The Lottery Rose

By: Irene Hunt

Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 4 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

Georgie Burgess has known only neglect and abuse during his seven and a half years of life. His alcoholic mother does little to prevent the bruises and scars inflicted on Georgie by her brutal boyfriend. With each blow, the little boy withdraws further into his dreams. When he wins a small rose bush in a lottery, it seems as if one of his dreams has finally come true. But after a particularly savage beating, he is taken from his mother and placed in a home for boys. Surrounded by strangers, and with the rosebush as his only link to the world, both the boy and his treasured plant must learn how to grow and thrive. Irene Hunt has written many books for young people; she has won both a Newbery Honor and a Newbery Medal for her work. Drawing on her professional background in psychology, she creates a heartwarming tale of emerging trust and hope in The Lottery Rose.

©1976 Irene Hunt (P)1996 Recorded Books, LLC

Such a good book

This book touched my heart, a glimpse into the life of a little boy hurt by those who should have loved him. It is very well written.

Great story; sound quality uneven

What did you love best about The Lottery Rose?

This story is well-loved by my students. They identify with Georgie, and understand the emotions he experiences.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Lottery Rose?

There was dead silence in the room when Georgie was beaten by Steve.

Which character – as performed by George Guidall – was your favorite?

I really liked his interpretation of the grandfather, Mr. Collier.

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

I've read this book several times. My students got a little teary when Georgie got hurt, and at the end.

Good story

Good story. Sad theme and parts of story, but overall worth the read. Narration was decent for content.

Breathtakingly Beautiful!

Written so simply. Georgie’s story was so riveting that I listened to it in one sitting. Too many children are victims of violence. That one badly beaten child is lead by a stubborn protectiveness of his rose bush to find a place that’s right is a tear jerker and breathtakingly beautiful!

Exceptional Story

There is a lot of wisdom in this book. I'm encouraged to be more patient and tender hearted to those around me, my neighbors. I recommend listening to it.

A lovely book

I have always loved this book, it’s a favorite of me and my mom. I love Georgie so much I could fell everything he felt especially when he told his best friend about his scars on his back. I don’t think there is anything I dislike about this audible because i love the story so much . I recommend this book to people who are looking for heart touching stories. This one surely tugs at your heart .

I love this book.

Loved the story. Very sad and beautiful at the same time. Been looking for it for ever.

A true tear jerker

Would you consider the audio edition of The Lottery Rose to be better than the print version?

Yes, I would consider the audio version to be better. The inflection of the dramatic reader gives the story depth.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Georgie, he never gav up.

I love this story

I love this story! It is sad but very well written. Although, I did not care for the narrator. I think his voice telling the story was out of character and did not speak the feelings of the characters and how they said things.