Sneakerhead

By: Amanda Eyre Ward

Narrated by: Amanda Eyre Ward, Timothy Harrison Meckel

When Amanda Eyre Ward's 13-year-old son, Harry, dove headfirst into the world of sneaker culture, she found herself baffled by his obsession with flashy, expensive shoes that seemed like mere status symbols. Determined to bridge the gap with her teenage son, Ward reluctantly decided to embrace the mantra of "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em".

As she shed her preconceptions and immersed herself in the quest to snag the latest drops, Ward discovered a community far richer than she had imagined. Sneaker culture, she realized, wasn't just about shoes—it was a gateway to entrepreneurship, a vibrant community, and a powerful form of creative expression that was transforming Harry's identity before her eyes.

In her irreverent, insightful voice, Ward recounts this transformative journey in Sneakerhead. Through vivid prose and engaging conversations with Harry and fellow enthusiasts they encounter, Ward's eyes are opened to the depth and significance of her son's passion. Throughout, Ward paints a vivid portrait of an important piece of American culture—a phenomenon that transcends mere footwear to embody aspirations, creativity, and belonging.

In embracing her son's world, Ward not only discovers a newfound appreciation for sneakers but also for the unique individual her son is becoming. Sneakerhead, ultimately, is a testament to the magic that unfolds when parents invest in understanding and encouraging their children's passions.

©2023 Amanda Eyre Ward (P)2024 Audible Originals, LLC.

A great analogous for how life with your growing child will go!

When I first stumbled upon this book I didn’t think I’d like it. Turns out I loved it. I have a growing child who wants me around BUT I’ve already stated to notice some distance and her being her true self blossoming. It’s bitter sweet for sure. And now I understand what my own mother went through with me and my siblings. Thank you for this!! 😋

Connecting

I love the way that the author try to connect with her son. I think any mother with teenage children would understand the feeling.

A Dad who enjoyed it!

I almost didn't listen to this book. I'm not a sneaker guy. But I share a similar upbringing to the author, and as the Dad of two girls, I enjoyed the story of a parent trying to connect.

One tricky thing for the musician in me to overcome was crediting Duran Duran with writing the song Eye of the Tiger. What? That was a song by the band Survivor.

I bring this up to say it’s one of the few things I know about and was surprisingly inaccurate. I hope other parts were more accurate, but I have to leave that to others to comment on.

Regardless, the book’s message to know what your kids are into and engage with them over it is vital.

Growth and Discovery

There’s something interesting and magical that happens somewhere in the third part of this audiobook. Something transcends the relatively boring two thirds as both son and mother learn things about themselves and the world around them. There’s growth and discovery. Just for that it went from meh to nice for me.

Mom jeans but still classy

As a mom, I totally connected with the author as she navigates how to connect with her kid and then goes overboard. There are the over analytical (to a kid) observations that seek to peel back the layers but only serve to annoy said child but is super understandable to another mom. I appreciate the how-not-o nature of this book.