Rain Clouds and Waterfalls

Publisher's Summary

A novel told in short stories, follow young Ellen as she narrates each story of love, loss, longing, friendship, and entrapment. Inspired by the artistry of the Beatles, each story is framed by a Beatles song or actual Beatles event. Follow Ellen's journey from 1976 to 1990: Her beloved brother's disappearance from the family, which she carries with her throughout the book; her navigation through high school as she searches for friendship and love (and a musical instrument), loses her innocence in more ways than one, and is scarred by John's death; her challenges in the 1980s workplace as she confronts sexual harassment; her growth as a young woman taking charge of her life. Ellen injects insight, wisdom in hindsight, and humor into these slice of life stories.

©2014 Piper Templeton (P)2017 Piper Templeton

The Song Remembers When

In the era before modern media-at-your-fingertips technology, some of us grew up listening to music on the radio or listening to tapes. My friends and I used to write letters (with one phone line to be shared among all siblings) and we'd preface our wandering random thoughts with songs.
This book reflected mostalgis about how music was woven into our lives and imbedded in our actions. Moods and burdens could be quickly lifted by with a quick tempo song.
I loved how this book was written. It was easy to get lost in this era with these characters. Rarely can we find stories so full of all of we see and feel in life.
Bravo to Piper Templeton and Angie Hickman. They made a great team, but I would love to find more from them!

Highly recommended for anyone who wants a "real", deep, and emotion-filled book!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A trip down memory lane

For a lot of people that became a young adult in the sixties and seventies this probably will bring back memories. Good and bad.
The book describes daily events, the bond between an older brother and younger sister. Because of some of the subject matter covered you would expect a dark depressing book. Instead is shows that lives continues. Some of the subjects are the secrecy around mental illness, abusive parents, sexual harassment in the workplace, domestic violence, guilt feelings about not taken care of an elderly grand parent and more.
The main character Ellen is well developed. You get to know her and she could easily be the girl next door or your best friend. Not everybody will relate to this book but I think a lot of people will.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Good read

My first read from author Piper Templeton. Sketchy in places but well-written with a single primary character that you feel you know by the end of the book. I'd read more by this author. I was given an Auduble copy of this book back in September of 2017 and am voluntarily reviewing it.

What a charming listen!

I loved that this book was all about the music, even though I'm not a great Beatles fan I just really got that this young woman's life had a sound track. Music is so evocative. I really enjoyed this recording and listened to it in one sitting. My only complaint is that I was so disappointed when it finished. Can't wait for the next book.

hmmm?

Not sure where this story was or is going but I would like to know more.

Rain Clouds and Waterfalls

An interesting listen that highlights important events that happened in the life of a young girl named Ellen. I loved how each event was tied to a Beatles song.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.

Oh wonderful listen

A beautiful story from beginning till end. The author and narrator outdid themselves with this, brang me to tears.