Reviews

The Way I Heard It by Mike Rowe

Only show reviews with written explanations

pam2375's review against another edition

5.0

I loved this book! I love listening to Mike Rowe's podcasts while we travel. The stories that he tells in this book are quick and seem to be well researched. I enjoyed how Mike was able to relate something of his own story at the end of each chapter.

My thanks to Netgalley and Gallery, Pocket Books for this advanced readers copy. This book is due to release in October 2019.

valmeac's review

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2.75

Enjoyed it enough while reading it, although I expected to like it a bit more than I did based on the show. I wouldn’t say it’s memorable

mpapomeroy's review

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adventurous funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

5.0

bellesmoma2021's review

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emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective fast-paced

5.0

I’ve been a fan of Mike Rowe since I first saw him on an episode of Dirty Jobs decades ago. I have also been an avid listener to Rowe’s podcast, The Way I Heard It, since I discovered it about a year ago. I like what Rowe stands for. I like his honesty, integrity, intelligence, his sense of humor, his willingness to get dirty to get a job done, and his ability to see value in others. I like that Rowe recognizes and acknowledges that all humans are essential and bring something unique to the table. I also like that he seeks out the stories most people tend to ignore or gloss over. On his podcast, Rowe treated his readers to 35 episodes dedicated to his book, The Way I Heard It. The Way I Heard It (the book) is 35 chapters long, with each chapter broken down into two parts. First, a biographical, historically-researched story on some unique famous person — movie stars, writers, sports figures, musicians, etc. After these biographical pieces, Rowe follows with a story from his own life that touches on the theme from the biographical story. Essentially, Rowe demonstrates how all life reflects the broad human condition even through our differences and uniquenesses. Each chapter is quick and to the point, but HIGHLY captivating. I learned so many cool facts about people I thought I knew, but clearly didn’t have the whole story. I love how Rowe tells stories. He hooks the reader or listener from the first sentence and makes you think one way, but then twists everything you thought you knew into a reveal that makes the reader/listener go, “Whoa! That was awesome!” Well, at least that’s how I reacted to the stories in this book.

I am not a big re-reader of books, but The Way I Heard It is definitely a book I would come back to for a second and third read. I loved every minute of this book, and highly, highly recommend it. If you are a fan of diverse, unique stories told in an intriguing and captivating manner then this is definitely a book you will want to check out. Personally, I recommend listening to Mike Rowe read his book on his podcast because after he reads each chapter he then treats his listeners to a fantastic discussion about that chapter with an excellent guest or two. In all honesty, The Way I Heard It is the most fun book I’ve ever listened to.

I listened to a copy of this book via Mike Rowe’s podcast, The Way I Heard It, in order to review. I also purchased an eBook copy of this book from Amazon.com on March 1, 2024, so I could re-read it whenever I want. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

awilsonmomof2's review

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4.0

Wonderfully fun and informative...and having Mike read it was an added bonus....best way to "read" this book!

holmstead's review

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4.0

So I was able to finish 70% of this audiobook before it was due back to the library. And since Mr. Rowe is popular, I had to put it back on hold and wait.....Booooo!

But what I did listen to is entertaining and it doesn’t hurt to hear the fluid baritone voice of a pretty cool guy. The parts where he speaks about his parents is hilarious and you have to check this one out, just for the sheer fun of it.

There were several stories about people and things for which I was not aware. And what I haven’t listened to yet, I’m sure I’ll enjoy the rest, once my number comes around again on the ol’ library wheel of Holds.