Ecology of a Cracker Childhood

The World as Home

By: Janisse Ray

Narrated by: Janisse Ray

Length: 7 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

Janisse Ray grew up in a junkyard along US Highway 1, hidden from Florida-bound vacationers by the hedge at the edge of the road and by hulks of old cars and stacks of blown-out tires. Ecology of a Cracker Childhood tells how a childhood spent in rural isolation and steeped in religious fundamentalism grew into a passion to save the almost vanished longleaf pine ecosystem that once covered the South. In language at once colloquial, elegiac, and informative, Ray redeems two Souths.

©1999 Janisse Ray (P)2015 ListenUp Production, LLC

Amazing

I think this book is best read by listening to Janisse Ray speaking from her heart. Best book narration I have heard thus far.

Slash pine ecology lesson meets adorable memoir

If you grew up in Florida, Georgia or Alabama in the 70s around scrubland, marsh and pines you will appreciate this book. Ever sit in a broke down car as a little kid with your friends or siblings and play road trip? what about playing church; pretending to preach to the masses and baptize each other in a rain barrel or with buckets. Going for family drives for something to do on the weekend,, your whole family singing loud with the windows rolled down?
This book was an enjoyable light read full of insight into nature and its links to humanitypast and present.

Janisse's ewords are powerful when read aloud.

Excellent recording of an excellent history. I thank Janisse for speaking for trees and animals.

I identified with Janisse

I'm a woman in my 30s who grew up working class in rural Montana, and Ray's stories and knowledge were so familiar to me. I loved how she wove her childhood around naturalist expositions about the Georgian landscape. Only a few times were the environmental descriptions unengaging.

Her reading was sweet and easily understood. You will want to be her friend after listening to this audiobook. She and her family--though troubled at times--seemed like salt-of-the-earth people. Great listen.

Real life 'Overstory' segment

Enjoyed the content and the added bonus of author's narration. Part personal history, part ecology.

Great read

Touches on life in the South, poverty, family bonds and our deteriorating environment. Read by the author which added to the feel and connection to the story.

Wonderful yet poignant

This book is a tale of knowledge, history, biology and the wonderment of childhood all rolled in one. It is especially poignant in this time of climate collapse. Listen carefully.

I loved this book

Janisse Ray tells a story and teaches lessons on the ecology. Both are very interesting.
I loved this book and loved listening to her read it.

Home

I remember The Goat Man! Wonderful stories of childhood and fond memories of playing in the junkyard.

Poignant and haunting

A great memoir from a distinct voice. Lots of beautiful imagery of South Georgia and the narrator does a great job.