At Home in the World

A Memoir

By: Joyce Maynard

Narrated by: Joyce Maynard

From the New York Times bestselling author of Labor Day comes At Home in the World, an honest and shocking memoir of falling in love—at age 18—with one of America's most reclusive literary figures, J. D. Salinger.

In the spring of 1972, Joyce Maynard, a freshman at Yale, published a cover story in The New York Times Magazine about life in the sixties. Among the many letters of praise, offers for writing assignments, and request for interviews was a one-page letter from the famously reclusive author, J.D. Salinger.

At Home in the World is the story of a girl who loved and lived with J.D. Salinger, and the woman she became. A crucial turning point in Joyce Maynard's life occurred when her own daughter turned eighteen--the age Maynard was when Salinger first approached her. Breaking a twenty-five year silence, Joyce Maynard addresses her relationship with Salinger for the first time, as well as the complicated, troubled and yet creative nature of her youth and family. She vividly describes the details of the times and her life with the finesse of a natural storyteller.

Courageously written by a women determined to allow her life to unfold with authenticity, At Home in the World is a testament to the resiliency of the spirit and the honesty of an unwavering eye.

Critic reviews

“Unsparing self-scrutiny...maturity and emotional candor.” —Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times

“Absorbing, funny, and emotionally blistering.” —Jules Siegel, San Francisco Chronicle

“A wry, painful, engaging book.” —Frank McCourt, author of Angela's Ashes

“Maynard's testimony is priceless.” —Mary Cantwell, Vogue

“Riveting and disturbing.” —The New York Times Book Review

“Even Salinger loyalists may feel compelled to reexamine their idol.” —Glamour

“Dazzling.” —San Francisco Chronicle

could not stop listening.

Loved it. Can't.wait to read more of her fascinating. books., a great author a. must read

Loved it!

I have never been hocked to a book the way I did with this one wright from the beginning. Beautifully written.
I listen to many audio books I rank Joyce number one in performance. She has a soft clear voice.
I would definitely like to read her other books.

Talented Writer- Love Her Work

Any additional comments?

I discovered Joyce Maynard years ago when I read this book. It never left me and I was thrilled to find it on Audible.
She writes with great insight and sensitivity. I love her novels as well. I just wish she wrote more prolifically.

A personal, deep dive.

I’ve read a few of Joyce Maynard’s book, mostly as a young mother in my early 20’s. Clearly, Ms. Maynard has honed her craft; I couldn’t put this book down and was sorry it ended. It was a treat to have her read her memoir. I found her voice soothing and melodic. As other reviewer‘s have mentioned, there was a clicking sound in the background but it wasn’t distracting to me. I’ll be listening to this again.

Engrossing

This memoir is personal, fast-paced, and involving. Admittedly, I was shocked by some of Joyce Maynard's decisions. Wish there were a sequel.