Cold Sassy Tree

By: Olive Ann Burns

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

The one thing you can depend on in Cold Sassy, Georgia, is that word gets around fast. If the preacher's wife's petticoat shows, the ladies will make the talk last a week. But on July 5, 1906, things take a scandalous turn. That is the day E. Rucker Blakeslee, proprietor of the general store and barely three weeks a widower, elopes with Miss Love Simpson, a woman half his age and, worse yet, a Yankee! On that day, 14-year-old Will Tweedy's adventures begin and an unimpeachably pious, deliciously irreverent town comes to life.

Olive Ann Burns's classic best seller brings to vivid life an era that will never exist again, exploring timeless issues of love, death, coming-of-age, and the ties that bind families and generations.

©1984 Olive Ann Burn (P)1993 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Rich in characterization and dialogue, this novel is well-suited to the audio format; Tom Parker superbly conveys this great wealth." (AudioFile)

My absolute favorite

This is one of the first audio book I listened to 4 years ago, and it remains my all time favorite. It is narrated by someone who brings the characters and story alive! This is not a big mystery, suspense or romance book, but one that is truly heartwarming - a tale of years gone by. I would be very surprised if this book got an unfavorable review!

A great listen!!

I really enjoyed Cold Sassy Tree! I liked the way Burns wove the themes of religion and judgement throughout the novel. I appreciated Grandpa's theology.

Most enjoyable...odd technical glitches

I probably would listen to it again in a few years. This version has several places where a sentence is repeated. That, and the galloping speed of the early chapters (which did not sound a bit like Georgia to this Georgia resident) put me off at first. Either he slowed down or my ears sped up, though, because I quite noticing about 2 hours in. The narrator's characters are excellent. Though the repeats continue to be annoying I love this story, and I've very much enjoyed listening to it.

step back to 1906

What a wonderful time I've had. It is 1906 people are trusting and easily scandalized. Time seems to move slower. No phones, no TVs, quiet. The beginning of the consumer society. Life is focused on your family here and there's lots of it because one stays where one is born and everyone knows you, for better and for worse. The author presented this village and I loved everyone in it. It was a quiet time. I was sad to get to the end. The narration was wonderful and Grover Gardner's voice added a genuine note to the time.

Fun Story

This was an enjoyable story to listen to. Tom Parker did a nice job of narrating the story.

Enjoyed the humor

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. An excellent portrayal of life in the southern US at about the time cars entered the roads

endearing coming of age story

the story moves along smoothly, no slow boring parts. I wish there was more so I know what happens in his future

Some beautiful writing

I am not a huge fan of books about South (except for Gone with the Wind), and they work even less as audiobooks. But this book contained some beautiful writing that moved me deeply. The scenes are very well crafted, the characters are well drawn. The writing dropped me in the scene. But there is more to this book. I don't know if it literature with a capital L. I find it hard to put my finger on what made this book special, but I think it might be because of the honesty of the writing. I am really glad I chose to listen to this book.

High School English All Over Again!!!!

I loved reading this book in high school, even though my skills in the English language were sorely lacking. This audiobook brings it all back and I loved reliving all the characters and stories. Very well done through and through!!!

Delightful

Loved this book! It is funny and meaningful. Memorable characters. Well written. Rare to find a book with so many laugh-out-loud episodes.