The Silver Star

A Novel

De: Jeannette Walls

Narrado por: Jeannette Walls

From one of the best-selling memoirists of all time, a stunning and heartbreaking novel about an intrepid girl who challenges the injustice of the adult world - a triumph of imagination and storytelling.

It is 1970. "Bean" Holladay is 12 and her sister, Liz, is 15 when their artistic mother, Charlotte, a woman who flees every place she’s ever lived at the first sign of trouble," takes off to find herself." She leaves her girls enough money for food to last a month or two. But when Bean gets home from school one day and sees a police car outside the house, she and Liz board a bus from California to Virginia, where their widowed Uncle Tinsley lives in the decaying antebellum mansion that’s been in the family for generations.

An impetuous optimist, Bean discovers who her father was and learns many stories about why their mother left Virginia in the first place. Money is tight, so Liz and Bean start babysitting and doing office work for Jerry Maddox, foreman of the mill in town, a big man who bullies workers, tenants, and his wife. Bean adores her whip-smart older sister, inventor of word games, reader of Edgar Allan Poe, non-conformist. But when school starts in the fall, it’s Bean who easily adjusts and makes friends, and Liz who becomes increasingly withdrawn. And then something happens to Liz in the car with Maddox.

The author of The Glass Castle, hyper-alert to abuse of adult power, has written a gorgeous, riveting, heartbreaking novel about triumph over adversity and about people who find a way to love the world despite its flaws and injustices.

©2013 Jeannette Walls (P)2013 Simon & Schuster

Walls beautifully captures complexity of family.

What did you love best about The Silver Star?

Jeannette Walls never shies away from creating parental characters that you both love and hate. I think what I loved best was her focus on the sibling relationship and how protective that can be when you are dealing with parents who, for whatever reason, are unstable.

What aspect of Jeannette Walls’s performance would you have changed?

I found Walls' performance to be boring. In fact, I was shocked that as the writer if this story, there wasn't much inflection or emotion present during her narrating. It was definitely something I noticed within the first half hour but continued throughout the book. It may have seemed especially absent given the subject matter (particularly the alleged sexual abuse) as I felt using more emotion would've helped flesh out that scene. I also would suggest using different voices for the different characters. As a newbie to audiobooks (yet an avid reader) I find this helpful to get lost in the story.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Not sure, but it would highlight the sibling bond and the resilience of the girls. And maybe mention the unique kindness of the uncle.

Any additional comments?

While I'm a huge fan of Walls, II didn't enjoy this as much as "The Glass Castle". I was thrown a bit when the story took a turn and the girls left for their uncle's home. Initially, I expected that the story would be about the journeys and obstacles of living alone while waiting for their mother's return. After completing the book, I see that the journey back to their mother's old home was integral in the direction of the narrative. I would still recommend this to a friend, but it wouldn't be my first recommendation.

The Silver Star

Jeannette Walls is a fabulous story teller. I have read and listened to all of her books. In this book, she writes in first person as the character Jean, called Bean and puts you right there with her in the story. You can almost feel the wind in her hair, the sun on her face and smell of the hay.

Entertaining

I had to give this book 5 stars in every category. It was entertaining and will read. I truly enjoyed the story kept me at the edge of my seat the entire time.

Excellent story and reading!

This story was captivating and entertaining. Her presentation made you feel like you were experiencing it. We enjoyed every minute of it!

Does not Measure up to Walls' Other Novels

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

No--the plot is too predictable in many important regards.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Too pedestrian.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Jeannette Walls?

I have read all of her other books--this is the first one to which I did not give 5 stars, but I am not sure I would try her next book after this disappointment.

I love this author!!!!

I have read all of her books I could find! She makes you feel like you are right there with her!

סיפור מקסים. חבל שנגמר :)

הספר הראשון שלי באפליקצייה. חוויה מעולה. מומלץ מאוד לכל מי שאוהב ספרים וסיפורים ומעוניין לשפר את האנגלית שלו על הדרך.

growing up is not easy

growing up is difficult no matter what your situation and this story highlights the struggles

Jeannette walls awesome reading

enjoyed the book I had just finished reading glass castle and half broken horses. glad to have read silver star narration was great

Better than The Glass Castle

'Adult' issues, overall an amazing story. We have read all her books, Half Broke Horses and The Glass Castle. We'll read any future books she chooses to write.