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The Wonderful O
- Narrated by: Melissa Manchester
- Length: 1 hr and 20 mins
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- By Sylvester Winship on 10-24-20
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Publisher's Summary
The Wonderful O tells of a man named Black who despised the letter "O". He deleted it from his language and omitted it from his words. Opals, moonstones, owls and oaks could not possibly be his items of choice. He preferred emeralds, rubies, sapphires and maps. At least they had no "O". Soon he wanted his entire village to omit the letter "O". But the villagers found words they would not do without HOPE, LOVE, VALOR, and the most important one of all.
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- Matthew
- 01-09-14
Poem or Puzzle or Plot?
What a quirky little thing this turned out to be—like a collaboration between Dr. Seuss and Robert Frost. I can’t help but wonder if “The Wonderful O” features on Carol Vorderman’s must-read list?!
As an avid fan of the English language, this novella pushed all my pleasure buttons. But some of those buttons were pushed just slightly too firmly for a tad too long. As a concept piece, it could have done with some editing. However, as a work of narrative fiction it was actually pretty darn satisfying and memorable.
I believe the printed version has some delightful illustrations. So that may make a case against this audio version. But Phoenix Audio must’ve known they were competing against a multisensory print-version and decided to jazz up their audio version with (almost constant) sound-effects and soundtrack. Personally I found it enhanced the experience. And Melissa Manchester did not narrate – she performed. And it was fantastic.
2 people found this helpful
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Overall

- Ms.
- 01-06-13
Classic Thurber
The Wonderful O shows Thurber at his most playful and witty in his mastery of story and language. I first read this in my teens and have never forgotten it.
The tale is one of great relevance to today's world. I recommend it most highly and hope that you will enjoy it as much as I do.
Melissa Manchester gives an inspired reading.
Be aware that there is a strange sort of half summary before the real tale begins. This summary is not part of the book and feels as if it is a truncated something left here by mistake.
1 person found this helpful