Change

By: Chris Selna

Narrated by: Ron Herczig

Robert Cavanaugh, a traveling salesman, wakes up in his bed to find himself transformed into a large insect. He looks around his room, which appears normal, and decides to go back to sleep to forget about what has happened. He attempts to roll over, only to discover that he cannot due to his new body - he is stuck on his hard, convex back. He tries to scratch an itch on his stomach, but when he touches himself with one of his many new legs, he is disgusted. What will happen when his parents and young sister discover his transformation?

©2014 Chris Selna (P)2015 Chris Selna

Critic reviews

"I've never heard so much emotion in an audiobook. His Boston accent hooked me. The story was heartbreaking but his voice was a pure joy." (the audiobook worm)

"hilarious…listeners will feel shock and even sadness." ( AudioFile)

Feeling the Emotional Pain & Confusion - Gripping!

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

From the first paragraph, this is a story that captures your attention. A human waking up as a bug and trying to figure out his new life while still concerning for his family and job - its very entertaining, and sad at times, to experience the evolution.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The family structure, while in some regards very banal, was easy to connect to. Then, to imagine what one might do in a similar situation having a beloved family member 'change' is interesting to ponder.

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

Ron's narration, with a Boston accent none the less, brings emotion and drama to the story. I like the depiction of the supervisor and the expecting demands of the job. The depiction was easy to connect and relate to.

Was Change worth the listening time?

For those that like a creative short(er) story - yes.

I loved both the book and the narration

What did you love best about Change?

I liked the flow of the book, and the unexpected interpretation

Which scene was your favorite?

The apple throwing scene had great action.

If you could take any character from Change out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Trina, the sister. She is very lively, and I would like to hear her play the violin.

Any additional comments?

great comedic timing

Truly unique and gripping!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, especially if you're looking for a new angle on a classic.

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

The reading is dramatic, but not overly so. The reader's accent and delivery sweeps you into the story, and you won't want to leave until the last virtual page.

Any additional comments?

What else has this narrator done? I'd like to hear more!

Inspired twist on a classic.

What made the experience of listening to Change the most enjoyable?

The emotional narration.

What did you like best about this story?

When he talks in the bug voice.

Have you listened to any of Ron Herczig’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No.

Any additional comments?

Loved the scene with the nasty supervisor.

Definitely worth it

What made the experience of listening to Change the most enjoyable?

The compassionate , moving, and tragicomic narration.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Origninal, heatbreaking and strangely transcendent-

Any additional comments?

Tour de force reading by Ron Herzig makes for a visceral and forgettable experience.

Phenomenal and Comedic Tragedy

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this book to friends and students alike. "Change" is an audiobook I would listen to with a group of friends sitting comfortably in front of the fireplace--or in a classroom studying drama or literature.

What did you like best about this story?

This story is riveting and entertaining. I like the theatrical narration best.

Which character – as performed by Ron Herczig – was your favorite?

Ron's performance made me fall in love with Robert.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Robert's speech to his family and supervisor captivated me.

Not just a reading - a true performance.

Would you listen to Change again? Why?

Yes. The material is both entertaining and complex, which means there is always something new or even revelatory to discover. The tour-de-force vocal performance adds a whole new dimension of engagement and appeal.

What about Ron Herczig’s performance did you like?

Mr. Herczig provides more than just a reading, it's a dramatic and comedic performance.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No.

Any additional comments?

A unique, virtuoso interpretation of a brilliant classic that belongs in the collection of anyone who covets deeply entertaining and interesting performance work.

a new twist on a classic story

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

The almost whimsical reading of this adaptation fits perfectly with the often misunderstood humor in Kafka's stories. What David Foster Wallace described as his "anti-subtle" funniness and "radical literalization of truths". For example, anyone who has had to work for 'The Man' can understand the expression of crawling on one's belly or having to 'eat sh*t' when on the job. In the story, Robert C. does this literally and the reading here captures the casual everyday irony of it perfectly. This book made me smile!

V. funny take on Kafka's Metamorphosis

What did you love best about Change?

I hadn't read the Metamorphosis since college and didn't recall much. It was great to get reacquainted with this classic and hear a fresh, hysterical interpretation.

What did you like best about this story?

It was scary, funny, sad. Perfect insights about lousy jobs, family politics and the human condition.

What about Ron Herczig’s performance did you like?

Totally over the top and under the bottom. Really brought out the humor. The blue-color Boston accent was well done.

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

The humor was contrasted with terror and poignancy. I laughed, felt sad. Gave me lots to think about.

Any additional comments?

Probably Kafka's most accessible book. I finished it off in two sittings.