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Good Graces Audiobook
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(3.75) - 32 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Whistling in the Dark captivated readers with the story of ten-year-old Sally O'Malley and her sister, Troo, during Milwaukee's summer of 1959. The novel became a New York Times bestseller and was named a Midwest Honor Award winner. In Good Graces, it's one year later, and a heat wave has everyone in the close-knit Milwaukee neighborhood on edge. None more so than Sally O'Malley, who remains deeply traumatized by the sudden death of her daddy and her near escape from a murderer and molester the previous summer.
Although outwardly she and her sister, Troo, are more secure, Sally's confidence in her own judgment and much of her faith have been whittled away. When a series of disquieting events unfold in the neighborhood, such as a string of home burglaries, the escape from reform school of a nemesis, and the mysterious disappearance of an orphan—crimes that may involve the increasingly rebellious Troo—Sally is called upon to rise above her inner demons. She made a deathbed promise to her daddy to keep Troo safe, a promise she can't break, even if her life depends on it. But when events reach a crisis point, will Sally have the courage and discernment to make the right choices? Or will her false assumptions lead her and those she loves into danger once again?
Lesley Kagen's gift for imbuing her child narrators with compelling authenticity shines as never before in Good Graces, a novel told with sensitivity, wit, and warmth.
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"The story of Troo and Sally O'Malley continues. Their neighborhood has a series of burglaries, someone the girls has crossed paths withs has escaped from reform school and an orphan has disappeared. Once again the girls find themselves on the loose trying to avoid trouble. A good followup novel that deals with the issues of racism, friendships, differences and sisterly love."
— Laura (4 out of 5 stars)
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“A beautifully woven story…You will weep for and cheer on the O’Malley sisters…and immediately miss them once the last page is turned.”
— Heather Gudenkauf, New York Times bestselling author -
“Moving, funny, and full of unexpected delights, this is one sequel that just might be even better than the original gem. Kagen crafts a gorgeous page-turner about love, loss, and loyalty, all told in the sparkling voices of two extraordinary sisters.”
— Caroline Leavitt, New York Times bestselling author -
“[A] spot-on sequel to her bestselling debut, Whistling in the Dark. Kagen does a remarkable job of balancing the goofiness of being an eleven-year-old with the sinister plot points, creating a suspenseful yarn that still retains an air of genuine innocence. Readers who enjoyed the first story are in for a treat.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“For all the praise garnered for Whistling in the Dark, Good Graces more than lives up to its predecessor. Teens…will be enchanted by Sally O’Malley.”
— School Library Journal
Good Graces Listener Reviews
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" It was a nice story, about the midwest and growing up in Milwaukee. I broke out in laughter several times during this book; very enjoyable. I liked this author's earlier book quite a bit more. "
— Lynn, 2/18/2014 -
" The O'Malley sisters bring their irreverent sense of fun once more to crime solving. "
— Audrey, 2/7/2014 -
" While well-written, funny and endearing, I'm surprised that I didn't enjoy this book as much as its predecessor, Whistling in the Dark (which I loved). The characters are well drawn for the most part (how can you not love Dave Rasmussen and Ethel?) and it follows an Atonement-like pattern in that it's told from the perspective of a child who doesn't understand what is really going on. The end is just strange and didn't pull the plot together very well. But overall, a sweet story and I probably will pick up another Lesley Kagen read at some point. "
— Terri, 12/27/2013 -
" Love that this story is told from a child's point of view "
— Tara, 12/24/2013 -
" When I heard there was going to be a sequel to Whistling in the Dark I was excited, but also nervous that the author could surpass herself. I needn't have worried. Good Graces is wonderful! What a great book club read! Thank you, Ms. Kagen. Brava! "
— Pete, 12/12/2013 -
" This was such a great book. I loved how the characters really shined in the book. I know this was a follow up to another book I would like to read the first one. The time and place in this book was brought forth so well. It made me feel like I was in the book with them.. "
— Patricia, 12/11/2013 -
" I loved Whistling in the Dark so I was doubly disappointed in this book. Somehow the characters that were so endearing in the first book were shallow in this one. You do not need to put this on your "to read" list. I give this book a 5 on my 10 scale. "
— Louise, 11/17/2013 -
" Very good sequel. The narrative voice feels so authentic and your heart is always breaking for Sally. "
— Carol, 11/12/2013 -
" Cute, quick story. Perfect to cleanse the reading palate between more serious readings. "
— Theresa, 10/31/2013 -
" Wow just as good as the first book.....somebody make a movie out of these!!! "
— Tina, 9/27/2013 -
" This one took me a little while to get into- but once in- I was hooked. A delightful and funny book about the young O'Malley sister's summer of 1959. "
— Kimberly, 7/2/2013 -
" Almost as good as the first in the series. Loved the characters and glad the troo finally came around to the "good" side. "
— Angel, 5/15/2013 -
" Sequel to Whistling in the Dark. Story about Troo and Sally O'Malley, two sisters who solve the mystery of multiple home break-ins in Milwaukee during the summer of 1960. "
— Jessica, 5/14/2013 -
" I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first book "Whistling in the Dark." It felt a bit forced to me. "
— Jennifer, 4/27/2013 -
" Funny book. I would like to give it a 4 and a half. "
— Diane, 11/21/2012 -
" I loved this sequel to Whistling in the Dark. The O'Malley sisters are quite the pair! I hope this isn't the last I get to read of them. "
— Diana, 11/20/2012 -
" I liked whistling in the Dark (the first or this 2 book series) much more. This book was kind of predictable in its plot and very similar to the first. It was very well written however and still a good book for a long car ride. "
— Lindsay, 10/23/2012 -
" I thought this book was better than the first. "
— Sandy, 8/31/2012 -
" I do not see a rating for the audio book. But, get it and listen to it. The author is a Fantastic Narrator who really brings Sally to life....I have been laughing. "
— Lisa, 3/17/2012 -
" Good sequel to "Whistling in the Dark." Enjoyed reading about the two sisters. "
— Pamela, 2/27/2012 -
" If you liked Whisling in the Dark, don't miss this book. Excellent sequel! "
— Ruth, 1/17/2012 -
" This was a really good book. I liked having it from the childs perspective. some of her reasoning was very cute (way off the mark for what it really meant but very cute. "
— Amy, 10/28/2011 -
" Deep subject matter from a little girl's perspective. A little "expected" in some parts, and in others off the wall. Overall I liked it, and couldn't put it down. "
— Shannon, 10/13/2011 -
" I remember picking this book up by chance and I am so thankful I did. A compelling read, I could not put it down. Sally and Troo are characters impossible not to love or care for, making this book even more successful in touching the readers deeply. "
— Vaiolet, 9/23/2011 -
" My favorite quote: Ethel Jenkins was the cool side of my pillow when I had a fever.<br/>Definitely want to read more by this author.<br/>Just downloaded the sequel, Good Graces. Everyone gave it 5*s on Amazon. "
— Ann, 9/16/2011 -
" Very good read written as seen from the eyes of a ten year old an keeps you guessing on who did it. A light murder mystery. "
— Sherry, 8/31/2011 -
" Outstanding story set in the 60's full of secrets, and murder. Troo and Sally the O'Mally girls are so much fun to follow and be with, you can't wait to read what will happen next. A wonderful glimpse of neighborhood life in the 60's. "
— Debbie, 8/27/2011 -
" Great book. Reminded me much of my childhood in the 60's. "
— Jerri, 8/25/2011 -
" It was a change a pace from my regular reads. A little sad but with an ending you can live with. "
— Mallory, 11/15/2010 -
" This is an incredible book! Recommended to me by Lisa (even mailed it to me) it is written from a child's point of view. So very vivid! "
— Lisacheeze, 11/11/2010 -
" Not that well written, but it took place in 1959 in Milwaukee, so lots of memories of what childhood was like then. "
— Kathy, 11/7/2010
About Lesley Kagen
Lesley Kagen is an actress, voice-over talent, and restaurateur, as well as the author of multiple national bestselling novels. Whistling in the Dark was a Midwest Choice Honor winner. Land of a Hundred Wonders, an Indie Next pick, was also nominated for a Midwest Choice Award. She lives near Milwaukee, Wisconsin.