Herbie

By: Rich Cohen

Narrated by: Rich Cohen

Every life reaches that crucial intersection, the place where you must choose your fate, or have it chosen for you. For best-selling author Rich Cohen (The Fish That Ate the Whale, The Last Pirate of New York), it came in a writing workshop senior year in college, when, at 17, he had to knuckle under to a ruthless professor or make a righteous, self-defeating stand.

The story of that decision and the resulting struggle takes us from the winter streets of Chicago to the candy-colored bars of New Orleans to the glory of late 20th century Manhattan, while raising certain fundamental questions: What’s the difference between constructive and destructive criticism? What can a father do to help his child and when has he gone too far? Is it worth telling a bully to f--k off even if it may determine the direction of the rest of your life?

You will meet indelible characters along the way, especially Herbie, the author’s father (author of the classic business book You Can Negotiate Anything) who wears two watches, one on each wrist, because, as he says, "A man with one watch thinks he knows the time, while a man with two watches can never be sure."

At once funny and serious, this story is perfect for any parent wanting to help their kids find their way in the world, or for any kid who just wants to be free.

©2019 Rich Cohen (P)2019 Audible Originals, LLC.

Bad Dad

Rich Cohen’s story pulled me in with every story within a story and another story. I was mouthing the word of the poem, YES it was a poem, as he spoke it clearly to the “professor.” I loved the grit and quiet determination of his “bad dad” who I believe is the hero rightfully hunting those people killing Jews in the Holocaust. That “bad dad” was the best ever. He knew what he was up against in New Orleans. He knew the fight had to continue until he wore them out. It’s a fight that must continue today.

Truly relatable and entertaining

As a daughter of a crazy father who isn't even Jewish I deeply connect with the writer as he explains the narcissistic personality and suffocating love of his overprotective father who is both half there and half overly there.

My own father recently suffered of a heart attack and had to have a pacemaker installed had been constantly exercising starving himself thinking that his weight was causing his shortness of breath what in fact it was his heart which was probably worn out from all the intense feelings that he has every day of his life.

The explanation of how it feels to have a minor concussion by like getting hit in the head with a cow.brought me back to a moment when I was hypnotized at the State Fair that days confused feeling that followed for a week or so afterwards where I was slightly confused and at the same time pleasantly happy.

The author is truly talented able to put into words feelings that I had never even thought about out loud what a wonderful gift I really enjoyed the story and I look forward to more from the author.

Worth the 2 hours

Honestly this book was short, but overall worth the listen. I’m not sure how to explain it but I’d only give it a 4 star instead of 5. One of those books that just seems to be missing that little touch of something but I couldn’t say what.

A gorgeous American tale

Beautifully crafted and delivered. An unexpected joy. Hilarious and poignant. Review requires five more words.

did not know if I needed to laugh or cry

now I know how it feels to be a student in my class. one needs grit, humor and endurance to get through school in any major. some good lessons for students and professors alike. good job Rich, we are listening!

Brilliant!!

This story and its writing is absolutely genius! Cohen has managed to take you through this incredible story that entertains you, challenges you and puts you there with him—against the “jellied” professor (so spine, but has a dangerous sting) and weaves a tapestry of his father and his relationship for the father to intervene. Unbelievable! Keep on writing Rich! Joyful and insightful stuff!!

wonderful

wonderful why is wonderful not enough you have to be kidding me no more reviews

A New York boy does good story

Herbie is an example of the line from Hamilton, "Immigrants, we get the job done". He came off the Yiddish streets of New York to give guidance to the leaders of America's top corporations. His boyhood friends climbed with him to become some of the best known characters of his generation.
His story is lovingly told by by his son who has had quite a journey of his own.

Written & Reads like a race.

Herbie was clearly written & reads like a race. What I find most intriguing about this work is the pace of it. It's goes at breath taking speed. It's a refreshing piece on life going by in that unstoppable manner.

writing interview

This was a cute story but it didn't really focus on the father; it seemed more like a writing interview for a job. It's more like 3.5 stars.