afox98's review against another edition
4.0
A friend recommended this to me and I'm really glad she did. Joe, the "holy man," lives in a hermitage on top of a mountain. Many people make long journeys to come visit him and hear his wisdom, which is dispensed as he walks them from the front door to the back door. Literally. It doesn't take many words from Joe for people to have a change of heart. A bit simplistic and unrealistic in that way, the book is still charming. It reminded me there is good in everyone (or at least most people) and I will only be happy if I focus on that. The story is somewhat slow-paced, but delightful with all the different characters. The audio recording is great, with Stanley Tucci narrating, and many other voices that really helped the story come alive. If you need a reminder that there is still good in the world, I recommend this read.
thebradking's review against another edition
3.0
When it comes to audio books, I prefer full cast productions to single narrated ones (with the exception of Wil Wheaton, who is awesome). Because of that, I've started exploring Audible's original audio plays, which are sometimes based on older books and sometimes created as original stories.
THE MAN ON THE MOUNTAINTOP is the former and it's based upon Susan Trott's 1996 book THE HOLY MAN.
The play is a series of parables told through the stories of people who are waiting in a long line to meet with Joe, the Holy Man, who lives in a hermitage at the top of a mountain.
These types of books—THE WAY OF THE PEACEFUL WARRIOR, THE CELESTINE PROPHECY—aren't typically in my wheelhouse; however, I found Toby Jones' performance as Joe and Stanley Tucci's as the narrator compelling enough to allow me to forget some of the more clichéd parables. (I’m sure had I picked up a paperback I wouldn’t have finished reading, but the two audio performances really did create a sense of familiarity and character.)
And that’s probably the most limiting factor for this audio performance. If you aren’t keen on the self-help-guru story, you’ll find your mind wandering.
The good news: You can wander a bit with this story and still never really lose track of what’s happening since each of the tales is only loosely tied together. You can miss a bit here and there and still understand exactly what’s happening.
THE MAN ON THE MOUNTAINTOP is the former and it's based upon Susan Trott's 1996 book THE HOLY MAN.
The play is a series of parables told through the stories of people who are waiting in a long line to meet with Joe, the Holy Man, who lives in a hermitage at the top of a mountain.
These types of books—THE WAY OF THE PEACEFUL WARRIOR, THE CELESTINE PROPHECY—aren't typically in my wheelhouse; however, I found Toby Jones' performance as Joe and Stanley Tucci's as the narrator compelling enough to allow me to forget some of the more clichéd parables. (I’m sure had I picked up a paperback I wouldn’t have finished reading, but the two audio performances really did create a sense of familiarity and character.)
And that’s probably the most limiting factor for this audio performance. If you aren’t keen on the self-help-guru story, you’ll find your mind wandering.
The good news: You can wander a bit with this story and still never really lose track of what’s happening since each of the tales is only loosely tied together. You can miss a bit here and there and still understand exactly what’s happening.
bigorangesalamander's review against another edition
4.0
The man really is on the mountain top. Really good audiobook performance.
efabri123's review against another edition
3.0
I really like the beginning of this story and how the author portrayed the different sorts of people (personalities, classes) who were standing in line to see the holy man. However, I lost interest in the second half. The ending did not resonate with me. Overall, I think the writing was sound and contains some important life lessons. 3/5.
kristiranee's review
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
irongold's review
2.0
Some of the wisdom in this book is useful and wise(such as learning to take the blame and being generous and humble) but other things(such as we are all intrinsically holy, which is the main point of the story) are quite wrong.
zefira's review
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
groovygirl858's review against another edition
2.0
Starts out mildly interesting
Starts out mildly interesting and then goes downhill. Couldn't keep my interest. Simplistic "life lessons".
Starts out mildly interesting and then goes downhill. Couldn't keep my interest. Simplistic "life lessons".
rumbledethumps's review against another edition
2.0
Audio presentation was great. Unfortunately, the content itself was not.