Joy in the Morning

A Novel

By: Betty Smith

Narrated by: Maggi-Meg Reed

Length: 10 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

From Betty Smith, author of the beloved American classic A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, comes an unsentimental yet radiant and uplifting tale of young love and marriage.

In 1927, in Brooklyn, New York, Carl Brown and Annie McGairy meet and fall in love. Though only 18, Annie travels alone halfway across the country to the Midwestern university where Carl is studying law - and there they marry.

But Carl and Annie’s first year together is much more difficult than they anticipated as they find themselves in a faraway place with little money and few friends. With hardship and poverty weighing heavily upon them, they come to realize that their greatest sources of strength, loyalty, and love will help them make it through.

A moving and unforgettable story, Joy in the Morning is "a glad affirmation that love can accomplish the impossible" (Chicago Tribune).

©1963 Betty Smith (P)2020 HarperAudio

Exceptional narration of a tender story

This touching story of Annie and Carl's first year of marriage reminded me so much of the first year of my 58 yr. marriage... a husband in his last year of college, constant money problems, exhaustion and a baby. Carl, a law student, is serious and hard working. Annie is young, uneducated and hungry to learn and fit into Carl's world. Quarrels and misunderstandings occurs, but their deep love for each other helps them both to make the effort to understand each other and overcome the differences. Written with both humor and pathos, the narration by Maggie-Mae Reed is perfection, even to Annie's Irish brogue and the varied peripheral characters. I wish this had not been Betty Smith's final book. I would have loved a sequel to "Joy in the morning."

Very enjoyable

Great story.
Great reader.
A good follow up to A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (though different characters).

Annoying narrator

The narrator created a mess of the main character’s voice and accent…whatever she was trying to do, it didn’t work.

Another Wonderful Betty Smith Audio Book

Many years ago, I read (listened to, rather) A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. It was a powerhouse of a book.

This year, I decided to revisit the author via Audible by listening first to Tomorrow Will Be Better and, now, Joy in the Morning.

I want to first say that I believe Maggi-Meg Reed gave a world-class performance on this audio. I will be looking for more narrations by her.

As with A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Joy in the Morning is somewhat autobiographical. Betty Smith did not have a easy life. May I suggest that, before you read Joy in the Morning that you make a search on the internet and learn something of Betty Smith’s life. That is what I did, and it gave me a different perspective, while I was reading the book.

In any case, I highly endorse this book. Now...I am off to watch the DVD movie version of the book, starring RIchard Chamberlain and Yvette Mimieux.

Mr. Chamberlain had a major hit with the song “Joy in the Morning” decades ago. I always liked the song, but I never got around to watching the movie. After this night is over, I will have finally watched it. Considering the actors, it should be good.

But...it is always hard for a movie to be as full and complete as the book. With all of the great literature that Betty Smith gave us, I wish I could go back in time and say “thank you”... and to somehow give her a happier life.

A lovely srory

This is one of my favorite books of all time, about the ups and downs of the first year of marriage between 20 year old law student Carl and 18 year old Brooklyn girl Annie. They have a lot of worries, no money, their families don't approve, but they are very much in love and determined to make things work. I love Annie as I love few other heroines; its hard to explain, she is just so full of enthusiasm and charm. I am always so disappointed when the story ends, I want it to go on and on, lol. It is very nicely read by Ms Reed, with animation, warmth and empathy. I highly recommend this, and hope you love it as much as I do.

Simply wonderful…

A sweet, simple story that is simply wonderful. I love this author and wish she had written more novels than this and A Tree Grows In Brooklyn.

Joyful Experience

Loved this book! Author Betty Smith brings to colourful life the joy and the vitality of "ordinary" people. As another reviewer has pointed out, if you liked A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, you will enjoy this one also. It is not as detailed or as nuanced, but it is also not as long.

Maggi-Meg Reed does probably the best job of any narrator that I have in my extensive Audible library. It was obvious from her expression and her details of presentation (such as a stifled yawn or a little chuckle) that she was always prepared for recording sessions. Her Irish/Brooklyn brogue is perfect.

So beautiful

Joyful tale of early marriage in the late 1920s/ early 1930s between an uneducated aspiring writer and her law student husband- beautifully narrated.

perfect reading

I cried when it was over. the reader brought it to life. love Betty smith

Loved it

Nice, true depiction of marriage that transcends time and era. Shows how similar we are.