Rating: 
Summary: This recording is a real delight!
Review: "The Diaries of Adam and Eve" is a sweet, humorous and romantic piece and it had me laughing out loud one minute.......and crying the next. Mandy Patinkin and Betty Buckley are outstanding in their "reading" of Twain's words; actually, it's more a theatrical performance than a simple reading. Their expressive voices give life to Adam and Eve and provide us with complex characters full of wonder, innocence, wisdom, joy, and sorrow. There are so many wonderful passages throughout this book that I find something new to marvel at each time I listen. This recording will touch your heart.
Rating:
Summary: Twain was right....the book is a gem.
Review: ....but is Betty Buckley and Mandy Patinkin's remarkable performance (it's more than a "reading") of this work that gives life to Twain's words.
Rating:
Summary: A tender, moving love story!
Review: Although Mark Twain uses the story of Adam and Eve in the Book of Genesis as the framework for these "diaries," the biblical couple and his are two entirely different stories. Having said that, Twain's version is such a touching love story, especially as it is rendered in this recording, it is worth hearing (or reading) without making any comparisons to the first Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.I mention this because a high school student recently inquired with me about Twain's views on religion, and thought that these diaries might shed some light in his beliefs. While I encouraged her to read or listen to Twain's account, simply because of the beauty of the story, I don't think they shed much light on Twain's religious views. I did find it interesting that Twain's Adam and Eve barely mention God at all. Perhaps that is a notable observation on his views of religion after all. Twain's tender observations on the nature of men, women and love is what makes this a moving tale. Walter Cronkite's commentary at the end makes one appreciate the story even more.
Rating:
Summary: A tender, moving love story!
Review: Although Mark Twain uses the story of Adam and Eve in the Book of Genesis as the framework for these "diaries," the biblical couple and his are two entirely different stories. Having said that, Twain's version is such a touching love story, especially as it is rendered in this recording, it is worth hearing (or reading) without making any comparisons to the first Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. I mention this because a high school student recently inquired with me about Twain's views on religion, and thought that these diaries might shed some light in his beliefs. While I encouraged her to read or listen to Twain's account, simply because of the beauty of the story, I don't think they shed much light on Twain's religious views. I did find it interesting that Twain's Adam and Eve barely mention God at all. Perhaps that is a notable observation on his views of religion after all. Twain's tender observations on the nature of men, women and love is what makes this a moving tale. Walter Cronkite's commentary at the end makes one appreciate the story even more.
Rating:
Summary: witty and touching for any listener
Review: As a non-religious person, I felt the CD's were a delight. The humor and wisdom of Adam and Eve sound so real: they ARE real due to the talent of Twain but also to the two narrators. It is no surprise that actor/singers like Mandy Patinkin and Betty Buckley embody the words in such a human and nuanced way that you want to speak back to the two "land dwellers". The producer couldn't have chosen two better artists to interpret and bring to life the words of a great writer like Twain. I have played this several times in the last two days and I can't wait for the conclusion so I can start over again!
Rating:
Summary: Innocence
Review: Eve trying to knock a few stars down with a long pole and failing this throwing dirt clods up trying to accomplish the same was one of my favorite parts of this CD. Twain's writing is very funny and the performers are excellent on this audio version of the Diaries. Adam is sure that Cain is a fish and then later maybe a new kind of bear. He hunts all over for another one and then one day he comes home and Eve has caught another one (Abel), right at home. Full of innocence and light comedy.
Rating:
Summary: Eve's story
Review: Even Mark Twain's ephemera charms. This well edited collection of separately written pieces creates the whole that Twain himself might have made. It features his most insightful depiction of a female persona, Eve, who is the one truly engaged protagonist in this glimpse into Eden. She is the seeker, the thinker, and the emotionally active partner -- in short, the whole person. It is no wonder that Eve names the animals and discovers fire, while Adam lolls in a tree and complains about her talkativeness. He is remarkably complacent for a miracle of creation. Twain imaginatively and humorously evokes the naivete and sense of wonder of these two innocents as they discover the world and each other -- learn, even, to recognize that they are human. The fact that God is just a voice, mentioned once or twice, and the Fall is the unfortunate incident that changes their lives demonstrates that Twain was not interested in a religious parable. These diaries are his reflection on the nature of male and female personalities and the bond that draws and keeps men and women together. Though it feels somewhat incomplete, the book is an enjoyable quick read. The editor's afterword recounts the history of these writings and connects the diaries to the author's own personal life, affirming its very personal nature. This is a lovely book to give to an engaged couple, a married couple, or anyone who enjoys Mark Twain's unique genius.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful, with beautiful illustrations
Review: Fantastic. Very unusual. The drawings are incredible, beautifully rendered. The illustrations should be made available as prints. And what a wonderful two person play this would make!
Rating:
Summary: Very funny & fast read!
Review: Great for a lazy afternoon; Twain's view of the first female's experience is funny and believable! He makes Adam and Eve seem like the couple down the street, with the same-yet-unique trials and tribulations and quirks we all experience. Twain based Adam loosely on his own admitted "lazy" personality; women will love it, and men may begrudgingly admit that Twain's probably right on.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful
Review: I enjoyed the story because it was entertaining and origional, but it was the link to Twain's own goodbye to his wife that made me cry. This was a beautiful, sweet depiction of an Eve who sees everything as being wonderful, and reminds us how good it is to be alive. I enjoyed the short biography of Twain at the end. Good narration to boot.
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