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.

Wonderful story, beautifully read.

This is a wonderful story, beautiful read by Nadia May. A memorable ode to books and reading. Highly recommended

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!

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!

Sweet story

I listened to the haunted bookshop first (out of order) and still enjoyed this. Made for a nice listen on a weekend morning.

Loved Everything About It!

As a "middle-aged fat woman" myself, I fell in love with the time and place of the story. Reader was very good, and I hated for the adventure to end. Sadly the second novel in the series, The Haunted Bookshop, did not have the same charm or flow. Enjoyed every minute of my ride on Parnassus!

Makes me want my own rolling bookshop

This novella tells a delightful story, filled with charm and humanity. It’s sure to please anyone who loves books and the idea of living a life devoted to them. Nadia May does a wonderful job assuming the personality of the narrator, and she has a fine reading voice. This is a perfect book for listening.