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  • A Short Drink of Water

  • Written by: Mara Altman
  • Narrated by: Mara Altman
  • Length: 1 hr and 35 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (13 ratings)

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A Short Drink of Water

Written by: Mara Altman
Narrated by: Mara Altman
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Publisher's Summary

The word pops up anywhere exaggerations are sold. Telling a tall tale. Placing a tall order. Tall, dark, and handsome. And, of course, let’s not forget the proverbial “tall drink of water”. This bothers Mara Altman, and not only because she’s five-foot-zero, but also because her experience as a journalist, humorist, and essayist has led her to challenge assumptions about human existence. Altman’s most recent book, Gross Anatomy: Dispatches from the Front (and Back), was a 2019 finalist for the Thurber Prize for American Humor, and wittily dissected long-held assumptions about our bodies for the deeper truth. Her conclusion: There is greatness in our grossness.

In her Audible Original A Short Drink of Water, Altman challenges the assumption that taller is better. Her journey to empower those at the short end of the stick (and why is it always the short end?) delivers a hilarious and heartfelt look at the differences between tall and short and how people seek to narrow them both physically and psychologically. You’ll meet people of every size and opinion in this deeply reported and richly comical ride through a world where every inch counts.

©2021 Mara Altman (P)2021 Audible Originals, LLC.
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Lovely SHORT listen

Wow, my above comment tried to make a funny pun so please take it that way because I loved this. I myself am considered short. I’m a whopping inch and a half taller than the author. At 5 foot 1 and a half (yes I’ve always felt I needed to add that in) I have had short comments most of my life. And now as an adult I don’t feel as bad about it. But you can bet in high school hardly anyone saw me without heels in. My poor feet.

This was witty, insightful at times a little sad. Overall fabulous and I m going to tell everyone they should have a listen. We do live in a world where tall is better I hear it in my kids my daughter we know will be taller than me which is great but she already at 9 years old wishes she’ll get to 5’7, sorry that’s not gonna happen.

I loved that she spoke with the taller guy it was funny and I could totally see why he’s the life of any party. It was a little sad listening to the man that had the leg extension surgery. It’s great that he’s happy but not being about to play sports or run doesn’t seem good enough for me. But then again being short for a woman is hugely different than a man. Coming from a short family I get it. My brother and really myself too had to learn to be tough. If you can hold your own people will treat you better.

I can 100% say I’d listen to this again. For a laugh or just to feel like I’m m not alone in my … shortcomings 😉

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Thoroughly Enjoyed!

It was funny, well researched and excellently performed. Made me want to seek out more by this author/narrator

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