Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Citizens of Campbell

Author: Ann Reed

Narrator: Ann Reed

Format: Unabridged

Length: 4 hrs and 47 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-05-17

Publisher: Turtlecub

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Earl Johansen and Nearly Kelly have been friends since they were boys in Campbell, Iowa. Now old men, Nearly lives in the Veterans Home, where Earl is his frequent visitor and steadfast companion. As his health deteriorates and they reminiscence about days gone by, Nearly has only one regret - something Earl and a couple of new friends might help him resolve.

Citizens of Campbell is the story of a small Iowa town, the unlikely but enduring friendship between two World War II veterans, and the timeless gifts of living a simple life.

Members Reviews:

A kaleidoscope of all of all of us and the strength of friendship

A book that opens memories, and reminds us of experiences waiting on our bucket list. A story of friendship that we all hope to experience.

Mmm-Mmm Good!

Did you ever think

All those years ago

That the world would be

Such a crazy show

Is there anything

To be certain of

Save the gentle steps of the ones we love

As I trace the path grateful to

Have walked along this road with you

- From Gift of Age by Singer-Songwriter-Guitarist-Author Ann Reed

In Citizens of Campbell, two old friends, Earl Johansen and Nearly Kelly, have lived in Campbell, Iowa, their entire lives, save their service in Europe in World War II. Earl and his brother Mitchell grew up in a household with an abusive, alcoholic father and a mother who did little to protect them. They were loved and guided by their grandmother. Nearly â yes, âNearly,â is half Native American, half Irish American. His father died before he was born. Nearly endured endless name calling, bullying, and ostracizing from classmates and even from adults. But Earl was his steadfast protector and friend. They looked out for one another. Itâs what friends do.

Now Nearly is in the Veterans Home, unable to fend for himself due to the ravages of diabetes and a heart condition. Earl visits him faithfully every day. Despite the lapses in memory and repetition in their conversations, Earl treasures the time he spends with his old pal.

In addition to the two best buddies, we also meet a former classmate, Marlene, and her great-niece Lori. Marleneâs kindness and Loriâs youthful enthusiasm add joy to the lives of the old guys, and they in turn, help 17-year-old Lori find her passion just by being open and listening to her.

I have long been a fan of Minneapolis native Ann Reed. I cannot count the times over the past 30 years or so that I have attended concerts and listened to her on Minnesota Public Radio. She is a marvelous folksinger with a rich, deep voice. She plays a mean 12-string guitar. She is a storyteller in both her music and her stage performances, so it really comes as no surprise that this woman can write. Her characters are ordinary, small town folks who go about their daily lives. This author is a great observer of people! Ms. Reed writes with compassion and wit; there are even some chuckle-out-loud moments. As in her music, the story is filled with questions about life, about love and friendship, and about living our dreams. There are darker themes, as I mentioned â bullying, racism, and homophobia. I listened to the book on Audible, taking it all in through the sound of Annâs narration, which I highly recommend.

Citizens of Campbell is a gentle, touching story tinged with humor, told in the unique style of Ann Reed. Ann, I hope you will write more books â soon!

5 stars.