Rush Home Road

By: Lori Lansens

Narrated by: Ruby Dee

Length: 6 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

When Addy Shadd was a young girl living in Rusholme, she was taught the history of her town, which was settled by fugitive slaves in the 1800s. It was told to her like a storybook legend - and although Addy is forced to leave her beloved home as a teenager, the place will call to her for the rest of her life. She thinks of it as a commandment: "Rush home, Addy Shadd. Thou shalt rush home." But the stories and memories of Addy's past have been buried deep in her 70-year-old heart - memories that are by turns dark and poignant, erotic and mysterious.

When five-year-old Sharla Cody is abandoned on Addy's trailer-park doorstep, the old woman doesn't know if she is up to the task of mothering the willful, curious child. But she takes the little girl into her home, and Sharla opens a door to Addy's past - to memories of the strawberry fields, the church graveyard, and the tender crust of her Mama Laisa's apple pies. The past returns to Addy Shadd, and as she sits in her trailer she can close her eyes and "see the county farms and city streets and recall each season of death and rebirth." Somehow, Sharla Cody helps Addy make sense of her long and hard life so she can find forgiveness - and finally make the journey home again.

©2002 Lori Lansens (P)2002 Time Warner AudioBooks, a Division of AOL Time Warner Book Group

Critic reviews

"Lansens is a brilliant talent, with a profound, big-hearted comprehension of human flaws and humane possibilities." (The Globe and Mail)

Wish I had realized it was abridged.

Any additional comments?

It's my fault for not reading more carefully, but this fine writing deserves a full, unabridged edition. I never opt for abridged versions...it feels like I'm cheating.

A good listen

What made the experience of listening to Rush Home Road the most enjoyable?

Ruby Dee's voice was perfect for this book. I thought the ending was a little phony but overall I liked the book.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Rush Home Road?

Addie's conversations with her brother Liam

Have you listened to any of Ruby Dee’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Who was the most memorable character of Rush Home Road and why?

Addie Shad as an older woman. That voice..................

Rush Home Road

An excellent story. I was facinated with how envolved the listener becomes with the main 2 characters and enjoyed looking into the window of their lives.

Takes your breath, pulls on your heart...

Where does Rush Home Road rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Up there around 9 or 10.

What other book might you compare Rush Home Road to and why?

No other book compares.

What about Ruby Dee’s performance did you like?

Every character was set apart.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Touched every emotion. Yes I laughed and cried.

Feel good story

A nice little feel good story with a happy ending. Not too long. Nicely narrated. Good story.

It made me want to stay in my car for a LONG TIME

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes I loved the story and I really loved hearing Ruby Dee's voice telling the story as if she were telling a story to a friend not just reading a book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Addy Shad, well because it is her story and there was so many layers to who she was as a person you just wanted to get to know all about her.

Have you listened to any of Ruby Dee’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no

Who was the most memorable character of Rush Home Road and why?

Mrs. Leymoyne. Because that is my middle name and I have NEVER heard anyone else called by it.

Have patience it will encapture you

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Its different, but strangly you wanted to listen to more. You just have to get used to it

Would you be willing to try another book from Lori Lansens? Why or why not?

Probably not

What aspect of Ruby Dee’s performance would you have changed?

Its just totally different to what I have listened to before

Do you think Rush Home Road needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No

Any additional comments?

Not bad!

Best performance ever

Where does Rush Home Road rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This was the best performed audible book I've listened to. I didn't want it to end.

What other book might you compare Rush Home Road to and why?

The Olive Farm was well performed also but I'd rate Rush Home Road over it.

Have you listened to any of Ruby Dee’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, but I would like to.

If you could rename Rush Home Road, what would you call it?

Don't know.

One of my favorite books.

I first read this book when I was 15. since then I have enjoyed it over and over again. This is by far my favorite book from this author . The narration of this audio book is perfect .

A fascinating story, brilliantly narrated.

What made the experience of listening to Rush Home Road the most enjoyable?

The story was compelling and the narration was so vivid I could see every character in vivd detail. They stayed in my thoughts long after I finished reading.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Rush Home Road?

Kindness and generosity juxtaposed to indifference and cruelty were themes that played throughout the story. Some people just shouldn't be parents and the viciousness of their
words and actions is devastating.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

You know how good an audiobook is when you keep listening even though you're so sleepy your eyes burn and the first thing you want to do the next morning is turn on your Kindle before you even make coffee. I look forward to experiencing another book by Lori Lansens and I could listen to Ruby Dee read anything, anytime, anywhere.