Barbara

The story, setting, people, narator...all perfect. I've only written two other reviews in two years. This book deserves more than 5 stars. Well developed characters and a writing style that links many individual stories together. I wished it wouldn't end. I can't wait for more just like this. If anyone has suggestions, I would love to read your reviews! The Help is quite good and reminds me of this wonderful adventure. Have a great time!

This is a wonderful book. T. Ryder Smith took a small bit of getting used to, but after a time I came to believe that he was the perfect choice for narrator. The South is well described, as is the sense of family and gentleness. Ms. Kincaid reminded me of why I love living here: Hospitality, family ties, honesty, gentlepeople found nowhere else. These folks have their personality issues and surprised me more than once. The ending was somewhat rushed, but if that's all to complain about, I want more!!

I listened to this while on a 14 hour car trip to Fla. I found the story very engaging. I believe that the author captured her own limitations as well as her love for her child and husband in an honest way, sometimes painfully so. The relationship with her sister and parents seemed deep and true. I usually shy away from books narrated by an author (rarely have I found an author who can do justice to their own work). Ms. Jackson is an exception to this rule. Her accent is real, as are her descriptions of the south. I highly recommend this and other works by J. Jackson.

I have a 35 minute drive each way to work every day. Not much to some, but long for me. Audible gets me through...most of the time...I don't understand how off base I was about this book. Reading the cover on line I thought I'd found something special, a sleeper...Instead, I was sleeping. At the end I played the last 4 minutes over and over to see if I'd missed something. No, sadly I did not. Get a different sleeper, or listen to this one before bed!

Clearly I was looking for something different than what the other reviewers described. I made it to the middle of the second part. Definitely long enough to feel confident in saying that life is far too short to spend time on this one. I found myself fast forwarding throughout the book to get to the point, and discovered that there was none. Good or bad, we've all had some sort of religious experience at some point in our lives. The sad fact is that they are usually much more interesting to us than they are to the general public. Other people do not necessarily care about them; nor should they.

It's a rare moment indeed when I find a book this boring. I couldn't manage to care enough to keep the characters in mind, and found myself wanting the radio on instead. Pass this one by, life's too short!

Five big shining stars! This is the book for long trips alone. For that matter, it is the book for lots of short trips as well. A lovely story that is beautifully written and perfectly narrated. I found myself thinking about Oliver and the children, Rose and Maury throughout my day. These are characters that will stay with you long after the book is finished. Mr. Doig's description of Montana in the early 1900's is fascinating. This is a "slice of life" story with caring, honest people and real relationships. Take the long way home, look forward to traffic back ups and enjoy this one! I look forward to more writing by Ivan Doig, and will search for narration by Jonathan Hogan. What a perfect pair.

1/2 star for a good start, but it didn't last. I've never felt compelled to write a review, as most books I choose are right on the money regarding the previous reviews. This one though. Maybe it was the unabridged version, maybe it was the narrator, maybe it was the plot. No, it was all of these. No plot, narration terrible, book too, too long. Stick with Alex Cross. Patterson's attempt at female bonding is unrealistic and the plot, what little there is, is very predictable. Gave up at 5 hours, and I don't care who did it.

I am loving this book! Rarely have I chosen to spend time in the car, and I'm well aware that it's to be with Mr. McLarty and Smitty Ide. Remarkable characterization, and a beautiful sense of place. I'm worried that seeing the movie may ruin the sense I've gotten for this wonderful story, but bet I'll be one of the first in line!