The Singing Trees

A Novel

By: Boo Walker

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

Length: 14 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

A young artist forges a path of self-discovery in an enriching novel about forgiving the past and embracing second chances, from the bestselling author of An Unfinished Story.

Maine, 1969. After losing her parents in a car accident, aspiring artist Annalisa Mancuso lives with her grandmother and their large Italian family in the stifling factory town of Payton Mills. Inspired by her mother, whose own artistic dreams disappeared in a damaged marriage, Annalisa is dedicated only to painting. Closed off to love, and driven as much by her innate talent as she is the disillusionment of her past, Annalisa just wants to come into her own.

The first step is leaving Payton Mills and everything it represents. The next, the inspiring opportunities in the city of Portland and a thriving New England art scene where Annalisa hopes to find her voice. But she meets Thomas, an Ivy League student whose attentions - and troubled family - upend her pursuits in ways she never imagined possible. As their relationship deepens, Annalisa must balance her dreams against an unexpected love. Until the unraveling of an unforgivable lie.

For Annalisa, opening herself up to life and to love is a risk. It might also be the chance she needs to finally become the person and the artist she’s meant to be.

©2021 Lemuel (Boo) Walker. (P)2021 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Walker’s (An Unfinished Story) beautifully written coming-of-age novel is set during the Vietnam War…Ideal for book groups and for readers who enjoyed Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Daisy Jones & the Six, Susan Elizabeth Phillips’s Dance Away with Me, or Nicholas Sparks’s novels.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“A heartwarming read.”—Historical Novel Society

“The Singing Trees is a beautifully crafted coming-of-age story set in working class Maine during the seventies, a time of intense turmoil and transformation in America. It is a heartfelt, complex tale of chasing your dreams without forsaking your roots, and I was swept away by Boo Walker’s deft storytelling and incredibly complex characters. Soulful but also full of sharp dialog and humor, The Singing Trees is exactly the sort of book you get lost in then mourn when it is over.”—Suzanne Redfearn, #1 Amazon bestselling author of In an Instant

the very best book, I've ever read

I loved this non so mucho! I didn't really read about the content of the book, before I downloaded it. bi was just looking for something to listen to. I'm so glad that I stumbled upon this book! I cried for a good part of the book. But, it was good tears! I can't say enough good things about the book, other than it's a kiwi
most definite must read!

Oh My Goodness!

Boo Walker, I don’t know how you write like you do, but I’m so glad you do. This book was rich with color, depth, life & love.
Thank You for sharing your gift of words, your creative mind & your passion for life With us all. I’m so grateful I found your works. You are making a difference. For the better.

gratias vobis

Feel-good story.

Very good writing. The story brought both tears of happiness, and of sadness. Overall, it was a delightful, feel-good, story.

singing tree

loved it.
struggled to finish it.
was entertaining a delightful book to read or listen to

Story of independence and undying love.

I loved the story and the different voices the narrator used. It was a bit young at a few points. Overall, I would recommend this book because it kept me wanting to finish it. The characters felt like old friends. The family dynamics were familiar. Referencing the Vietnam Nam conflict, Watergate, and places I’m familiar with in Maine gave it an authentic connection.

Too long.

Concept was refreshing. However, the story went on and on. This went from a young artist eager to learn to the stereotypical story. It was too long. The author expanded on the same storyline that has been over done.

Protagonist inner dialog exasperating

Story premise good and drama would have been good if it wasn’t so exasperating to listen to the protagonist’s inner dialogue to exhaustion and the stupid choices the she made over and over. Ughh

Love

This was a well written book about the power of love and forgiveness. Family and tragedy are not new, but the wonder of a loving family is always a good read.
The twist and turns of the tumultuous times of the late 60’s and 70’s were an accurate picture of where the main characters struggle to find where they all fit in.

Great story

It was a great story of family and forgiveness. You were surprised by the outcome

Enjoyable Feel Good Story

I enjoyed this story that was generally uplifting because I always knew it would end well. A bit repetitive at times and at times I wanted to just shake the characters for not facing each other and assuming the worst. But I suppose that’s the way we are at times.