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I Wonder as I Wander
- An Autobiographical Journey
- Narrated by: Dominic Hoffman
- Length: 16 hrs and 42 mins
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Publisher's Summary
In I Wonder as I Wander, Langston Hughes vividly recalls the most dramatic and intimate moments of his life in the turbulent 1930s.
His wanderlust leads him to Cuba, Haiti, Russia, Soviet Central Asia, Japan, Spain (during its Civil War), through dictatorships, wars, revolutions. He meets and brings to life the famous and the humble, from Arthur Koestler to Emma, the Black Mammy of Moscow. It is the continuously amusing, wise revelation of an American writer journeying around the often strange and always exciting world he loves.
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What listeners say about I Wonder as I Wander
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Marva
- 08-10-14
The Writer
Would you consider the audio edition of I Wonder as I Wander to be better than the print version?
Cannot say, didn't read the print version. But, I can say that the Narrator was the book most enjoyable to listen to. His voice never wavered and, though I've read several books, his narrating, by far, was excellent.
What was one of the most memorable moments of I Wonder as I Wander?
The incredible journey throughout Russia and beyond.
Which scene was your favorite?
There were several scenes that were moving - i.e., leaving home for Florida and Haiti, traveling abroad, returning to Mexico, home and returning, once again, across the water to Paris - all were moving. Though he had little money, he had fun and met so many wonderful and gracious people along the way. The last chapter made an excellent notation: Mr. Hugest stated he wanted to be a professional writer, travel, meet people and view main events. I felt like I witnessed and viewed them with him.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
I think it was the timeline. My mother often shared stories of the 30s; and hearing this fabulous book, made me feel like I was living it with the author.
Any additional comments?
I had heard of Mr. Langston Hughes and his fabulous poetry; this book, however, was beyond anything I'd ever thought or read. It should be a must read for all.
Great, GrEaT BOOK!!
9 people found this helpful
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- C. Poindexter
- 02-04-15
Love this book!
I felt like I was in the places written about by Mr. Langston Hughes. It should be required reading in school. Being in my 50's and being a product of a Southern education, I was deprived of the vast amount of African American literature available. Thank God for historically black colleges like Southern University. That is where I first became aware of people like Langston Hughes, Weldon Johnson and many others.
7 people found this helpful
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- Arthur
- 12-07-14
Should be on everyone's must read list!
This is a fascinating memoir of Mr. Hughes' journey(s) around the globe during the 1930's. From the Americas through Europe, the Soviet Union, Shanghai, Japan, Spain and back. Mr. Hughes seemed to be near the center of most of the major events of that decade.
4 people found this helpful
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- Opinionator
- 02-01-21
An amazing life
This book offers a perspective that is beyond informative. Following Mr. Hughes on his travels through the Deep South, the Soviet Union and lands beyond is a treat. A well-read and fascinating account of life in the 1930s.
1 person found this helpful
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- Bee
- 12-03-17
An historical journey through Hughes' travels
Interesting, historical first person opinions. Gives a good perspective on the character of Langston Hughes and the global world he casually encounters. As a lover of history I enjoyed knowing Russia as it evolved toward equality; Spain under attack and the other countries he lived in. Hughes becomes so much more than a great writer. He was inquisitive, brave, kind and brilliant.
1 person found this helpful
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- Retired
- 04-25-12
Very listenable
Where does I Wonder as I Wander rank among all the audiobooks you???ve listened to so far?
I like non-fiction. This audiobook ranks in the top 10 I have heard. The narration is excellent, and the story moves from one interesting story to another.
What other book might you compare I Wonder as I Wander to and why?
I was reminded of my recent listen, Winston Churchill. The time frame was similar, which is to me a worthy era of history. I did not know anything about Langston Hughes. This audiobook broadened my perspective.
Have you listened to any of the narrator???s other performances before? How does this one compare?
No, I have not listened to any of the narrator`s other performances. He did well in conveying the voice of Langston Hughes.
If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?
Harlem was in vogue.
Any additional comments?
The story prompted me to frequently wonder, ``What drove Langston Hughes to wander as he did??` This was a great study in character.
1 person found this helpful
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- Roxie in Dallas
- 04-22-22
beautifull educational, historical, personal
learned about American civil rights in world context thru eyes of a great talented writer
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- Daniel Wilcox
- 03-25-22
wondrous autobiography by Langston Hughes
Suspenseful, informative, sensitive, humanistic, unusual commentaries and observations of 1930's in Russia, China, Japan, Mexico, Spain, and Jim Crow America by an amazing poet and writer
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- Anonymous User
- 02-14-22
I wandered...
I wandered all over the world with Langston Hughes. what a pleasure it was!!!! Great narration voice too.
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- CJB
- 02-07-22
Truly Amazing!
This was as good as I thought it would be. It was so well written that I felt as though I was on this adventure with him. What a book! I plan on reading other works by him as judging from this work alone, it was truly impressive. I will also mention that the narrator did a fantastic job. Excellent on both counts! I highly recommend this book! Listen to this one!!
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- beverley foster
- 05-20-18
Great listen
Beautifully written I really enjoyed it. Descriptive and captivating it describes a life well spent full of interest and surprise
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- Rudy Lorentz
- 11-24-17
Historical wandering
Langston Hughes so clearly paints a picture of the places he travels to and the people he meets. An important documentation of black histories pre WWII
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- Kat
- 04-11-16
Definitely worth listening to ....
Langston Hughes lived an eventful life. This part of his life story is as if it more interesting than the first (Big Sea).
I believe I am not hooked 😊