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Nowhere is a Place  By  cover art

Nowhere is a Place

By: Bernice McFadden
Narrated by: Robin Miles
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Publisher's summary

Nothing can mend a broken heart quite like family. Sherry has struggled all her life to understand who she is, where she comes from, and, most important, why her mother slapped her cheek one summer afternoon. The incident has haunted Sherry, and it causes her to dig into her family's past. Like many family histories, it is fractured and stubbornly reluctant to reveal its secrets. But Sherry is determined to know the full story. In just a few days' time, her extended family will gather for a reunion, and Sherry sets off across the country with her mother, Dumpling, to join them. What Sherry and Dumpling find on their trip is far more important than scenic sites here and there - it is the assorted pieces of their family's past. Pulled together, they reveal a history of amazing survival and abundant joy.

Bernice L. McFadden is the author of eight critically acclaimed novels including the classic Sugar, Gathering of Waters (a New York Times Editors' Choice), and Glorious, which was featured in O: The Oprah Magazine and was a finalist for the NAACP Image Award. She is a two-time Hurston/Wright Legacy Award finalist, as well as the recipient of two fiction honor awards from the BCALA. McFadden lives in Brooklyn, New York.

©2013 Bernie McFadden (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

What listeners say about Nowhere is a Place

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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

A Mother and Daughter Tear. It. Up.

Bernice L. McFadden is a powerhouse of contemporary African American literature. She weaves together the personal and historical in a way that makes her stories matter deeply to the listener.

McFadden writes confident, lyrical fiction exploring family dynamics, and the past. History and family history--one and the same; slavery, escape, Native Americans, Africans and European slave owners-- their fates bound and futures woven together by DNA.

On a road trip from Las Vegas to Georgia, the tensions and skeletons in the closet of a mother and daughter bubble. Sherry presses her mother, Dumpling, for family stories. What unfolds is a family history rife with tragedy and courage. Sherry comes to understand the dynamics of her family, and finds the inspiration to reveal her own deep secrets.

Robin Miles gives a stunning narration, bringing sympathy to both mother and daughter in.

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14 people found this helpful

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  • BJ
  • 01-19-14

Richly textured and captivating

If you could sum up Nowhere is a Place in three words, what would they be?

Moving, lyrical, and heartbreaking

What other book might you compare Nowhere is a Place to and why?

None

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

Her compelling portrayals of a variety of African American characters across historical and geographical contexts. She outdid herself.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Many moments moved me. I'd rather not spoil them for a prospective listener.

Any additional comments?

Bernice McFadden's writing is brilliant and sensual. She makes it easy to imagine the scenarios she creates.

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8 people found this helpful

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WOW! Really enjoyed this one!

Any additional comments?

Wish I could give 10 stars for this book! The story and the performance are top notch.
This is one I will listen to again.

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7 people found this helpful

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Family secrets

I really enjoyed this one!!! Dumpling was my favorite character!! I love how the story take you back in the past of their family history till now!!

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7 people found this helpful

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Loved this book! Awesome writer and narrator!

Where does Nowhere is a Place rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This book is definitely in my top 10. I loved the imagery and the complexity of the characters. Even the antagonists had depth.

What other book might you compare Nowhere is a Place to and why?

I would compare this book to Cane River, another favorite, because of the use of imagery in both is so wonderful that the reader can imagine themselves there.

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

Robin Miles is an expert at reading. You can see the expressions on the character's face just by emphasis Robin puts on certain words through her expert use of inflections and tones.

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

Although I didn't cry, I was deeply moved.

Any additional comments?

This was a wonderful book that deals with the complexity of relationships, especially between mother and daughter. I highly recommend this book! Definitely worth the credit!

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6 people found this helpful

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Oh, What We Do Just to Draw Breath

I have always loved historical fiction, especially that of the south. Being a southerner, I'm saddened about much of what happened in our history, while even like those in this story, still love so many things about it. Truth is a harsh task master, and while some listeners complain about the obvious incest and sexual abuse in the book, one must admit and face that, it happened. And the balm for healing is the facing up to the past, the taking in of the truth and moving on toward happiness. This book is more than a past tale of slavery, it's a story of strength DURING those times, of incredible LOVE, and horrific decisions that had to be made for survival, and the CHOICE to continue to LOVE after it was all said and done. It's also the story of a modern day mother and daughter, who have never seen eye to eye, but in the telling of the past are able to find themselves and each other. Narration is perfect. Writing is great.

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4 people found this helpful

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Salacious and Degrading to the Human Spirit

While an understanding of the social and cultural problems that lead to incest and abuse may be a necessary study to help victims of abuse, I do not read novels to be assaulted by the sexual perversities of characters in the name of story-telling.
This is such a disturbing and unhappy story, I could not even finish reading it. That the writer takes pleasure in a pornographic explanation of vile actions is clear and sad. Not all stories need to be heard. Certainly not in the name of entertainment, which is the reason I choose to read novels.
Perhaps a rating guide for books is in order. I do not view R-rated movies for much the same reason. Why would I choose to 'associate' with these type of people when I would not choose to be in their company? Foul-mouthed and amoral people are not my cup of tea.
A need to wash, mentally especially, is the immediate reaction to this type of read.

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3 people found this helpful

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Enthralled!

Stayed up late to listen to the end. Spent the hours learning to love this family. I cried with them, laughed with then. The author came as close as I've ever come to understand the strenth of family and the strengh of character it takes to overcome fractures and become whole.

I will look for other writings by Ms McFaddon and I would be willing to listen to Robin Miles anytime!

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3 people found this helpful

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Very Good

The book started out kind of confusing and didn't make sense. I almost stopped listening, but I am glad I didn't. It turned out to be a really good, interesting story. There were a lot of sections that were hard for me to listen to because of the hatred and violence against the slaves. It broke my heart, but I know that is how they were treated.

I really liked the ending.

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2 people found this helpful

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another great book!

once again the author has captivated me with the story and characters. great book and looking forward to more!

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2 people found this helpful