The Man Who Ate The 747: Summary and book reviews of The Man Who Ate The 747 by Ben Sherwood, plus links to an excerpt from The Man Who Ate The 747 and a biography of Ben Sherwood.
The Man Who Ate The 747
by Ben Sherwood
Hardcover: Aug 2000,
272 pages.
Paperback: Jan 2002,
288 pages.
This is a story of the greatest love, ever. An outlandish claim, outrageous perhaps, but trust me--
And so begin the enchanting, unforgettable tale of J. J. Smith, Keeper of the Records for The Book of Records, an ordinary man searching for the extraordinary. J.J. has clocked the world's longest continuous kiss, 30 hours and 45 minutes. He has verified the lengthiest single unbroken apple peel, 172 feet and 4 inches. He has measured the farthest flight of a champagne cork from an untreated, unheated bottle 177 feet 9 inches. He has tasted the world's largest menu item, whole-roasted Bedouin camel.
But in all his adventure from Australia to Zanzibar, J.J. has never witnessed great love until he comes upon a tiny windswept town in the heartland of America, where folks still talk about family, faith, and crops. Here, where he last expects it, J.J. discovers a world record attempt like no other: Piece by piece, a farmer is eating a Boeing 747 to prove his love for a woman.
In this vast landscape of cornfields and lightning storms, J.J. is doubly astounded to be struck by love from the same woman, Willa Wyatt of the honey eyes and wild blond hair. It is a feeling beyond measure, throwing J.J.'s carefully ordered world upside down, proving that hearts, like world records, can be broken, and the greatest wonders in life can not be qualified.
Richly romantic, whimsical, and uplifting, The Man Who Ate the 747 is a flight of fancy from start to finish. It stretches imagination, bends physics and biology, but believe it just a little and you may find yourself reaching for your own records, the kind that really count. Written with tenderness, originality, and insight, filled with old-fashioned warmth and newfangled humor, it is an extraordinary novel, a found treasure that marks the emergence of a major storytelling tale.
Booklist
This is a sentimental story that, while avoiding mawkishness or cynicism, delivers a subtle tribute to friendship and small-town America. With the right marketing campaign, Wally Chubb could become the Forrest Gump of the new millennium.
Publishers Weekly
...winsome, perceptive and often hilarious...a heartwarming, gently humorous tale that could set records of its own.
Fannie Flagg, author if Welcome to the World, Baby Girl!
I laughed all the way through this book--.Ben Sherwood is a modern-day Mark Twain who writes of small-town America with love, affection and with a definite twinkle in is eye. A delightful and surprising book from start to finish.
Tom Brokaw
Ben Sherwood has given us a modern American fable. It is smart, funny, touching and quirky - a wonderful love story.
Winston F. Groom, author of Forrest Gump
Ben Sherwood has written a touching, funny, poignant story that tugs at the heartstrings...
Recent Reader Reviews
Rated of 5
by RLG Ben Sherwood-747 I love this book. While it is slightly predictable, the concept is one that needs to be greatly appreciated to be understood. The whole point of this book is to get people to realize when you just sit and look at the big picture of what someone is... Read More
Rated of 5
by Hugo Good book Though it's not the best book I've read; it's one of the best!
Rated of 5
by Jay Shah
It was really good but sometimes like in the beggining it was a drag.
Rated of 5
by Kelly
overall it was a good book... enjoyable, entertaining, and sweet... it turned out to be a "happy ending"
kelly
Rated of 5
by Maria
Although the book is very interesting with great facts and ideas, the plot itself is quite dull and not very suspenseful. The book is good if you have nothing else to read, but I wouldn't suggest running out to the store after it.
Rated of 5
by sue
A thoroughly enjoyable read, though I disagree with the plot description being at all surprising. JJ is an everyman character, the writing is good but not really sharp.But, I will say there is an undeniable charm and truth behind this book. Think... Read More
'Haddon's portrayal of an emotionally dissociated mind is a superb achievement. He is a wise and bleakly funny writer with rare gifts of empathy.'
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Fannie Flagg, author if Welcome to the World, Baby Girl!
of 5
by RLG
of 5
by Hugo
of 5
by Maria
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