A Place of My Own Audiobook By Michael Pollan cover art

A Place of My Own

The Architecture of Daydreams

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A Place of My Own

By: Michael Pollan
Narrated by: Michael Pollan
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Michael Pollan’s unmatched ability to draw lines of connection between our everyday experiences - whether eating, gardening, or building - and the natural world has been the basis for the popular success of his many works of nonfiction, including the genre-defining best sellers The Botany of Desire, The Omnivore’s Dilemma, and In Defense of Food. With this updated edition of his earlier book, A Place of My Own, listeners can revisit the inspired, intelligent, and often hilarious story of Pollan’s realization of a room of his own—a small, wooden hut, his “shelter for daydreams” — built with his admittedly unhandy hands. Inspired by both Thoreau and Mr. Blandings, A Place of My Own not only works to convey the history and meaning of all human building, it also marks the connections between our bodies, our minds, and the natural world.

©2010 Michael Pollan (P)2010 Brilliance Audio, Inc. Architecture Engineering House & Home Hygiene & Healthy Living Philosophy Funny Witty Nonfiction

Critic reviews

"[A]n inspired meditation on the complex relationship between space, the human body, and the human spirit.” (Francine du Plessix Gray)
Engaging Storytelling • Educational Content • Warm Conversational Narration • Philosophical Insights • Vivid Descriptions
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audiobook read by the author (👍👍), this one tells the story of Michael's homemade 'work cabin' or whatever it's deemed: a place to write & such

he employs architects & friends to help him learn the ropes of carpentry, learning & relaying (to us) much in the process

i learned about balloon framing, which was the innovation that led to lower-cost, easy-to-assemble houses w/ more customization

Pollan puts his usual touch into this book, teaching as he goes [a blend of research w/ hands-on]; arriving at a completed structure by the end

t'was his second book, which leaves me w/ 2 or 3 for future discovery [one of my fav. authors here] -- still to go: "Omnivore's Dilemma," "Food Rules," & "Pollan Family Table"

well this was a good one

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I enjoyed the story, particularly the characters that Pollan brought into it. The sections where he incorporated context and history were meaningful, too.

Overall an awesome audio book

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very insightful. the perspective shared of owner vs carpenter vs architect is great. also, great thoughts shared on pursuing your own place or tiny home. cheers

All around a good story

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I must disclose that I think Michael Pollan is one of our greatest minds. That said, his personal, philosophical story of building this place was everything I could have hoped for. From the designing, siting, essential collaborations to choosing the views, specific woods and other materials all made this fun and self reflective.

Deep into the emotion of...

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Love hearing the author read. Great book, wide variety of subjects explored with a consistent and driving concrete foundation to build from and plenty of unique insights. Well done!

Nailed it

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Pollan did an amazing job as always. This was an absolute joy to listen to!

Great!

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Micheal pollen is a amazing writer!!
His writing style keeps me hanging the entire book ... every time !

One of my favourite authors

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A masterful convergence of ideas associated with architecture, construction, and the pursuit of place. A real surprise treat in the reading is a clear explanation of the Deconstructivist movement that took place in the Nineties in addition to a brief history of architectural theory in general, all woven in with its relevance on every day building components such as the pitched roof, window, finish trim etc.

A wonderful read!

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I never tire of listening to Michael Pollan's stories. I am usually quite surprised but they are over so soon.

another fascinating story!

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As a teacher or architectural theory, I believe this is an excellent place for any architecturally curious student to start. I wish all my students could have the experience Pollan describes, and that they would think half as deeply as he does on the topics he covers. He balances providing a broad view of the field with the specifics of building design, spatial experience, history, theory, detailing, craft, and construction in a writing style that’s completely accessible.

Comprehensive and comprehensible.

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