Cloudmaker

By: Malcolm Brooks

Narrated by: Julia Whelan

Length: 14 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

From the nationally best-selling author of Painted Horses comes a soaring, spirited novel set during the summer of Amelia Earhart’s final flight, a tale of American ingenuity and optimism set against the backdrop of a deepening Great Depression.

The summer of 1937 will be a turning point for 14-year-old Houston “Huck” Finn. When he and a friend find a dead body in a local creek, a rare Lindbergh flight watch on its wrist, it seems like a sign. Huck is building his own airplane, a fact he has concealed from his mother. That summer also marks the arrival of his cousin Annelise, sent to live with the family under mysterious circumstances. As it turns out, she has had flying lessons - another sign.

As Huck’s airplane takes shape, so does his burgeoning understanding of the world, including the battle over worldliness vs. godliness that has split Annelise from her family and, in a quieter way, divides Huck’s family too. And meanwhile, there is the matter of the watch, which the dead man’s cohort of bank robbers would very much like back.

In Brooks’s trademark “lush, breathtaking prose” (San Francisco Chronicle) and with a winking nod to the Sam Clemens who inspired its hero’s nickname, Cloudmaker is a boisterous, heartfelt novel that brings to life the idealism, inventiveness, traditionalism, and deep contradictions of the American spirit.

©2021 Malcolm Brooks (P)2021 Blackstone Publishing

Great Story

Great story. Many twists and turns. A look back to a simpler time. Loved it!

Characters you'll love

Malcomb Brooks has penned a gripping story with full characters you'll love every step of the way throughout his summer story set in a time long gone. I especially loved the developed relationships, intricate backstories, and the self-reflections of each character. Listening as read by Julia Whelan makes it feel like a tall tale spun by a grandpatent about the good old days!

Good but confusing book.

It was a little difficult to understand what was going on with all the different characters. But I did like the story, specially the ending.

Great adventure

I also enjoyed Painted Horses by the same author and narrator. Similar vintage, interesting strong female characters.

Return ticket to a bygone era

Malcolm took me back… way back to my own crazy adventures in a 1947 Piper Cub as a teenager and how those years defined my life. Great Story and beautifully told.

All The Stars!

I loved the story and the narration. What an incredible tale, beautifully narrated.
Highly recommend!

Loved the story- loved the narrator!

I highly recommend this book!
Very enjoyable, took me away to earlier times in history. I will listen to it again!

Beautifully written and compelling story

I really like Malcolm Brooks’ books. This one did not disappoint. The characters are so well developed and interesting and I found myself looking forward to hearing more and more of what they were doing and thinking.

wow

I just didn't want this one to end. loved every bit of this book. wow

A Story of Resilience

Malcolm Brooks knows how to tell a story. That's an understatement. I didn't want this book to end. He has such a unique way of weaving history together with interesting and gutsy characters like Annalise, Huck, Yak, that you just want your kids to read a story like this so they can see what perseverance and heroism can look like in youth. And how rewarding accomplishment is. This ought to be required reading in public school English classes. Julie Whelan is a stellar reader. She is able to distinguish each character easily for us and bring the book alive. I love her narrations. Great partnership!