Customer Reviews

The Free Fall of Webster Cummings: Volume One of "Tom Bodett's American Odyssey"

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I just finished reading this wonderful book and felt my heart warmed over. Tom Bodett's writing took me into his characters lives with such grace that they became like my own family. Funny,sweet and thought provoking. I am off to read more of Tom Bodett today!

I picked this up in a bookstore because I recognized Tom's name (probably like most of America) and had no idea what a great story teller he could be. The book takes different stories and weaves them together in a most clever fashion. Makes me wonder if it wasn't composed as separate books - then combined - Ha! Caught Ya! That's the secret! I certainly didn't guess what was coming next and that made the ride even more enjoyable. The characters had depth - no broding overwrought fatalists - and they were living very real lives. The humor that is 'snuck in' is great and adds to the whole experience. Good stuff here.

I have read all of Tom Bodett's books, and listened to several of them on tape as well. I feel that this book is his best. Further developing characters he had introduced in previous stories (although knowledge of the previous stories isn't required, it made this story more meaningful for me), Bodett weaves together humorous, touching, emotional, and very personal stories. The chapter where the couple traveling across the country sees the Rocky Mountains for the first time brought me right back to my first trip to the Rockies and the way the mountains overwhelmed me in their mass and presence. I went back and read that chapter three more times before going on!! A wonderful book for reminding us that every person around us has their stories.

The cassette book of this title is the first of the 5-volume American Odessey series. Really these 5 "volumes" are chapters of medium-length novel, and no "volume" is complete in itself. Note however, that the CD of the same name is in fact a compilation of the entire series, but with the chapters in a more logical order. Buy the CD, not the cassette.

Mr. Bodett's own narration in the recorded version is exceptional. I've heard it 5 or 6 times, and could easily listen to it once a month. It is almost like music. The stories themselves are rich and engrossing, and very close to home for most people. Indeed, that's probably the theme of the book, i.e., the meaning of "home."

Contains a mix of charming characters who confront unusual twists of fate. A very sweet and funny book. Reminded me of A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving. Enjoy.

Reading any of Tom Bodette's books is like you personally know
the characters and can identify with them.. A wonderful book
full of things and happenings that only Tom could write about.

The rest of the family made me leave the room during the last hour I read this book because my laughing was disturbing to them. What a great story!

I stumbled across this book and had no idea what a find it was to be. I picked it up on recognition of Tom Bodett's name even though I was unaware that he is an author. This is a whimsical, amusing, touching ride that carries throughout the entire book. A large cast of characters reside in this book and you have to stay close or you'll lose track of the threads that eventually tie this story together. I have shared this book with many and all have been greatly impressed. I highly recommend this book.

The audiotape version of the Free Fall of Webster Cummings is Tom Bodett at his best. His writing is superb. He makes me laugh, makes me think, causes a lump to swell in my throat. I can't think of a more pleasant way to spend a couple of hours.

If you have ever heard Tom's Radio shows, you will certainly be in touch with this book. He brings back familair stories and charaters that seem to make the "end of the road" like any small town we might have ever seen. Even if you havce never heard nor read Tom, one could be charmed by his clever wit and amazing story telling skills.