To the Bright and Shining Sun

By: James Lee Burke

Narrated by: Tom Stechschulte

This early novel from bestselling author James Lee Burke is a gritty coming-of-age story about a young Kentucky miner growing up in the Appalachian mountains who’s torn between his family life and the lure of the city.

James Lee Burke, a writer who “can touch you in ways few writers can” (The Washington Post) brings his brilliant feel for time and place to this stunning story of Appalachia in the early 1960s. Here, Perry Woodson Hatfield James, a young man torn between family honor and the lure of seedy watering holes, must somehow survive the tempestuous journey from boyhood to manhood and escape the dark and atavistic heritage of the Cumberland Mountains.

great history lesson

A great insight into the life and struggles of the coal mine workers in Appalachia.

The punt

A great listen, the performance sounded just like Henry Fonda. The story does Kentucky justice,as I was there 35 years ago training as a nurse midwife.
It doesn't paint a pretty picture, but a true one
I loved it.

Great ending

Tough read as the protagonist is a difficult person to like. One of James Lee Burkes' better endings. A well performed and tightly written novel.

WOW!!!!!

I read this book in 11/2 days, 5 stars to the Narrator he made it come alive. The part that surprised me the most was the part about the Coal Miner's and the fight they had just to survive. Thank you Mr. Burke for another winner.

James Lee Burke is a master storyteller!

This is a story in that has the feel of Steinbeck. It has true and gritty characters, honest dialogue and is told with literary images that you can almost taste. This is simple but compelling tale told by a great writer.