The Dry Grass of August

By: Anna Jean Mayhew

Narrated by: Karen White

Length: 9 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

In this beautifully written debut, Anna Jean Mayhew offers a riveting depiction of Southern life in the throes of segregation and what it will mean for a young girl on her way to adulthood - and for the woman who means the world to her.

On a scorching day in August 1954, 13-year-old Jubie Watts leaves Charlotte, North Carolina, with her family for a Florida vacation. Crammed into the Packard along with Jubie are her three siblings, her mother, and the family’s black maid, Mary Luther. For as long as Jubie can remember, Mary has been there - cooking, cleaning, compensating for her father’s rages and her mother’s benign neglect, and loving Jubie unconditionally.

Bright and curious, Jubie takes note of the anti-integration signs they pass and of the racial tension that builds as they journey further south. But she could never have predicted the shocking turn their trip will take. Now, in the wake of tragedy, Jubie must confront her parents’ failings and limitations, decide where her own convictions lie, and make the tumultuous leap to independence.

Infused with the intensity of a changing time, here is a story of hope, heartbreak, and the love and courage that can transform us from child to adult, wounded to indomitable.

©2011 Anna Jean Mayhew (P)2011 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“A haunting debut…Ms. Mayhew creates authentic characters and a Southern setting that will make you feel and smell a summer day from half a century ago.” (Karen White, New York Times best-selling author)

A 1950's Coming of Age story

Jubie grew up thinking of her family's black maid, Mary, as just another human being. A friend, even. As she grows, she discovers that the world, especially her father, holds a very different view of people who aren't white.

This book held my interest, although I wish that the character of Jubie's father wasn't so one dimensional. I preferred how Harper Lee handled this in her first novel, "Go Set a Watchman". Atticus Finch was revealed to be a racist but he wasn't a 100% villain. People are not 100% good or 100% bad.

Interesting.

Good storyline. Sometimes confusing with the story reflecting back and forth. Worth it through the end.

Sad but beautiful story

I would listen to this book again. The narration was amazing. Storyline a part of history. Sweet young girl shows that no matter the color of someone's skin, there are those that love without question.

Brings back lots of memories from the 50’s.

Breck shampoo. Wearing white gloves to church. The cardboard fans with pictures of Jesus supplied to the churches by the funeral homes. Everyone smoking everywhere. The larger story is interesting, if predictable, but the characters are good and the details of the setting are perfect. It’s well worth the time to read it.

Fabulous

LOVED IT!!! Well written, good and sad but in the end… rewarding. Highly recommend listening/reading.

Interesting and sad.

Living in the North, One has become removed from the history of this period of time. This is a good eye opener for those too young to know. Very well written.

The tragedy of racial relations in the early 50s

It was sobering to learn about how bigoted the south was during this time period

Depressing and Predictable

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

The main character was honest and believable. Supporting characters were uppity and a bit over the top.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

The story was very predictable. It seems as though the author was trying to recreate "The Help" but from a different perspective.

Which character – as performed by Karen White – was your favorite?

The narrator was very good. I would buy another book performed by Karen White.

great story

narration keeps you listening. solid story, though heartbreaking at times. characters are realistically fleshed out.

Cultural reminders

As a person born in 1959, this book was a reminder of so many common things that were a part of everyday life back then. Unfortunately, it was also a heartbreaking story of inequality, racism, and the still existent power and entitlements of white men. Very well written from the perspective of a young teenaged girl whose heart could see no color differences. A good read.