Lit

A Memoir

By: Mary Karr

Narrated by: Mary Karr

Length: 12 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

Lit follows Mary Karr's descent into the inferno of alcoholism and madness - and her astonishing resurrection. Karr's longing for a solid family seems secure when her marriage to a handsome, Shakespeare-quoting poet produces a son they adore. But she can't outrun her apocalyptic past. She drinks herself into the same numbness that nearly devoured her charismatic but troubled mother, reaching the brink of suicide. A hair-raising stint in "The Mental Marriott" awakens her to the possibility of joy, and leads her to an unlikely faith.

Lit is about getting drunk and getting sober; becoming a mother by letting go of a mother; learning to write by learning to live. It is a truly electrifying story of how to grow up - as only Mary Karr can tell it.

©2009 Mary Karr (P)2010 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

"Astonishing....One of the most dazzling and moving memoirs to come along in years." (Michiko Kakutani, New York Times)

Dark and Real

Mary’s voice adds to the exhaustive reality of an all too common life. I resonate so much with her story of a life begun in the American south. Alcohol is insidious and almost impossible to avoid. It colors a life like bright red blood that dries into a dark red, ugly stain.

Strong Memoir & Fantastic Narration by Mary Karr!

If you could sum up Lit in three words, what would they be?

Compelling. Interesting. Honest.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved how this story didn't just discuss Karr's alcohol addiction, but also how she made her way as a writer and author during this time. You didn't just get "Lit" in regards to being drunk, but also in regards to "literary." I found that aspect of her early life as a writer even more interesting than her addiction.

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

Having Mary Karr read her own story really gave me a sense of place and person. Mary's voice, with its slight southern accent, really added to the nuances of the words and narration. I feel as if I got so much more out of this listening to her read her memoir to me than to read it myself. It was so compelling, I'd find myself doing chores around the house just so I could keep listening to it in on my iPod!

Any additional comments?

If you like a good story by someone who isn't afraid to share it all, to show herself in an unflattering light, and appreciate the writer's life, you'll love this.

Wow!

I enjoyed this book so much!!! I was not familiar with Ms. Karr prior to listening to this book and as a Syracuse native, I was to find out that she’s practically in my own back yard! I enjoyed her humorous approach, sarcastic candor and just overall real-ness. She tells her story in such a way that it makes you feel like you were there for each situation or encounter that she describes. It’s a long but fantastic listen!

moving

wonderfully narrated by the author. thoughtful and funny. one of my favorite reads so far.

I thought it was kinda whiny and fake.

Would you try another book from Mary Karr and/or Mary Karr?

No, I don't think I'll try another book by Mary Karr. I mistakenly thought this was the memoir of an average Jane who overcame struggles with alcoholism, but she is a professional memoirist and a college prof to boot. If you take away all the literary fluff the book would be about 6 or 7 hours long. I actually wish I could personally call her and ask for my money back and tell her I think she is a big fake. Due to the fact that she is a professional I kept wondering if she was just hyping up her alcoholism and after about 3 minutes of her admittance into the mental hospital she is complaining about being there like some angsty kid.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Her narration was flat and unenethusastic, I thought it was whiny because she doesn't sound thankful at all for her success.

Excellent

Mary Carr’s style of writing and storytelling grabs the readers instantly, taking us from tears to laughter to introspection, all in one short paragraph. Pure joy to have her narrate.

Excellent

Loved this just as I loved her previous memoirs :) definitely recommend listening to or reading !

More than just an alcoholic tale

I loved Mary Karr's other two memoirs (which I read in print)and was so excited to see this one out and in her own voice. She explores this time using small moments which she captures so well- Her prose are poetically descriptive. She is brutally honest about her alcoholism without dwelling so much on the gore of her drinking. I found myself identifying with her as a modern mother and wife but you don't have to either to appreciate this story. She does talk about finding god which I thought would be annoying but really wasn't.

Very True Thoughts in the Life of Addiction

Would you consider the audio edition of Lit to be better than the print version?

I enjoyed the audible version

Who was your favorite character and why?

Mary Karrs Mother, She was eccentric and had the biology to make an eccentric child

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

I laughed and cried

Any additional comments?

Beginning was a little slow, the end was marvelous

AWESOME! top book to date..audio junkie since '04

Where does Lit rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

top BOOK

What other book might you compare Lit to and why?

very poetic in a modest down to earth way

Any additional comments?

I will buy all her books!