Backseat Saints

By: Joshilyn Jackson

Narrated by: Joshilyn Jackson

Read this "enthralling" portrayal of the measures a mother will take to right the wrongs she's created while reigniting her rough and tough Texan bravery (Kathryn Stockett, bestselling author of The Help).

Rose Mae Lolley's mother disappeared when she was eight, leaving Rose with a heap of old novels and a taste for dangerous men. Now, as demure Mrs. Ro Grandee, she's living the very life her mother abandoned. She's all but forgotten the girl she used to be-teenaged spitfire, Alabama heartbreaker, and a crack shot with a pistol-until an airport gypsy warns Rose it's time to find her way back to that brave, tough girl . . . or else. Armed with only her wit, her pawpy's ancient .45, and her dog Fat Gretel, Rose Mae hightails it out of Texas, running from a man who will never let her go, on a mission to find the mother who did. Starring a minor character from Jackson's bestselling Gods in Alabama, Backseat Saints will dazzle readers with its stunning portrayal of the measures a mother will take to right the wrongs she's created, and how far a daughter will travel to satisfy the demands of forgiveness.

Critic reviews

"Joshilyn Jackson is a storyteller whose clarity and elegant poetry are worthy of the tradition of our great Southern writers. The really big surprise is her reading. Jackson reads with energy, enthusiasm, and the finesse of an accomplished voice actor. Her artful characterizations draw listeners into Nonny's world, filled with quirky, genuine, and original characters."—AudioFile Magazine on Between, Georgia

"While set in the languid deep South, the pace is rapid. Jackson's reading keeps things brisk without going too swiftly. Jackson's excellent reading allows characters' voices to reveal much about their histories and personalities: Laurel's gentle but determined manner, her outrageously funny sister's sarcasm, the thick drawl of an impoverished girl visiting from Alabama. A brief interview with Jackson at the end offers some insight into the book's genesis and development and into her writing habits."—Publishers Weekly on The Girl Who Stopped Swimming

Jackson needs to stay in the south.

Any additional comments?

Perhaps because of the very dark subject matter, this was not quite as enjoyable as previous Jackson books. In the first half there was the familiar edgy southern sass that I so love from this author, but as Rose Mae hits the road and reaches California, the charm is quickly diminished. Jackson's narration suffers as she tries to voice Rose Mae's mother's affected non-southern accent. The mother's character is less well developed, and is not very sympathetic, which is problematic considering the pivotal role she plays in Rose Mae's own development. The violence she has experienced makes this somewhat understandable, but difficult to warm up to. Still, the story is compelling and has a ring of authenticity regarding the family violence. Just not as strong a recommendation as her other books in my opinion.

So VERY good !!!!

I highly recommend this audio. I've listened to almost all her other books and loved them all she also does a great job narrating, she had Rose May, Ro Grandy and Ivy Wheeler's voices perfect. I absolutely love Joshilyn Jacksons books. .

Another winner!

My 2nd book with this Author. It's like living in someone else's shoes! Loved it!

gorgeous

It is such a treat to have the author narrate her own book. This is another fabulous read/listen from Ms Jackson.

Wow! What a great book!

At first I was hesitant to select this book because of its subject matter--domestic violence. However, the story is beautifully written and exquisitely well read by the author. Several times, I wanted to pick up the phone to quote a particularly brilliant line or two to my daughters. Joshilyn Jackson surprises me with every new book. I loved the characters and hated to come to the end.