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Get Lost and Find Adventure with Andrew Sean Greer

44m · Wild Precious Life · 03 Nov 14:19

Our guest this week is Andrew Sean Greer who’s created one of our favorite dreamers in literature. His fictional character, Arthur Less, lives a somewhat disappointing life. Few of Arthur’s plans ever pan out, but there is often magic in the mayhem. In this episode, Andrew and Annmarie discuss foiled plans, dashed hopes, and how to discover new longings and brighter dreams when we wander–or even tumble–off the beaten path.

The episode Get Lost and Find Adventure with Andrew Sean Greer from the podcast Wild Precious Life has a duration of 44:43. It was first published 03 Nov 14:19. The cover art and the content belong to their respective owners.

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