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Title: Leaving Cecil Street
Author: Diane McKinney-Whetstone
Narrator: Saidah Arrika Ekulona
Format: Unabridged
Length: 9 hrs and 11 mins
Language: English
Release date: 07-06-12
Publisher: Recorded Books
Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 6 votes
Genres: Fiction, Historical
Publisher's Summary:
Best-selling author Diane McKinney-Whetstone has won such prizes as the Zora Neale Hurston Society award for creative contribution to literature. Set in 1969, Leaving Cecil Street takes place in a proud neighborhood of West Philadelphia. The block has just thrown a summertime street party. Joe and Louise have been married for awhile, and Joe loves his wife. But sometimes he wonders what might have been if he had pursued some of those dreams he left behind.
Critic Reviews:
Diane McKinney-Whetstone is an immensely gifted writer who seamlessly weaves a rich tapestry of desire and discontent in this engrossing tale of working-class Philadelphians coping with change and each other. (
Essence)
Members Reviews:
Leaving Cecil Street, Diane McKinney-Whetstone
Bought the audio version to pass my time in the car. Though I had heard of her, this is my first encounter with this author. The book started a little slow and I was not sure I would stay with it. However, as I continued to listen to the early backgrounds of its characters, they became endeared to me. Once that happens, I need to find out what becomes of them.
Growing up in that era of 1969, I could identify with all the fashions, events, the slang, and especially the music.
The story unfolds in layer after layer of revelation, like peeling an artichoke or onion. The closer you get to the core, the more you understand the how and why of the characters decisions. I am glad I stayed with this one.
I have books I read and pass on, and ones that touch my heart and become keepers. This one is a keeper. I am looking forward to reading more of Ms McKinney-Whetstone. She knows how to tell a story.
Small World
Very good book, that kept you interested. The characters were realistic. As the story unfolds, you really get into how everyone is connected and you get drawn in more and more with the character's pasts. What a twist to find out how Alberta and Louise were connected, helped explain the friction between them. As you learn more about the character's past, you start to really understand their present.
Definitely a good read. I purposely try to be vague so as to not give away the story.
It gets going and is really good. Always enjoy books by this author
Starts kinda slow but just hold on. It gets going and is really good. Always enjoy books by this author !
All can say is Wow. An excellent book from beginning to end.
All I can say is Wow. An excellent book. From beginning to the end. It was like being there. Wonderful
Leaves Indelible Prints Upon Your Heart
When I read the story last summer, I missed the richness of it all. The second read left me soooo satisfied that I couldn't read ANYTHING immediately afterwards.
Diane McKinney-Whetstone is masterful for her art of bringing characters, places, and sounds to life! On Cecil Street, you will meet the residents who are so real. The introductions are intense and animated - enabling you to feel their pain, their joy, and their sorrow.
The soulful music that moves from the pages into your heart will create a beat that you never imagined - a heartbeat for Joe, Louise, Shay, Neet, Alberta, and Deucie. These characters will etch indelible prints upon your heart - endearing you to them forever.
Leaving Cecil Street is a MUST read... a MUST hear... a MUST see... a MUST feel... a MUST have. It is sure to soothe your literary soul.
