Preview
  • The Hero

  • By: Lee Child
  • Narrated by: Jeff Harding
  • Length: 1 hr and 17 mins
  • 4.0 out of 5 stars (128 ratings)

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The Hero

By: Lee Child
Narrated by: Jeff Harding
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Publisher's summary

THE ENDURING MYTH THAT MAKES US HUMAN

What makes a hero? Who better to answer that question than Lee Child…

In his first work of nonfiction, the creator of the multimillion-selling Jack Reacher series explores the endurance of heroes from Achilles to Bond, showing us how this age-old myth is a fundamental part of what makes us human. He demonstrates how hero stories continue to shape our world – arguing that we need them now more than ever.

From the Stone Age to the Greek Tragedies, from Shakespeare to Robin Hood, we have always had our heroes. The hero is at the centre of formative myths in every culture and persists to this day in world-conquering books, films and TV shows. But why do these characters continue to inspire us, and why are they so central to storytelling?

Scalpel-sharp on the roots of storytelling and enlightening on the history and science of myth, The Hero is essential reading for anyone trying to write or understand fiction. Child teaches us how these stories still shape our minds and behaviour in an increasingly confusing modern world, and with his trademark concision and wit, demonstrates that however civilised we get, we’ll always need heroes.

©2019 Lee Child (P)2019 HarperCollins Publishers Limited
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Critic reviews

"‘It’s Lee Child. Why would you not read it?" (Karin Slaughter)

‘I don't know another author so skilled at making me turn the page." (The Times)

‘It's said that a Jack Reacher novel is bought every four seconds somewhere in the world. He is to crime fiction what Clint Eastwood's 'man with no name' was to the western. Lee Child's genius has been to create a tough guy hero that men will envy and women will adore." (Daily Express)

What listeners say about The Hero

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  • Overall
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The development of Jack Rracher.

Mr. Child presents an excellent historically accurate synopsis in the concept and development of the Hero He ties his vast knowledge to his character Jack Reacher in logical sequence making his fiction much more relevant and enjoyable.
Thankyou (and your 1,998th grandmother), she’d be proud of you!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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not what you are expecting

A treatise on the evolution of the word, I enjoyed it. if you are expecting a touch of Reacher you will be disappointed.

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4 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Amazing deductions.

This book gives you a lot to think about. Very speculative of course, but you could have it correct Mr Child. I enjoyed it. I like hearing the different views about all things. I also enjoy your Jack Reacher books.

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2 people found this helpful

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interesting and easy read

this was not what I was expecting. Still, it was very enjoyable and informative.

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listen again and again

I have listened to this at least five times and will do so again. it's "Childly" interesting and humorous and educational.

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Awesome

I love the etymology of language, this was fantastic!

I guess I have to write fifteen words to submit this, so I hope this works.

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Very interesting - deeply thought out.

I bought this of author and did not know what to expext. Great read. Throughly enjoyable and informative.

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3 people found this helpful

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History

the history of being a hero was interesting. I liked it. very interesting that's for sure

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A unique analysis of storytelling—and the hero

In this long-form essay, narrator Jeff Harding does a great job reading Lee Child's / James Grant's book, The Hero. Child / Grant presents a unique analysis on the subject of storytelling via the concept of "the hero"—and it's many iterations through time and space. An interweaving of etymology, human evolution, and the role of narratives. Entertaining and educational. Recommended.

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A wonderful treatise on the purpose of fiction

The purpose of fiction: “To give people what they don’t get in real life.” Listen for even more great insights.

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