Tumbling

By: Diane McKinney-Whetstone

Narrated by: Myra Lucretia Taylor

Length: 13 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

Tumbling is a national best seller from an exhilarating new voice in African-American fiction. Set in Philadelphia in the 1940s and 50s, this emotionally inspiring story revolves around Noon and Herbie, a couple with more than a few obstacles to overcome. They raise two girls left on their doorstep, struggle to keep their unconsummated marriage alive, and fight to save their urban neighborhood from development.

Both Noon and Herbie have secrets. Because of this she can’t be intimate with her husband, and he sneaks out to a hot jazz singer named Ethel - who has a secret of her own. When the city proposes to build a road through their neighborhood, Noon begins a crusade to keep it from happening - and maybe save her marriage in the process.

Tumble into this amazing novel and feel the love and warmth of a special block in South Philly. This is an extraordinary depiction of the true meaning of family and fellowship, with a realistic mix of both joy and sorrow.

©1996 Diane McKinney-Whetstone (P)2001 Recorded Books

Ethel

What a great book. I put it up there withThe Darkest Child. Ethel did the best she could by stepping back. Herbie..smdh. I loved Noon & the whole story..it reminded me of the stories I grew up hearing.

A Mother's Love

Ms. Whetstone has done it again. she is such a wonderful storyteller. I really enjoyed listening to this book, her writing was so vivid, descriptive and clear. I felt transported back to 1940's Southside of Philly.

Very interesting book.

Couldn't stop listening. Very well written and performed. Took me back to the time when many neighborhoods in the USA were faced with urban renewal.

I'm glad that I stuck with it.

Is there anything you would change about this book?

The author could have added to the ending. The ending felt like there were a few things left in the air. There wasn't even a prologue.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The characters were very well rounded. They were very human and relatable. That was most interesting. The beginning dragged on for a few hours. It actually took about 4 hours to really get into the story, but one it took off, it was worth it.

Which scene was your favorite?

Ethel and Noone's conversation.

Was Tumbling worth the listening time?

Yes.

Any additional comments?

This story was simple, but very good.

You'll Want to Listen in One Sitting

If you could sum up Tumbling in three words, what would they be?

Reaping what you have sown.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Probably, Herbie or Noon. Herbie because of his patience. Noon because of her open arms in difficult situations.

What does Myra Lucretia Taylor bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Her voice is absolutely perfect. Each character uniquely portrayed.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Cry. So much drama, but the family togetherness balanced this book.

Love it!

Love it! Love the narrator! Myra Taylor is amazing! The story line is a little predictable but great!

so crude full of inappropriate and sexual content!

so crude and full of inappropriate language and sexual content! I was disturbed to be reading such material and k owing that other even younger than I were filling their minds with the same. ... great story, I just wish it was more appropriate.

Loved it

I absolutely loved this book! I was so sad when it ended! The depth of the characterized even adding mental health in it. Great read!

Beautiful story

Beautiful depiction of the truths of life not easily spoken of. Audio performance was very well done.

Good Book

it takes time to build up the characters however once they're all in place you can't stop listening the narrator is excellent in this author always delivers.