Pontoon

A Novel of Lake Wobegon

By: Garrison Keillor

Narrated by: Garrison Keillor

Garrison Keillor's latest book is about the wedding of a girl named Dede Ingebretson, who comes home from California with a guy named Brent. Dede has made a fortune in veterinary aromatherapy; Brent bears a strong resemblance to a man wanted for extortion who's pictured on a poster in the town's post office. Then there's the memorial service for Dede's aunt Evelyn, who led a footloose and adventurous life after the death of her husband 17 years previously. Add a surprise boyfriend and a band of newly arrived Mormon missionaries, and the gently rendered chaos is complete.©2007 Garrison Keillor (P)2007 HighBridge Company

Critic reviews

• Audie Award Winner, Narration by the Author or Authors, 2008

"There's plenty of fun to be had with the well-timed deadpans and homespun wit." (Publishers Weekly)

Not your typical Garrison Keillor

Pontoon is definitely not a typical Lake Wobegon story. Sure, Lake Wobegon is most of the setting but the theme isn't really whimsical. This is an adult Keillor novel, some of the narration delves into things you may not want the kids to hear. While not as rich in Midwestern humor the story is well done. The publisher apparently didn't read the book as the publisher's spiel about the book was off-base. The story is mostly about Evelyn Peterson's life and the surrounding events with her family and intermixed with other current and former Lake Wobegon residents.

Life in Lake Woebegon

If you are always a bit disappointed when the "News from Lake Woebegon" is over on the weekly Prarie Home Companion show, you will love Pontoon. It weaves together many lives from town along with their connections outside of Lake Woebegon.
And, as usual, I was sad to hear the story end. It could just go on and on.

Funny and touching

Any additional comments?

I agree with others listeners that the person who wrote the summery did not actually listen to or read this book. It was funny, touching and well told. I could picture every character, place and smell so clearly. Garrison Keillor is a wonderful storyteller and I loved how all of the individuals and events came together at the end making laugh out loud.

Hilarious

I Love Garrison Keillor! My 3rd time to listen over the years. Always lifts my spirits and makes me Laugh Till I cry!

It's Lake Wobegon

If you like Gerrison Keillor you will like this story. He goes into much more detail of his characters than on his weekly raido program. I could listen to him tell stories all day long.

A fun listen!

Listening to Garrison Keillor is always a treat. The story is a bit goofy--essentially an elongated version of "The news from Lake Wobegon." However, his story telling never gets old!

mr. keillor could be this generations mark twain

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

i would recommend this book. its a very good tale of life and death and how to live on your own terms.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Pontoon?

full of funny and moving moments, i lol at the ladies talking at thier dinners,and was very moved by her lovers reaction to the indentions on her bed where she had lain.

Which scene was your favorite?

the bowling balls travels.

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

you could not make this into a film

There's nobody like Garrison Keillor!!!

There's just nobody like Garrison Keillor! This book has everything we love about Lake Wobegon--a feisty old lady with a secret life who wants her ashes to be buried in a bowling ball; a goofy bride who made a fortune in aromatherapy for pets; a disgruntled daughter with a drinking problem; warring siblings and visiting Danish clergy. What could possibly go wrong? Plenty! When the ridiculously lavish wedding is called off, but not all the participants are informed, and it collides with the internment of the old lady in the bowling ball, everything runs amok. The collision of a naked hang glider, an Elvis impersonator, a couple of giant mechanical ducks, and the horrified citizens of Lake Wobegon is as hilarious as only Garrison Keillor can make it. I listened to the Audible version which Keillor narrated in his unmistakable style and embellished with piano interludes.

Unusual but had to Finish

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

Different style of book for me.

Would you recommend Pontoon to your friends? Why or why not?

No, I think it was difficult to relate to.

What three words best describe Garrison Keillor’s voice?

Slow and indifferent

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No

Any additional comments?

It took several chapters to get involved in the story. I did find I wanted to hear how the story ended but I wouldn't say it was so good I couldn't put it down. the narrator definitely took their time telling the story.

Offbeat Entertainment

I had to rewind and listen again a few times to follow the whacko story but it ends up amusing even if you don't catch every thread. Typical Keillor, but not his best. I enjoyed the northern midwest absurdity of it all. A few great laughs are always good for the soul.