Parnassus on Wheels

By: Christopher Morley

Narrated by: Nadia May

Parnassus on Wheels is the story of a marvelous man, small in stature, wiry as a cat, yet Olympic in personality. Roger Mifflin is part pixie, part sage, part noble savage, and all God's creature. With his traveling book wagon, named Parnassus, he moves through the New England countryside of 1915 on an itinerant mission of enlightenment. Mifflin's delight in books and authors (if not publishers) is infectious. With his singular philosophy and bright eyes, he comes to represent the heart and soul of the book world.

A roaring good adventure yarn spiced with fiery roadside brawls, the most groaning boards in the history of Yankee cookery, heroic escapes from death, and a rare love story, Roger Mifflin's story shows how bookselling can be one of the world's highest callings: dispelling ignorance while causing constant delight.

(P)2000 Blackstone Audiobooks

Delightful!!!

Where does Parnassus on Wheels rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It was quaint with great description. The performance gave it life!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Parnassus on Wheels?

It did not increase my interest in books but supported the interest I already had.

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

Such fun detail of this time period and the colorful descriptions bring the people and the time period to life.

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

Loved the narrator. Found nothing wrong. Enjoyed it very much.

For the love of books

This lovely novella was written in 1917 but you would never know. It could easily be historical fiction written this year. Its gentle, folksy charm translates as well in 2024 as it did more than a century ago. If you like low-stakes road stories (it reminded me a little bit of A Psalm for the Wild-Built), are passionate about the power of books to uplift the human spirit and make the world a better place, and aren’t averse to a book written by a man that nails the essence of female empowerment, you can’t go wrong with Parnassus on Wheels. Now looking forward to its sequel, The Haunted Bookshop.

Sweet and funny!

I was pleasantly surprised by this simple yet sweet and funny story. It was the perfect story for an autumn listen. Gentle romance and adventure with a love of books. Couldn't ask for more!

Charming

Excellent narration and excellent book. A real sweet pleasure. I was really surprised by the story and the charming characters.

FUN

Everything about this is amazing!!! Will revisit again and again. Going to recommend this book to everyone I know!

The Magical Mystery Tour: The Parnassus!

And it's pulled by a fat horse named Peg (short for Pegasus), followed by a spry dog named Bock, and led by the intrepid Helen McGill and the feisty Roger Mifflin.
This absolute charmer of a book is told from the point of view of Helen McGill, a woman getting on in years (thirty-nine...oh, my!), who, for the first time in her life, does something for herself: namely, buys the Parnassus book mobile in an effort to keep it away from her book loving, suddenly-famous-author brother and goes on the road herself. On the way, she and Roger Mifflin have many adventures of their own, enjoyable conversations, meet delightful people, and, well, just make this one of the flat-out best audible experiences I've ever had. Nadia May nails not only Helen, but every single one of the characters, male/female, gruff/sophisticated, reserved/hysterical. She was absolutely made for this book.
If you get the kindle whispersync version (or with the free kindle app if you don't have a kindle), this is an inexpensive listen that is sooooooo worth the time. Especially as it's so delightful, the smile will stay with you for many a day.
HIGHLY recommended!

charming little book

I hadn't heard of Chris Morley before this, and was thoroughly entertained. Written in the first person by an early 20th century New England "spinster" who goes on the adventure of her life. Narrator is excellent.

A Must Read

I remember owning tis book in a beautiful set as a young girl. As an adult, I had no recollection of why I cherished the book, but I did. So when I saw this as a choice, I grabbed it and am so glad I did. A delightful tale, moves very quickly and surprisingly. This is not your typical cast of characters but they are so much fun!! Narration is well done. This could have gone on forever and I wouldn't have minded.

sweet story

Fun, quick book but I wish the narrator had used different voices for the characters. It's a sweet love story.

Loved this book!

A charming and heart-warming book, with wonderful narration, delightful characters and a lively plot. I would happily have hitched a ride on the Parnassus, and toured the New England countryside, where I was born. I absoulutely adored this merry taie, and plan to start the sequel immediately!