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Five-Carat Soul  By  cover art

Five-Carat Soul

By: James McBride
Narrated by: Arthur Morey, Nile Bullock, Prentice Onayemi, Dominic Hoffman
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Publisher's summary

From the New York Times best-selling author of The Good Lord Bird, winner of the 2013 National Book Award for Fiction, Deacon King Kong, and Kill 'Em and Leave, a James Brown biography.

The stories in Five-Carat Soul - none of them ever published before - spring from the place where identity, humanity, and history converge. They’re funny and poignant, insightful and unpredictable, imaginative and authentic - all told with McBride’s unrivaled storytelling skill and meticulous eye for character and detail. McBride explores the ways we learn from the world and the people around us. An antiques dealer discovers that a legendary toy commissioned by Civil War General Robert E. Lee now sits in the home of a Black minister in Queens. Five strangers find themselves thrown together and face unexpected judgment. An American president draws inspiration from a conversation he overhears in a stable. And members of The Five-Carat Soul Bottom Bone Band recount stories from their own messy and hilarious lives.

As McBride did in his National Book award-winning The Good Lord Bird and his best-selling The Color of Water, he writes with humor and insight about how we struggle to understand who we are in a world we don’t fully comprehend. The result is a surprising, perceptive, and evocative collection of stories that is also a moving exploration of our human condition.

©2017 James McBride (P)2017 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

One of the New York Times' 100 Notable Books of 2017

"In this collection of previously unpublished short stories by the award-winning author of The Color of Water, an outstanding team of narrators portrays a variety of characters. Novelist McBride peels back the thin veneer on American life with intellect, emotion, and, at times, stinging humor." (AudioFile)

“A pinball machine zinging with sharp dialogue, breathtaking plot twists and naughty humor...McBride at his brave and joyous best.” (New York Times Book Review)

What listeners say about Five-Carat Soul

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Listen. Just listen.

I love audiobooks and I listen to them all the time. I’ve got my favorites, but this one towers over anything I’ve ever heard before. The writing is genius, the narration is amazing, the stories are LOL funny and/or you’ll have to pull over because you’re tearing up. Amazing!
One caveat: skip the 1st story, which is merely good by comparison. Maybe leave it to the end as a cool-down. Thanks audible!! Thanks, James McBride! Thanks, talented cast of voice actors!

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17 people found this helpful

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observation & imagination

How does mcBride do it !!! Such a masterful storyteller & inventor. For your sake do not miss a single work of his. I always feel bereft to leave his characters behind.

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4 people found this helpful

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A Gift

Years ago, I heard the author in a radio interview and read his first book. I read anything he offers; he’s a wise and gifted human being and a remarkable writer. James McBride inspires and delights. In this, as I live into the final chapter of my life, I plan to reread books by authors held dear. Mr. McBride has made my short list and I am grateful!

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3 people found this helpful

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Exceptional

I picked this for my book group and was so happily blown away by how good it was. Going on now to try some of his other novels

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2 people found this helpful

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Different

Very enjoyable although different from my normal listens. It was presented in an entertaining manner with hidden meanings.
Highly recommended!

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1 person found this helpful

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Wonderful

Beautiful writing and beautiful reading. I usually don’t like short stories but I loved this writing. I wasn’t left feeling like any story wasn’t finished. They were complete and great.

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5 Karat Soul - 5 Karat Gold!

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book! Very expressive delivery, great storytelling! Highly recommend

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An Enjoyable Read

Loved this book.. Intriguing stories. Some resolve and some leave you wanting for more.

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Good stories

I really enjoyed this one. It kind of reminded me of a better version the short story books from college. A few of the stories left me wanting to know more.

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Captivating

I didn’t fully read the description before reading this, so I didn’t expect there to be separate stories that don’t connect in the end. But in a way they all do connect thematically, but the stories were all brilliant. This is nothing like a book I’ve ever read before and I highly recommend it.

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1 person found this helpful