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Self Help

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Self Help

Written by: Ben H. Winters
Narrated by: Wil Wheaton, Ron Perlman
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A darkly comedic thriller by the New York Times best-selling author of Underground Airlines, The Last Policeman, and the Audible Originals Q&A and Inside Jobs.

Jack Diller is just one more struggling actor on the road to nowhere. He’s got an agent who barely remembers his name, his ex-girlfriend has hooked up with a Silicon Valley dude, and the milk in his fridge is so far past its sell-by date it’s historic. The only way Jack can scrape together a bare existence is by delivering food to exactly the types of successful people he wishes he could be.

Then, one day, a very strange audiobook shows up on his phone. The Killer Instinct seems to be your basic self-help guide, narrated by a washed-up action star named Hector Bruno, and brimming with cheesy advice for how to get your life together.

With so little to lose, Jack starts listening...and listening some more. He starts talking to Hector like he’s his best friend.

And then...Hector starts talking back.

©2022 Ben H. Winters (P)2022 Audible Originals, LLC. Science Fiction Funny Self Help
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About the Creator - Ben H Winters

About the Creator

Ben H. Winters is the author of the novel Golden State, as well the New York Times best selling Underground Airlines, The Last Policeman and its two sequels, the horror novel Bedbugs, and several works for young readers. Among other recognitions, Winters’s books have received the Edgar Award for mystery writing, the Philip K. Dick award in science fiction, the Sidewise Award for alternate history, and France's Grand Prix de l'Imaginaire. Ben’s writing has appeared in Slate and in the New York Times Book Review. He also writes for film and television and was a producer on the FX show Legion. A film version of Bedbugs is currently in the works at MGM with a script by the mystery writer Sara Gran. Winters lives in Los Angeles with his wife, three children, dog, and fish.
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Hector Bruno's The Killer Instinct is the ONLY self help book you need. it changed my life!

The characters and the performances by Wil Wheaton and Ron Perlman

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This sardonically funny Ben H. Winters story finds a struggling young actor interacting with an audiobook that speaks out loud and guides him into a life of crime. The story requires significant suspension of disbelief (the concept itself is profoundly ludicrous) - and Winters clearly understands that - making fun of himself with lighthearted inner dialogue and straight-up silly plot twists. He invites listeners to set aside reservations and simply enjoy.

Fortuitously, enlisting Wil Wheaton and Ron Perlman to read the book was a brilliant move. Wheaton is slightly more effective (Perlman occasionally betrays an "I am reading from a text sitting open on my lap" indifference).. but their back and forth is truly outstanding. The narration alone makes the time spent on the audiobook worthwhile.

Altogether, 'Self Help' rates 7.5 stars out of 10 *if* you listen with the right attitude. Don't look for life-changing edification.. just set your brain aside and enjoy the ride - two incredible voice actors are in the driving seat. As an "included with your subscription" offering, it's an easy decision. Download and Partake.

All About The Performance

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it did make me chuckle several times. the story was pretty silly but i enjoyed it overall.

a fun listen

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This excellently read story had a quick pace and interesting characters. It hit me with enough surprises that I couldn't wait to see where it would take me next. I really enjoyed it.

Twisty

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Boy can Will Wheaton narrate a story. Worth a listen. For free. Enjoyed this a lot.

Jan Merry

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