Exploded

Rating:
Summary: for die hard Bodett fans
Review: It was good to hear the piano music of JohnnyB again; it was good (as always) to hear Tom's voice. But...

The story is taken from Tom's life. The particular episode involves climbing a power pole, being electrocuted (surprise!),and almost losing an arm.

The story lacks the tale teller's humor of "The End of the Road" and is a bit self serving at times.

If you are one of those people (like me) that reads EVERYTHING an author has ever done, then this is one for the collection. Otherwise, don't bother.

Rating:
Summary: Great Tape
Review: The exploded portion of the story is fascinating. Some of the reviews did not grasp the physical aspect of the telling of the story. You have to picture Tom in front of a live audience with twelve note cards in his hands. On each card is a portion of his
story. He then throws the note cards up in the air to simulate an explosion. Then tells the story in random bits and pieces as he picks up the cards. The joy of this is you as the listener have to assemble the story in the proper order in your mind. You need to pay close attention and you find yourself becoming more involved in the story than any tape I have ever listen to. I think this is a masterful bit of storytelling and a brilliant way to express a tale. As Tom reminds us, we do not remember a story from start to finish but in bits and pieces. So he tells the tale of being exploded in random parts. The listener is responsible to assemble the puzzel. Every friend or family member that has heard it thinks it's great and has purchased their own copy. I have many tapes but this is by far my favorite.

Rating:
Summary: EXPLODED
Review: This tape was a definite change from Bodett's wonderful storytelling about the folks at the End of the Road. It is insightful, a bit nostalgic and autobiographical. The entire cassette devoted to the Exploded story is quite deftly presented "live" to an audience who randomly choose which of the twelve or so segments he reads next. Bodett is a master of writing stand-alone stories that fit perfectly into a sequence. I must say that Exploded made me howl and also brought me to tears--I consider this to be a strong endorsement!Tom Bodett has so obviously LIVED his life that it is a real treat when he shares his defining moments,his friends, his heart-felt eperiences with the rest of us. I only regret that there are so many people who would get so much joy from his work but who only know him as "that Motel 6 guy" Believe me he is much, much more!