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Miracle and Wonder

Conversations with Paul Simon

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Miracle and Wonder

By: Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam
Narrated by: Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam, Paul Simon
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About this listen

*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.

©2021 Pushkin Industries and Paul Simon (P)2021 Pushkin Industries and Paul Simon
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What listeners say about Miracle and Wonder

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Fantastic

For all music lovers! It’s spine tingling to hear the genius Paul Simon discuss his fascinating music back catalogue in-depth. An audio book that gives you goosebumps over and over.

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Like a whole new art form

This & the Bono book redefine the medium and create a new genre of music telling.

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Brilliant

An amazing audiobook. Relaxed conversations and analysis of selected songs/albums from the man himself with snippets of PS singing songs with just his guitar for accompaniment. For all the PS fans this is a gem and demonstrates the beauty and entertainment of the audio book. Definitely a must to have.

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Pure entertainment

I'm a fan of Simon & Garfunkel's music, Malcolm Gladwell's books, music reviews and podcasts, so I really enjoyed. I listened on a bike ride - music and insights were brilliant. I don't know so much of Paul Simon's later music so didn't enjoy the end as much.

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Beautiful reflections from a beautiful man

Having enjoyed Paul’s music since the 1970’s I was not surprised that this book reflected the character shown in his music. A deeply thought provoking insight into the great man. Thank you Paul for taking time to share with us.

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Creative, sensitive, interesting

Really enjoyed the innovative approach to this book even if not all the songs are to my taste. The craft is still astonishing.

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Goosebumps and tears - an emotional journey like no other

Is this the best audio book ever? For me, a diehard fan of Paul Simon, it certainly was.
A fascinating musical journey through his inner workings, his style, his genius mind, and the origination of songs and albums that are part of every music lover’s repertoire. Words can’t possibly do justice. I will listen to it dozens of times, that’s for sure.
Kudos also to Malcolm and Bruce for extracting this from Paul Simon, and for adding a mature, thoughtful and insightful perspective of their own.
If you only ever listen to one audio book, this should be it.

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Another excellent delivery from the king of audiobooks

Another excellent delivery from the king of audiobooks.

Malcolm Gladwell is the king of audiobooks and this latest entry does not disappoint.

It’s made a Paul Simon fan out of me!

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Surprisingly emotional

This was fantastic, thank you kindly Gladwell, Headlam, Simon, and Pushkin, a true work of art.

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fascinating account

the paul simon comments are fascinating; some of the other stuff by the interviewer is a bit cringeworthy

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