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The Water Seeker  By  cover art

The Water Seeker

By: Kimberly Willis Holt
Narrated by: Will Patton
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Publisher's summary

Amos Kincaid is the son of a dowser - a person gifted in knowing how to find water deep in the ground. As a young person, Amos doesnt reveal his gift to others; hes not sure he wants the burden. But through his experiences growing up and crossing the Oregon Trail, Amos learns about lifes harsh realities, especially the pain in losing loved ones. As he cares for those around him, Amos comes to accept his dowsing fate.

This epic novel is a fascinating period piece about the westward expansion and one man's destiny as he searches for love and family.

©2010 Kimberly Willis Holt (P)2010 Listening Library

What listeners say about The Water Seeker

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

A WONDERFUL SURPRISE

Ms. Holt has a winner with this one! I've not called a book beautiful before, but that word fits this story. It's a beautiful blend of human character study, laugh-out-loud humor, grim life in pre-civil war America, and just a great idea! It's also a good reminder that all western life was not blazing guns, and Indian fighting. Wonderful!

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6 people found this helpful

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

Enchanting

Kimberly Willis Holt is known as an author of children’s books, but this is a satisfying story for all ages. Amos Kincaid is the son of a man who is a dowser--he can locate underground water with a divining rod. But the father is determined to be a trapper instead, and much later, a guide on the Oregon Trail. In the course of being mothered by three women in succession, young Amos discovers that he has inherited the talent as well, but hides it.

The adventure unfolds throughout his youth, not minimizing the hard times and frequent tragedies of Westward migration in the years leading up to the Civil War, but also infusing a sense of wonder. A mystical element is ever-present. Birds appear as if by magic, and several people repeatedly see the protective spiritual presence of the mother who died giving birth to Amos.

This book has very little to do with seeking water, you realize as it nears the end. But it’s a genuinely entertaining story. The descriptions of the American landscape in the unspoiled West are stunning.

Will Patton doesn’t really do voices, for the most part, but he is a master storyteller who is among my favorite narrators of a range of tales from King to Kerouac, to Faulkner and Hemingway. He doesn't disappoint here--or ever.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Disappointed

After reading the glowing reviews of this book I was disappointed and had to force myself to plow on to the end. In fairness, just before this book I listened to "Nightwoods" by Charles Frazier, which had a similar vibe and the same reader, and "The Water Seeker" just didn't measure up. Will Patton is, as usual, an extraordinary reader.

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3 people found this helpful

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

A high school librarian's review

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely! I've already recommend It to several people. The story, combined with Will Patton's narration, make it one of my favorite audiobooks ever.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I liked Amos (main character) very much. But Jake is probably my favorite. He is an extrememly honest character in terms of being 'real.' He is rough and crusty, but underneath he has a simple, uncomplicated love for his son. He is a very colorful character.

What does Will Patton bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

For me, Will Patton made this book. If I were to read it, I would hear his voice on every page. I would look for more Will Patton-narrated books.

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

While it was not intended to be a humorous book, the characters are at times very amusing. I did laugh out loud a few times. I also found myself experiencing extreme sadness. The writer handles human emotion extremely well.

Any additional comments?

I had the pleasure of meeting and hearing the author speak about this book recently. She shared the background for the story, which made it all the more fascinating. To read about it, go to the author's websites.

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2 people found this helpful

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

Carefully carved out a historical coming of age story.

This is a heartfelt 1800s weaving of family, feeling, and evolution of self. It is sturdy and written with the dust & trials of the journey..

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1 person found this helpful

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

A wonderful book...

This lovely book has been one of my very favorites among many. The author weaves such an interesting tale regarding a fascinating time in our country's history. The characters and their interactions with each other kept me wanting to find out what would happen next between them. I just loved this book and I won't soon forget the main character, Amos.
Narration doesn't get any better than this either. He is a master.

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1 person found this helpful

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

Storytelling for those who love it

This is a story of a boy. I love stories, things that are told as though they were something that I listened to from my family, and this meets that criteria. This is a good, old fashioned story of a boy's life and growing up in America. It reminds me of Mark Twain in some aspects, as it does not dwell upon the down trodden side of life, but it does not eliminate it either.

If you like simple, southern stories then you will truly enjoy The Water Seeker.

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1 person found this helpful

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

I love a good story especially when read to me

Will Patton is my favorite voice actor, A great story teller that brings a well written story to life.

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

Loved every part

Great story, wonderful narration by Will Patton! I hope there are more books by this author. Five stars.

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

Truly a gem!

This book has it all! I loved it so much! I couldn’t put it down!

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