The Dry Grass of August

De: Anna Jean Mayhew

Narrado por: Karen White

Duración: 9 h y 31 m

Resumen del Editor

In this beautifully written debut, Anna Jean Mayhew offers a riveting depiction of Southern life in the throes of segregation and what it will mean for a young girl on her way to adulthood - and for the woman who means the world to her.

On a scorching day in August 1954, 13-year-old Jubie Watts leaves Charlotte, North Carolina, with her family for a Florida vacation. Crammed into the Packard along with Jubie are her three siblings, her mother, and the family’s black maid, Mary Luther. For as long as Jubie can remember, Mary has been there - cooking, cleaning, compensating for her father’s rages and her mother’s benign neglect, and loving Jubie unconditionally.

Bright and curious, Jubie takes note of the anti-integration signs they pass and of the racial tension that builds as they journey further south. But she could never have predicted the shocking turn their trip will take. Now, in the wake of tragedy, Jubie must confront her parents’ failings and limitations, decide where her own convictions lie, and make the tumultuous leap to independence.

Infused with the intensity of a changing time, here is a story of hope, heartbreak, and the love and courage that can transform us from child to adult, wounded to indomitable.

©2011 Anna Jean Mayhew (P)2011 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Reseñas de la Crítica

“A haunting debut…Ms. Mayhew creates authentic characters and a Southern setting that will make you feel and smell a summer day from half a century ago.” (Karen White, New York Times best-selling author)

Depressing and Predictable

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

The main character was honest and believable. Supporting characters were uppity and a bit over the top.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

The story was very predictable. It seems as though the author was trying to recreate "The Help" but from a different perspective.

Which character – as performed by Karen White – was your favorite?

The narrator was very good. I would buy another book performed by Karen White.

great story

narration keeps you listening. solid story, though heartbreaking at times. characters are realistically fleshed out.

Cultural reminders

As a person born in 1959, this book was a reminder of so many common things that were a part of everyday life back then. Unfortunately, it was also a heartbreaking story of inequality, racism, and the still existent power and entitlements of white men. Very well written from the perspective of a young teenaged girl whose heart could see no color differences. A good read.

good Story

great story the flow of it went really well I enjoyed the whole thing it was sad there was happy I cried I laughed

Not a bad read, but read better!

story goes along like something big is going to happen but never does. Enjoyed the story enougb to not regret the time spent listening to it. Thought it might be a little more adulterated than it was.

A sad but moving story

I especially enjoyed Junes relationship with Mary. It was genuine and loving. It was a welcome change to how some American authors depict the relationship between a black maid and a white child she cares for. I enjoyed the book.

A good Binge read!

This book definitely delivered. Great story plus good narrator = a win
I would definitely recommend!

Not much of a plot

This was an ok book. I wouldn’t stretch to call it “historical fiction” it read more like a teenagers very detailed diary. I’m glad I didn’t have to pay for it.

A 1950's Coming of Age story

Jubie grew up thinking of her family's black maid, Mary, as just another human being. A friend, even. As she grows, she discovers that the world, especially her father, holds a very different view of people who aren't white.

This book held my interest, although I wish that the character of Jubie's father wasn't so one dimensional. I preferred how Harper Lee handled this in her first novel, "Go Set a Watchman". Atticus Finch was revealed to be a racist but he wasn't a 100% villain. People are not 100% good or 100% bad.

Interesting.

Good storyline. Sometimes confusing with the story reflecting back and forth. Worth it through the end.