Access a growing selection of included Audible Originals, audiobooks, and podcasts.
You will get an email reminder before your trial ends.
Audible Plus auto-renews for $7.95/mo after 30 days. Upgrade or cancel anytime.
Tumbling  By  cover art

Tumbling

By: Diane McKinney-Whetstone
Narrated by: Myra Lucretia Taylor
Try for $0.00

$7.95 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $21.49

Buy for $21.49

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Taxes where applicable.

Publisher's summary

Tumbling is a national best seller from an exhilarating new voice in African-American fiction. Set in Philadelphia in the 1940s and 50s, this emotionally inspiring story revolves around Noon and Herbie, a couple with more than a few obstacles to overcome. They raise two girls left on their doorstep, struggle to keep their unconsummated marriage alive, and fight to save their urban neighborhood from development.

Both Noon and Herbie have secrets. Because of this she can’t be intimate with her husband, and he sneaks out to a hot jazz singer named Ethel - who has a secret of her own. When the city proposes to build a road through their neighborhood, Noon begins a crusade to keep it from happening - and maybe save her marriage in the process.

Tumble into this amazing novel and feel the love and warmth of a special block in South Philly. This is an extraordinary depiction of the true meaning of family and fellowship, with a realistic mix of both joy and sorrow.

©1996 Diane McKinney-Whetstone (P)2001 Recorded Books

What listeners say about Tumbling

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    151
  • 4 Stars
    29
  • 3 Stars
    9
  • 2 Stars
    2
  • 1 Stars
    0
Performance
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    146
  • 4 Stars
    16
  • 3 Stars
    6
  • 2 Stars
    1
  • 1 Stars
    0
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    133
  • 4 Stars
    26
  • 3 Stars
    8
  • 2 Stars
    1
  • 1 Stars
    0

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great Story

I loved everything about this novel. What a great story of redemption. I would listen to Myra Lucretia Taylor read the phone book! She gives life to every character

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Loved

I loved the well written story, I had the book years ago but never finished and I always wondered what happen to Noon and Herbie.

The narrator was spectacular!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

You'll Want to Listen in One Sitting

If you could sum up Tumbling in three words, what would they be?

Reaping what you have sown.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Probably, Herbie or Noon. Herbie because of his patience. Noon because of her open arms in difficult situations.

What does Myra Lucretia Taylor bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Her voice is absolutely perfect. Each character uniquely portrayed.

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

Cry. So much drama, but the family togetherness balanced this book.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Ethel

What a great book. I put it up there withThe Darkest Child. Ethel did the best she could by stepping back. Herbie..smdh. I loved Noon & the whole story..it reminded me of the stories I grew up hearing.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A Mother's Love

Ms. Whetstone has done it again. she is such a wonderful storyteller. I really enjoyed listening to this book, her writing was so vivid, descriptive and clear. I felt transported back to 1940's Southside of Philly.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Captivating

Once I got started, it was hard to out this one down. The characters were interesting and well rounded, the writing is descriptive and relatable while weaving a story that really brought my imagination into the moment. And this narration was CHEFS KISS amazing!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Good

This was a good book. The story kept my attention and made me anxious to get back to it. It’s a little long but I do recommend it.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great listen

One of the best I’ve heard yet!! I would highly recommend this story!! Long but worth it!!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Very interesting book.

Couldn't stop listening. Very well written and performed. Took me back to the time when many neighborhoods in the USA were faced with urban renewal.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Loved it

I absolutely loved this book! I was so sad when it ended! The depth of the characterized even adding mental health in it. Great read!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful