Dreamland Burning

By: Jennifer Latham

Narrated by: Luke Slattery, Pyeng Threadgill

Length: 8 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's Summary

A compelling dual-narrated tale from Jennifer Latham that questions how far we've come with race relations.

Some bodies won't stay buried.

Some stories need to be told.

When 17-year-old Rowan Chase finds a skeleton on her family's property, she has no idea that investigating the brutal century-old murder will lead to a summer of painful discoveries about the present and the past. Nearly 100 years earlier, a misguided violent encounter propels 17-year-old Will Tillman into a racial firestorm. 

In a country rife with violence against blacks and a hometown segregated by Jim Crow, Will must make hard choices on a painful journey towards self discovery and face his inner demons in order to do what's right the night Tulsa burns. Through intricately interwoven alternating perspectives, Jennifer Latham's lightning-paced pause-resister brings the Tulsa race riot of 1921 to blazing life and raises important questions about the complex state of US race relations - both yesterday and today. 

©2018 Jennifer Latham (P)2018 Hachette Audio

Critic Reviews

"Latham presents a fast-paced historical novel brimming with unsparing detail and unshakeable truths about a shameful chapter in American history.... An unflinching, superbly written story about family, friendship, and integrity, set during one of America's deadliest race riots." (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)

"Wrapped in a detective tale, this is a thoughtful look at racial issues, an exciting whodunit, and a fascinating glimpse into Tulsa history." (School Library Connection)

"Latham masterfully weaves together the story of two well-off, mixed-race teenagers - Rowan, in the present, and Will, who lived in Tulsa in 1921 - in this fast-paced, tension-filled look at race, privilege, and violence in America.... This timely story gives readers an unflinching look at the problem of racism, both past and present, while simultaneously offering the hope of overcoming that hatred." (Booklist, starred review)

I LOVE this book!

I had never heard of the Tulsa Race Riots until I saw a meme on Facebook announcing the anniversary of it in 2018! I did a quick search just to see if it was true and ended up buying five books on the subject - four non-fictions in paperback and THIS audiobook.

First, the performances are phenomenal. I listen to about three audiobooks per week. The voices of both Rowan and (especially) Will fit the characters perfectly. When they voiced other characters dialogue, it sounded natural rather than forced as is so often the case.

Second, the story is a perfect use of fiction to illustrate a true historical event. The characters are likable and you root for them throughout. The two timelines are easy to follow and mesh together perfectly. I laughed a little, cried a little, was reminded of people I know sometimes, and altogether enjoyed the ride.

Third, this book provides social commentary on race relations - then and now - without being overly preachy or heavily pessimistic. We have reasons to be hopeful for a more tolerant future in both the 1921 timeline, and in present day. This would be a great book to use in a college course on diversity or race relations. It could also be used at the high school level in an advanced social studies class.

I’m surprised at how few people have rated this book! I’ve recommended it to a few friends, and will continue to do so. I also posted about it on FB. Audible should promote it more. It’s definitely the best book I’ve listened to this year, and among the best performances ever.

Nice job Jennifer Latham, Luke Slattery, and Pyeng Threadgill.

Every American needs to hear this!

Great listen. Depicts the "worst act of domestic terrorism in our history". Great detective story combined with historical fiction.

Thoughtful Listen

Great narration with multiple voices for characters. The story really draws you in - very relatable even when switching between the modern and historical story modes.

A must read!!!

The narrative of William in the 1920’s & Rowen’s present day narrative are so compelling, suspenseful & moving. Please listen to this first & when you finish stay tuned to hear what the author tells you!!

Oklahoma Riots

I loved the narration and sound effects. I couldn't turn it off. The narrator's really brought the characters to life. Thank you, Latham for enlightening us about a part of history that you will not find in any school book.

great book

really enjoyed how the storyline is two of them intertwined!! the plot twist at the end was unexpected.

Very well written

The author took me somewhere I didn't want to go; but loved it. It was sad, but it was a part of history we want to forget.

Wow! Don't Miss This One!

I love how this book educates the reader on the incident the story is centered around while keeping you guessing at the same time. I've only heard vague mentions of it a few times my entire life so it was quite informative for me. I hope it wakes some people up also because the past DOES always come back around and America is definitely going in the wrong direction right now. This book is definitely worth the credit imo, and I'm glad I waited til it released on Audible even tho I PRE-ordered it on Kindle. Both narrators made the wait very worthwhile! And Ms. Jennifer? Whatever you have coming next, I'm WAITING!

Best fictional account of the Tulsa Race Riot

Although this is YA fiction, I would consider using this book in my college courses over the events of the 1921 race riot in Tulsa. Latham's research is excellent, her characters heartwarming, and her writing worthy to honor the tragic events. The story is relevant today and ties to current news headlines.

One of my favorites

This is one of my favorite books to listen to. The narrators are perfect. This book taught me a history lesson I needed to learn. This should be required reading in high school history classes. So glad I found this book!

Dreamland burning review

I thought this book was a really important read. The race riots of 1921 is something everyone should learn about and this book is a good place to start.