Out of Darkness

By: Ashley Hope Pérez

Narrated by: Benita Robledo, Lincoln Hoppe

Length: 12 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

"This is East Texas, and there's lines. Lines you cross, lines you don't cross. That clear?"

New London, Texas, 1937. Naomi Vargas and Wash Fuller know about the lines in East Texas as well as anyone. They know the signs that mark them. They know the people who enforce them. But sometimes the attraction between two people is so powerful, it breaks through even the most entrenched color lines. And the consequences can be explosive.

Ashley Hope Pérez takes the facts of the 1937 New London school explosion, the worst school disaster in American history, as a backdrop for a riveting novel about segregation, love, family, and the forces that destroy people.

©2015 Ashley Hope Pérez (P)2016 Listening Library

Without Public Rant, How Many Would Discover a Gem

Fortunately, there was such a rant. Curious, I found this and am grateful to the mother who had a public temper tantrum. Being a member of a very diverse family, we’ve always discussed history in that context with our children, so this story would not ever have been out of the question in our home.

As for the story, it’s a realistic depiction of the lives of children in East Texas in the late 1930s. Tragically, the time could be up to now. Having grown up in West Texas myself (where the collective mentality isn’t any different) and seeing first hand in the late 80s and early 90s how teachers would lose their minds at children speaking Spanish, this was a difficult, heartbreaking listen.

For parents who have a more reality-based approach to parenting, this is a good conversation starter for you and your family.

Banned in some school districts

I honestly only read this book because I saw it was being banned or at risk for being banned at some Texas school districts. I find it ironic that the people who are urging to ban this book, are the people who could learn the most from reading this book. It was excellent from beginning to end, I highly recommend it!

What a glimpse back in time! :(

I qas drawn to this story because I'm Mexican American and my dad was from Texas. he would've been about the same age as the twins. Despite being Mexican, his birth certifies says he was white. I wish I could ask him how his experiences compared to those in this story.

This was hard to put down and the ending had so many unexpected twists and heartbreak. I was in tears. so well portrayed. I loved this story and I hurt, laughed and loved right along with the kids and Wash.

Prejudice is so depresssing

Movies make me cry sometimes, but books rarely do. But I cried for the hopelessness, ignorance, false superiority portrayed in this book. Prejudice....what a stupid, ignorant mindset.
Narration very good.

Excellent

Well worth the time. Twist an turn throughout . Not the ending I expected but I should have.

Should be required reading

What an incredible story. It was so real, I’m every way. Stories of love, and hate. Injustices in every way. Heartbreaking. It may not have been a true story, but it may as well have been.

Deeply dark

A beautifully written nightmare. This book is very well written with great character development but turns really dark and disturbing . Graphic images of rape and murder.

a beautifully narrated tragedy

this was a little slow to start but once it did, a real page turner! my heart soared and wept and left me shell-shocked. it gives perspective and insights you don't often see.

Necessary history is critically important

Although part fiction, very true to thousands of stories kept secret, covered up and never told.

Heart wrenching, difficult, and incredible

Such a difficult story to listen to, but such an incredible story at the same time. Really loved this one.