Miracle and Wonder: Conversations with Paul Simon

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars | 75 ratings

Price: 21.84

Last update: 10-19-2024


About this item

*For a more up-to-date version check out Miracle and Wonder: Conversations with Paul Simon (Special Edition)

What happens when Paul Simon, widely considered one of the greatest songwriters in music history, and Malcolm Gladwell, the best-selling author, sit down together, with a tape recorder and a guitar?

Miracle and Wonder: Conversations with Paul Simon is part memoir, part investigation, and unlike any creative portrait you’ve ever heard before. Recorded over a series of 30 hours of conversation between Simon, Gladwell, and Gladwell’s oldest friend and co-writer, journalist and Broken Record podcast co-host Bruce Headlam, the conversation flows from Simon’s music, to his childhood in Queens, NY, to his frequent collaborators including Art Garfunkel and the nature of creativity itself. Gladwell and Headlam traveled from the mountains of Hawaii to Simon’s own backyard studio to record an artist they’ve idolized since childhood.

Woven throughout the audiobook is distinctive commentary about Simon’s songwriting alongside archival audio footage and never-before-heard live studio versions and original recordings of beloved hits including “The Boxer", “The Sound of Silence", and “Graceland”. Between conversations, Gladwell deploys his signature blend of historical research and social science in an attempt to understand how a boy from 1940s Queens conjured near-perfect songs over an incredible 65-year career. Along the way, he gathers reflections on Simon’s particular genius from the likes of Sting, Herbie Hancock, Renee Fleming, Jeff Tweedy, Aaron Lindsey, and Roseanne Cash.

The result is an intimate audio biography of one of America’s most popular songwriters. Brimming with music and conversation, Miracle and Wonder is a window into Simon’s legendary career, what it means to be alive as an artist, and how to create work that endures.


Top reviews from the United States

Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing. Simply amazing.
Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2024
Simon's story is one of the most moving and captivating listening experiences I have ever had. Highly recommended!
Nina Mulé Lyons
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent !!
Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2023
Spectacular! If you are a S&G fan or just Paul Simon fan… you will love this. So interesting and well done. Malcolm Gladwell is one of my very favorite authors…. This does not disappoint.
d.aguilar
5.0 out of 5 stars Really great to listen and walk (or drive or…)
Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2022
I didn’t grow a big fan of Paul Simon but familiar with the bigger hits of course. I enjoyed Malcom Gladwell’s audiobook “The Bomber Mafia” and podcast. I took a chance and was really amazed at the stories around the most famous but also obscure songs.
I was disappointed in some of the reviews I read from folks who were expecting something different.
If you let yourself get immersed in the context, explanation and then a “fans” interpretation of what they heard in the lyrics…it is very captivating. I encourage you to give it a try!
Perry M Young
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Audiobook
Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2021
If you like Paul Simon, this book will let you get to know this master songwriter, musician, performer, and humanitarian. Get a glimpse into how Paul explains his songwriting process and the influences that have come together to create music that has influenced the whole world. It could have been three times longer and it still would have been totally engaging! I just want a Volume II !
Katherine Larson
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best audible books ever
Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2022
If you love Paul Simon, this is a must listen. It is fascinating to hear his story from the street corners of New York to South Africa, to his new songs at 80+ years old. The music and insight is excellent.
Barbara Ann Jackson
5.0 out of 5 stars A great listen
Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2021
Gives such insight to the lyrics and style of music. I will be listening to this many more times.
C. P.
4.0 out of 5 stars A lot of good insight
Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2022
This audiobook was a pleasant way to pass the time during an auto trip and provided the promised insight into Paul Simon’s artistic process. I didn’t give 5 stars because I felt like the author spent too much time talking about his impressions rather than letting Paul speak for himself
Greg Zerovnik
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful
Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2022
This is a real two-for-one: You get to hear Malcolm Gladwell and Paul Simon!

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