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Cold Sassy Tree  By  cover art

Cold Sassy Tree

By: Olive Ann Burns
Narrated by: Grover Gardner
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Publisher's summary

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)

What listeners say about Cold Sassy Tree

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the details, I felt like was there.

their was nothing to dislike, only that the book wasn't longer. I hated that grandpa died without knowing he had a child on the way

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Wonderful storytelling

I loved this book when I read it several years ago, and listening to it with this narrator was an even bigger pleasure. His voice is perfect, and the story came to life. You laugh often, and you might even cry a few times. I was so sad when it was over. Check it out!

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20 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Cold Sassy Tree

First, let me tell you that I picked this book because I like listening to the narrator, Tom Parker. His other works led me to Cold Sassy Tree.

Second, I almost gave up after an hour of listening. However, after that the author's wonderful story telling took over.

Of the 210 books I listened to the only five stars that I gave out went to; The Road, All the Pretty Horses, Les Miserables, and Echo Park.

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16 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

addicting and adorable

This would have been enjoyable to read, I'm sure. This narrator made this a highly entertaining listen. I highly suggest!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Loved it!!

All the characters of the small southern town my parents grew up in were represented - good and bad. Great story.

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Really enjoyable!

What a great story of life in a small town in the early 1900's told through the eyes of a young boy. It was sweet, poignant and funny.
I have listened to several books narrated by Tom Parker and he is always excellent. This book was no exception. He truly brought it to life.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Fun, Heartwarming

A really good story about a southern family from a small town in Georgia. The characters were great, the narration was very good. It made me laugh and cry. It also reinforced my faith in the Lord and in love.

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Great story

Great story and wonderful narration. My only regret is not having the print version to reread the quotes. I guess I will be buying the book as well. 😉Definitely a book that I have been telling friends about and will read again.

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  • Overall
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read in 84 again now

charming, light hearted story set on the early 20th century in the bible belt with the Civil war
still in memory..a divided, loving, day and the small towns learn lessons of hypocrisy, forgiveness and the value of a good yarn told through the eyes of a teen aged boy. Lovely, engaging. Even better the second time around with 32 more years under my chin!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Wonderfully told story

Small town, strong family ties, ordinary but for the narrator's grandfather and books main character who showed caring and independence in a life worth living. Delightful narration and story!

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