I Wonder as I Wander

An Autobiographical Journey

By: Langston Hughes, Arnold Rampersad

Narrated by: Dominic Hoffman

In I Wonder as I Wander, Langston Hughes vividly recalls the most dramatic and intimate moments of his life in the turbulent 1930s.

His wanderlust leads him to Cuba, Haiti, Russia, Soviet Central Asia, Japan, Spain (during its Civil War), through dictatorships, wars, revolutions. He meets and brings to life the famous and the humble, from Arthur Koestler to Emma, the Black Mammy of Moscow. It is the continuously amusing, wise revelation of an American writer journeying around the often strange and always exciting world he loves.

©1956 Langston Hughes (P)2011 Random House

Very listenable

Where does I Wonder as I Wander rank among all the audiobooks you???ve listened to so far?

I like non-fiction. This audiobook ranks in the top 10 I have heard. The narration is excellent, and the story moves from one interesting story to another.

What other book might you compare I Wonder as I Wander to and why?

I was reminded of my recent listen, Winston Churchill. The time frame was similar, which is to me a worthy era of history. I did not know anything about Langston Hughes. This audiobook broadened my perspective.

Have you listened to any of the narrator???s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, I have not listened to any of the narrator`s other performances. He did well in conveying the voice of Langston Hughes.

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

Harlem was in vogue.

Any additional comments?

The story prompted me to frequently wonder, ``What drove Langston Hughes to wander as he did??` This was a great study in character.

I wandered...

I wandered all over the world with Langston Hughes. what a pleasure it was!!!! Great narration voice too.

Love Langston

Everything about his story, his life and the choices he made are captured completely in his work. What I enjoy most about Langston is his humor in situations and how he overcomes adversity with intellect.

Wa'dione

Sometimes you're on the edge of your seat! (Worth it)

This was incredibly inspiring. I had no idea things like this were going on. Highly recommended for persons with a wanderlust. So many of us want to work remotely like Langston did. This book really breaks the stereotypes of the typical African American in the 1900s. Also, very cool to hear him talk about places you've been before during a time you probably missed!

wondrous autobiography by Langston Hughes

Suspenseful, informative, sensitive, humanistic, unusual commentaries and observations of 1930's in Russia, China, Japan, Mexico, Spain, and Jim Crow America by an amazing poet and writer

Langston Hughes wonderful journey.

I have always wanted to know more about one of my all time favorite writers lift. This was definitely the book to read to get to know him, travel and see what he experienced, who he met, and how the unspoiled life of a writer used his vision and talent to bridge that gap in our minds of other people, cultures and whatever human blocks we dream up for ourselves.

Amazing Book!!!!

I’m not a big reader of personal biographies, my books of choice are sci-fi and end-of-world story lines. However, I took a literature class in my early years in college and Langston Hughes was one of many authors that were identified in our text book. His poem “I,too, sing America” was one that I remember because of its deeper meaning, especially to Black Americans. This book gave me a deeper appreciation of how he saw the world and how his upbringing never hindered his youthful and adventurous sprit. Great audiobook!!!!!

Fascinating early life world travels !!

Very good biography of Langston Hughes' early life travels around the world, written in a vivid and engrossing style. He had an amazing life, crossing paths with everyone from Madame Chiang Kai-Shek, to Niña De Los Peines, to Ernest Hemmingway, to Diego Rivera. Excellent description of life in Depression era (pre-WWII) Russia.

the historical events

I enjoy this reading. There was alot of information on the war overseas in 1938 that I found interesting

The Writer

Would you consider the audio edition of I Wonder as I Wander to be better than the print version?

Cannot say, didn't read the print version. But, I can say that the Narrator was the book most enjoyable to listen to. His voice never wavered and, though I've read several books, his narrating, by far, was excellent.

What was one of the most memorable moments of I Wonder as I Wander?

The incredible journey throughout Russia and beyond.

Which scene was your favorite?

There were several scenes that were moving - i.e., leaving home for Florida and Haiti, traveling abroad, returning to Mexico, home and returning, once again, across the water to Paris - all were moving. Though he had little money, he had fun and met so many wonderful and gracious people along the way. The last chapter made an excellent notation: Mr. Hugest stated he wanted to be a professional writer, travel, meet people and view main events. I felt like I witnessed and viewed them with him.

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

I think it was the timeline. My mother often shared stories of the 30s; and hearing this fabulous book, made me feel like I was living it with the author.

Any additional comments?

I had heard of Mr. Langston Hughes and his fabulous poetry; this book, however, was beyond anything I'd ever thought or read. It should be a must read for all.
Great, GrEaT BOOK!!