The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat

By: Edward Kelsey Moore

Narrated by: Pamella D'Pella, Adenrele Ojo

Length: 12 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

Meet Odette, Clarice, and Barbara Jean in the New York Times best-selling novel....

Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat is home away from home for this inseparable Plainview, Indiana, trio. Dubbed "The Supremes" by high school pals in the tumultuous 1960s, they weather life’s storms together for the next four decades. Now, during their most challenging year yet, dutiful, proud, and talented Clarice must struggle to keep up appearances as she deals with her husband’s humiliating infidelities. Beautiful, fragile Barbara Jean is rocked by the tragic reverberations of a youthful love affair. And fearless Odette engages in the most terrifying battle of her life while contending with the idea that she has inherited more than her broad frame from her notorious pot-smoking mother, Dora.

Through marriage, children, happiness, and the blues, these strong, funny women gather each Sunday at the same table at Earl’s diner for delicious food, juicy gossip, occasional tears, and uproarious banter.

With wit and love, style and sublime talent, Edward Kelsey Moore brings together four intertwined love stories, three devoted allies, and two sprightly earthbound spirits in a big-hearted debut novel that embraces the lives of people you will never forget.

©2013 Edward Kelsey Moore (P)2013 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Edward Kelsey Moore has written a novel jam-packed with warmth, honesty, wit, travail, and just enough madcap humor to keep us giddily off-balance. It teems with memorable characters, chief among them Odette, as unlikely and irresistible protagonist as we are likely to meet. The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat is that rare and happy find: a book that delivers not only good story, but good company." (Leah Hager Cohen, author of The Grief of Others)

"What a delight and a privilege it is to be among the earliest readers of this breathtaking debut. The supremely gifted, supremely entertaining, and supremely big-hearted Edward Kelsey Moore has conjured up the story of an entire community and, at its sparkling center, a trio of memorable heroines. How I long to have Odette, Clarice, and Barbara Jean on speed-dial! At least I'll be able to brag that I knew them before they hit the big time...as I can promise you they will." (Julia Glass, author of Three Junes and The Widower's Tale)

The best historic fiction since "The help"!

What made the experience of listening to The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat the most enjoyable?

Due to my reduced vision Irely on audiobooks. Since I love books I usually buy several audibooks a week. Since audiobooks is a costly experience I am picky when it comes to how I use my credit. I found this by looking at what was trending in fiction. Thank PeterI did! I love stories in which you get to know the characters in a way that makes the story easy to follow. Stories about daring to be different has always inspired me. Colored ladies are historically very brave so this said:" I am credit proof " and it really is worthy your credit. To me, it had a dash of Gilmore girls meets "The help" and Bridget Jones. It is structured so perfectly: Past and pressent becomes one and you are drawn in. It deals with gossip, cancer, God Ghost, finding yourself and much more. Once you begin to listen you enter their diner hence the Gilmore girls reference.

In this book you will discover how easy it can be to bound with fictional people. If you like "The help" Then you will most likely love this because of the strong stories and the differences which unites us. It spans over decades unlike "The help" making me closer to the characters.

What did you like best about this story?

The way simple conversations between bestfriends was authentic enough to make time stand still. Strong ladies are so inspiring!

Have you listened to any of Adenrele Ojo and Pamella D'Pella ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, this was a first. The way Odette was read annoyed me at first, because every sentence ended in the same tone. I grew to love it however since that voice managed to become Odette.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes! It is rarely a book manage to take me in like this. Who can resist the story of a man carrying his sick friend to her tree? To discover he picked the wrong one? The humor within this sad story manage to turn what we could have seen as victims into victors. It is beyond great and no, I did not spoil the end because Odette might be born in a tree but she did not die there..,

Any additional comments?

The sad thing about this book? I did not want it to end. I love it and will "visit" my new friends by listening to it again and again.

Heartwarming story

loved this. The characters were so vivid in my mind. Wonderful story of friendships. Great humor. Highly recommend!

Very entertaining.

Very entertaining with a twist. Very well written. Enjoyed the narration. Well performed. A must read.

A true gem!

Loved this book. Could not stop listening. I wish the story never ended. Highly recommend. I’m screaming from the rooftop how good this story is.

Unusual story; good narration

Surprisingly unusual story about the friendship of three women written by a man.
I found change in person (first and third) and overly detailed description tedious.
Book easily could have been many chapters shorter but the characters were engaging and storytelling was filled with fun.
Narrators did admirable job.

"The End" came too soon. Wanted more!

What did you love best about The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat?

Every positive thing has already been written about this fantastic book....well, just about. All I can add is it is rare for me to finish a book and be SMILING as well as wanting MORE!

Also, it is absolutely amazing to me that a man could have written such a book more about women than his own gender. What an interesting man that must be!

Heartily and strongly recommend this book. The BEST I have listened to via Audible, the library or any other source in some years. Heartwarming, funny as all get out and so very true about what surprises life has for us.........

Must read! Entertaining and compelling!

What made the experience of listening to The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat the most enjoyable?

I cared about the characters. There were developed wonderfully such that as the story unfolded, so did the characters' individual tales. They made you laugh, smile and feel for them. I was compelled to keep listening because I wanted to know more.

What did you like best about this story?

The way the unfolded and how we didn't get everything at once. The loved the friendship between the ladies and how it stood the test of time and trial. I love read (listening) about strong bonds between Black women. I also enjoy reading Black literature that is not based in superficial details (status symbols like descriptions of clothes, careers, shoes etc) and are timeless.

Stellar!

This story would make a great movie. Terrific storytelling -- colorful characters, quirky situations, all set in a southern Indiana community during the 60's,
Reminded me of Fried Green Tomatoes .

I felt like the 4th Supreme!

Where does The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This audiobook was great, as it utilized two different voices to tell the story. The difference in the voices made it feel more like I was listening to a group of women in the midst of their stories.

What did you like best about this story?

The long-term relationship amongst the friends and the visits from beyond the grave. It was also very humorous and touching at the same time.

Which scene was your favorite?

This is hard, but I would have to say the scene near the end when the fortune teller was arguing with the jilted bride. That was truly hilarious.

If you could rename The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat, what would you call it?

The title fits the book.

Any additional comments?

Great novel. I would love to read (or listen to) more from this author.

Great story but the narrator

Such a hilarious story with laugh out loud moments, but the reader is so monotoned. I think I would have LOVED reading this book more than I did listening to someone botch the great parts.