Calling Me Home Audiobook, by Julie Kibler Play Audiobook Sample

Calling Me Home Audiobook

Calling Me Home Audiobook, by Julie Kibler Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Bahni Turpin, Lorna Raver Publisher: Blackstone Publishing Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 9.00 hours at 1.5x Speed 6.75 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: February 2013 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN: 9781624609480

Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

43

Longest Chapter Length:

63:05 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

02:01 minutes

Average Chapter Length:

18:59 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

1

Other Audiobooks Written by Julie Kibler: > View All...

Publisher Description

A soaring debut interweaving the story of a heartbreaking, forbidden love in 1930s Kentucky with an unlikely modern-day friendship

Eighty-nine-year-old Isabelle McAllister has a favor to ask her hairdresser, Dorrie Curtis. It's a big one. Isabelle wants Dorrie, a black single mother in her thirties, to drop everything and drive her from her home in Arlington, Texas, to a funeral in Cincinnati—with no clear explanation why—tomorrow.

Dorrie, fleeing problems of her own and curious whether she can unlock the secrets of Isabelle's guarded past, scarcely hesitates before agreeing, not knowing it will be a journey that changes both their lives.

Over the years, Dorrie and Isabelle have developed more than just a business relationship: they are friends. But Dorrie, fretting over the new man in her life and her teenage son's irresponsible choices, still wonders why Isabelle chose her.

Isabelle confesses that, as a willful teen in 1930s Kentucky, she fell deeply in love with Robert Prewitt, a would-be doctor and the black son of her family's housekeeper—in a town where blacks weren't allowed after dark. The tale of their forbidden relationship and its tragic consequences makes it clear Dorrie and Isabelle are headed for a gathering of the utmost importance and that the history of Isabelle's first and greatest love just might help Dorrie find her own way.

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"I loved this book! Julie Kibler is an amazing first time novelist! I hope she is busy writing her next book, because I can't wait to read it! I hesitated to spend $12 on a kindle book, but it was so worth it! I have to say the first third of the book was a little slow, but midway through, I couldn't put it down. I felt attached to Dorrie, & especially Isabelle. I was drawn to this book, after being in an interracial relationship myself, years ago. I had a taste of how hurtful people can be towards couples of different races. This special story brought tears to my eyes more than once. the relationship between the two ladies as they traveled together was heartwarming. It reminded me of a couple of elderly lady friends I have grown to love. I will recommend it to my friends."

— Carole (5 out of 5 stars)

Quotes

  • “If Julie Kibler’s novel Calling Me Home were a young woman, her grandmother would be To Kill a Mockingbird, her sister would be The Help, and her cousin would be The Notebook. But even with such iconic relatives, Calling Me Home stands on her own; this novel uncovers a painful past that tells us so much about who we are, where we’re going, and the people who are traveling with us.”

    — Wiley Cash, New York Times bestselling author
  • “You’d never guess that Calling Me Home is a debut novel, Julie Kibler’s writing is so wise and assured. Although the two strong women she’s created come from completely different backgrounds, the bond that grows between them is extraordinary, touching, and believable. I laughed out loud in places and had tears in my eyes as I turned the last page. I can’t wait to watch Julie Kibler’s star rise!”

    — Diane Chamberlain, New York Times bestselling author
  • “Julie Kibler grabbed me on the very first page and didn’t let go…What a marvel of a debut novel. Black and white, young and old, searching and missing and finding in each other a special understanding, companionship, and love, these characters are real and addictive. Calling Me Home was keenly conceived, impeccably plotted, and beautifully written.”

    — Barbara Delinsky, New York Times bestselling author
  • “Calling Me Home is journey into the heart where secrets hide and love reigns. Across the bridge of race and generation, Julie Kibler brings together two who profoundly influence each other as they reveal their stories and their heartbreak. With a stunning plot twist, Kibler reminds the reader that things aren’t always as they appear and love has its own life.”

    — Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author
  • “Touching and unforgettable, Julie Kibler’s Calling Me Home is the kind of story that pulls you in from page one, grips your heart, and absolutely won’t let go.”

    — Sarah Jio, New York Times bestselling author
  • “A rousing debut about forbidden love and unexpected friendships over the span of six decades…Drawing from her own family history in Texas, Kibler relays a familiar story in a fresh way.”

    — Publishers Weekly
  • “A moving tale of young, idealistic love in a headlong conflict with the reality of the injustices of that era…Kibler’s story touches on multiple historical aspects of racial inequality and segregation as well as the lingering prejudice still evident in modern times.”

    — Library Journal
  • “Kibler has crafted a wholly original debut.”

    — Booklist
  • “From East Texas to Cincinnati, from present-day racism to 1930s segregation, Isabelle and Dorrie travel together, a most unlikely pair of companions, and their stories unfold…Love and family defy the expected in this engaging tale.”

    — Kirkus Reviews
  • “Clear your schedule before you open up this thoroughly engaging book. Calling Me Home is a story about love in its many incarnations—in romance, friendships, and families; loves lost, and love regained. Kibler illuminates racial tensions many of us don’t realize still exist in this country and shows how small acts of faith can make big inroads to acceptance. I closed the final page with a smile and a tear, humbled and eager to embrace life.”

    — Margaret Dilloway, author of How to Be an American Housewife
  • “Pop some corn and grab a hankie before you start Calling Me Home because you won’t want to put it down until you come to the end of this true journey of the heart.”

    — Carleen Brice, author of Orange Mint and Honey
  • “Calling Me Home is a tenderly wrought story of love and secrets, heartbreak and healing, and the remarkable power of friendship to heal two women who find each other across the lines of time, generation, and race. Julie Kibler has written an original and moving debut novel that will linger with you for a long, long time.”

    — Barbara O’Neal, author of The Garden of Happy Endings
  • “A deeply affecting coming-of-age story with radiant characters who will remain with the reader long after the last page is turned.”

    — RT Book Reviews (4 stars)

Awards

  • Selected for the February 2013 Indie Next List

Calling Me Home Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 4.4 out of 54.4 out of 54.4 out of 54.4 out of 54.4 out of 5 (4.40)
5 Stars: 10
4 Stars: 2
3 Stars: 2
2 Stars: 1
1 Stars: 0
Narration: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Gripping and emotional. Have a box of tissues ready. "

    — Jdias, 2/12/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Best book I have read in a long time. Looking forward to more by this author. "

    — Maureen, 2/7/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Interracial relationship, with all the ups and downs. An unusual friendship between two women. Story lines in the past and present. Excellent character studies. My kind of book! "

    — Joan, 2/4/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Enjoyed this book more since the characters lived in my hometown in Texas - and the author is from here as well. It was somewhat slow going at first and the plot fairly predictable. The last few chapters of the book were quite rewarding as we finally learned what happened after Isabelle moved to Texas. I found myself teary-eyed at the emotional ending. All in all, 3.5 stars. "

    — Judy, 1/25/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I almost stopped reading this book because it seemed so predictable. But it turned out to surprise me. "

    — Maureen, 1/21/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " great story. kept me guessing! "

    — Rosemarie, 1/13/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " What a glorious book! "

    — Krista, 1/7/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This was the best book I have read lately. I can't wait for the movie. I predict it will be as big as The Help "

    — Maria, 1/5/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " What happens on a road trip with an 89 year old white woman and a young Afro-American hairdresser? An excellent story that will grab your heart, squeeze it dry via copious tears and then replace it with the memory of a beautiful story. Definitively movie material! "

    — Momo, 12/21/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " A wonderful book...such a lovely story! "

    — Elaine, 12/14/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Amazing. I am moved beyond words. My body doesn't know whether to cry or rejoice. I believe I'll do both. "

    — Nicole, 12/8/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " What an amazing book to show us far we have and have not come since the 1940's when it comes to race relationships! "

    — Jeanne, 10/22/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Loved this book! I want to read it all over again. "

    — Carrie, 6/9/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " The book was ok. I would hardly compare it to the Help, as it is done on the cover.Its a beautiful love story, a bit boring and predictable at the beginning,it has a surprising ending, but its not the greatest book I've read in recent times. "

    — Ursula, 4/13/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I enjoyed reading this book about a young biracial couple falling in love during a time and geography where that love could not and would not be accepted. "

    — Dana, 2/8/2013

About Julie Kibler

Julie Kibler began writing her debut novel, Calling Me Home, after learning a bit of family lore: as a young woman, her grandmother fell in love with a young black man in an era and locale that made the relationship impossible. When not writing, she enjoys travel, independent films, music, photography, and corralling her teenagers and rescue dogs. She lives in Arlington, Texas.

About the Narrators

Bahni Turpin, winner of numerous AudioFile Earphones Awards and several prestigious Audie Awards for her narrations, was named a “Golden Voice” by AudioFile magazine in 2019. Publishers Weekly magazine named her Narrator of the Year for 2016. She is an ensemble member of the Cornerstone Theater Company in Los Angeles. She has guest starred in many television series, including NYPD Blue, Law & Order, Six Feet Under, Cold Case, What about Brian, and The Comeback. Film credits include Brokedown Palace, Crossroads, and Daughters of the Dust. She is also a member of the recording cast of The Help, which won numerous awards.

Lorna Raver, named one of AudioFile magazine’s Best Voices of the Year, has received numerous Audie Award nominations and many AudioFile Earphones Awards. She has appeared on stage in New York, Los Angeles, and regional theaters around the country. Among her many television credits are NYPD Blue, Judging Amy, Boston Legal, ER, and Star Trek. She starred in director Sam Raimi’s film Drag Me to Hell.