuddles me. There is no Nurse Ratched, no oppression, no cohersion. The only commonality I found between the three novels, is that they are very good reads.

Very entertaining

What did you love best about Art in America?

It's funny, touching, sad, insightful ~ very captivating.

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favorite character is Petey Myers, the Sheriff. A straight-forward guy who takes care of business in this crazy little town. I also loved Petey's partner, Reedy.

Any additional comments?

All the books by Ron McLarty are excellent choices.

Another amazing bit of Americana and redemption.

My only complaint with the author is that he’s not nor prolific. More please! Art in America is so engaging.

Ron McLarty is a True Genius

I love every book Ron Mc Larry has ever written. There just are not enough of them. He is also a wonderful performer of audiobooks. However, I wish he would read less, and write more. His characters are recognizable, and the plots make me feel good. He is probably my favorite author and audiobook performer. Reading his own books, only makes them better.

Apple Dumpling Gang for Adults

Would you listen to Art in America again? Why?

Absolutely, sure I missed some parts. There are so many unforgetable characters both city and country.

What did you like best about this story?

I "knew" so many of the people who lived in this tale. Mr. McLarty made them live. While many were drawn large, I still came away understanding them and their point of view. He did write them large and I laughed over so many of the situations, I love Ron McLarty's characters and Steven Kearney is every wanna be published writer. His triumph in writing a published play was our triumph.
Sheriff Petey is the law envorcement many of us hope is out there on our side. Mountain Man got himself into a pickle and worked his way out of it learning a lot about himself in the process. It takes a lot of guts to change direction,. I loved the true affection that many of the committed to each other characters had for one another. Then there were the protesters who were genuinely true to their own belief. I felt such compassion for Sandy the bomber even as I pulled for her to get caught. She was so pitiful. Ron McLarty gets carried away some times but in the end I feel like I am listening to an Aople Dumpling Gang with adult themes.

What does the narrator bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I heard every one and did not have to wonder who they were. Again, Steven Kearny was so clueless much of the time and his voice reflected it.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed so many times and did not cry. Listened several times to different parts to enjoy the humor.

Any additional comments?

Absolutely anyone who has worked in Planning or has any interest in the environment will grasp this book. Our area of PA is currently involved in what I call Gas Wars. The oil and gas industry is here to extract natural gas from the ground. We have the furs, and a-gins and they are so much like Mr. McLarty's characters. I am sure this is what has given me such pleasure in listening to Art In America. Only wish we could solve our neighborhood spats this easily. Planners on the Audible membership list should at least give this one a try.

great author.

I highly recommend reading all of his work. wonderful that he narrates his own stories.

Couldn't get through this one. Love his other work

What would have made Art in America better?

a faster pace. I really tried to get into it but couldn't.

Would you ever listen to anything by Ron McLarty again?

I've actually love his other books. I couldn't put down "The Memory of Running" or "The Dropper". They are two of my favorite books and I highly recommend them.

What aspect of the narrator’s performance would you have changed?

His tone seemed sleepy which made me sleepy which is not good since i listen when I drive.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

um...the cover is pretty....although i listened to it so I don't have a physical cover.

Any additional comments?

I'll try listening to this one again just because I really do love Mr. McLarty's other work. I'll update this when I do.

Only if you REALLY enjoy profanity

McLarty is a gifted narrator, and I enjoyed his earlier book, The Memory of Running; however I couldn't get past the first 10 minutes of Art In America. The author's use of the f-word is so overbearing and gratuitous that I felt assaulted. Maybe the story shapes up, but the shabby, repetitious writing made me lose interest. My advice: don't bother unless you REALLY like hearing the f-word a LOT. It's a shame, because McLarty is a good enough writer that he doesn't have to resort to this tactic.

Disappointed

I did not enjoy the book for the most part. Too complicated. I usually identify with his characters but this really gets too complicated for me.

I enjoyed his other two books much more.