Coal Run

By: Tawni O'Dell

Narrated by: Daniel Passer

Length: 11 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's Summary

With her eagerly awaited second novel, Tawni O'Dell takes readers back to the coal-mining country of western Pennsylvania. Set in a town ravaged and haunted by a mine explosion that took the lives of 96 men, Coal Run explores the life of local deputy and erstwhile football legend, "The Great Ivan Z.", as he prepares for a former teammate's imminent release from prison. As the week unfolds and Ivan struggles to confront his demons, he reveals himself to be a man whose conscience is burdened by a long-held and shocking secret.

©2004 Tawni O'Dell (P)2004 Penguin Audio and Books on Tape, Inc. All rights reserved. Penguin Audio is a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

Critic Reviews

"This is a fast-paced mystery with well-defined characters and a plausible plotline and ending. Although a few references are made to the earlier book, this enjoyable story stands on its own." (School Library Journal)

Great story

Setting, events and story were intriguing. The characters were well developed and felt real. This is a tale of hurt and healing, heroes in everyday life. I thoroughly enjoyed this!

Great depiction of a time and life of a coal town

What made the experience of listening to Coal Run the most enjoyable?

The accuracy by which Ms. O'Dell captures the underlying sense of coal miners duty to each other and the town. How they would give up pay (leave their job) to continue to search for survivors after the official recovery period is over. Their work ethic and more.

What did you like best about this story?

The way the author combines so many accuracies and realities of the area with the fiction of the story.

Which scene was your favorite?

The description of the people in the Golden Pheasant "tavern" and how they left. Particularly the way an individual, drinking for what ever reason would open the door and pause before continuing as if the street was not passable.

If you could rename Coal Run, what would you call it?

Clune - The author will understand. Clune was the official postal town name of Coal Run. Many of the references come from that town and those around.

Any additional comments?

I grew up in Coal Run. Not the town in the book but the actual town and the area from which so much of the book uses as reference. I reflected back on many experiences so my enjoyment of the book may have been tainted by nostalgia but none the less it was excellent. At times I could see the many venues the author was referencing. Thank you Ms. O'Dell

Disappointed

Really wanted to like this book. Disappointed after really enjoying Back Roads. Narrator is terrible.

Good story!

I really enjoyed the story! I thought the narrators voices for women were a little disturbing, but he did a good job.