Leaving Atlanta Audiobook

" There is so much to like about this book. The subject is gripping, the 3 main characters appealing, the family groups well defined. There is also some really good writing which is, sadly trumped by some incredibly amateurish writing. The constant barage of simile and metaphor is painful. I found myself gritting my teeth preparing for the next "like." Also the metaphors in first person supposedly attributable to 5th graders are ridiculously developmentally inappropriate. I found out after reading this that it was Jones' first novel. It is a promising start. I will definitely check out later work. "

" I loved the writing style. The text was so vivid it felt like reading current news. I look forward to reading more by Tayari Jones. "

" This book takes you through the lives of three different children in Atlanta, Georgia during the 1970s and the Atlanta Child Murders. Each child comes from a different home life and, while they aren't being freaked out b/c someone is kidnapping and killing kids, they are trying to navigate through the uncertain world of popularity, school, and family. I really liked how all the characters were tied together in some way even though their stories were different. I also liked the use of dialect to really show the kids' personalities. "

" Leaving Atlanta captured the mind of a child in such an ingenious way that it left me seriously wanting more. Their thoughts and words were brought to life in this novel, and the description of how each child dealt with the tragedy was perfect. "

" Jones, in her best moments, writes about children's lives with scary truth. Leaving Atlanta isn't a book about the serial murders that plagued Atlanta in the '80s, it's a book about the lives of children and how they happened to be affected by the phenomenon of serial murders. "

" Just finished reading this book and didn't like the way it ended. It was a good story but sad very sad. "

" Setting is Atlanta suburbs around 1980/81 where black children are vanishing and being found dead. Not a heartwarmer, but the prose is heartwarming and fun. About 3/4 way through it-definitely recommend. Learned of the author in an interview in The Believer magazine. "

" Outstanding. Jones' words just glide across the page. Few writers do the same justice to the emotional lives of children. Highly recommended. "

" This is my second Tayari Jones book, and I realize she really has a great way of telling a tough story from a child's perspective. I can't wait to read the untelling! "

" This is my newest book club book. I don't generally like to read about murder on my days off, but this book comes highly recommended. I'll let you know what I think. "

" Every blogger/reader has to have a few authors that they champion, that aren't being read enough by their peers. Tayari Jones is that author for me. Why aren't more people reading her books? Why don't more people know her name? READ Tayari Jones! I can't wait for Silver Sparrow. "

" This was really good. Always fun to read a book that has recognizable references - Monica Kaufman, Mayor Jackson, etc. All the references ring true to someone who grew up in the late 70s/early 80s in Georgia. "

" I can't even remember what this book was about but I know I read it. It must not have left an impression on me. "

" Wonderful! The world of children during a disturbing and well remembered spree of crime in Atlanta! Tayari Jones captures the inner and outer world of children and the families who love them. "

" I always like a book that teaches me something I never knew without seeming like a history lesson! "

" The section written from the 2nd person point of view is what makes this book. The usage is unsettling and staggering. "

" I just could not finish this. "

" A very tough story about the rash of children murdered in Atlanta in the 1980's. It was hard to listen to -- so poignant. "

" Compelling story that gives voice to the young people affected by the Atlanta child murders and reminds us that children need to be seen AND heard. "

" Ah! So sad and brilliant. I am almost done reading it. I feel like these kids are real. I think I understand the significance of the title better now. "

" This is my newest book club book. I don't generally like to read about murder on my days off, but this book comes highly recommended. I'll let you know what I think. "

" The section written from the 2nd person point of view is what makes this book. The usage is unsettling and staggering. "

" Every blogger/reader has to have a few authors that they champion, that aren't being read enough by their peers. Tayari Jones is that author for me. Why aren't more people reading her books? Why don't more people know her name? READ Tayari Jones! I can't wait for Silver Sparrow. "

" Leaving Atlanta captured the mind of a child in such an ingenious way that it left me seriously wanting more. Their thoughts and words were brought to life in this novel, and the description of how each child dealt with the tragedy was perfect. "

" Wonderful! The world of children during a disturbing and well remembered spree of crime in Atlanta! Tayari Jones captures the inner and outer world of children and the families who love them. "

" I'm not sure exactly when this book broke my heart, but when my boyfriend knocked at the door I had ten pages left and tears streaming down my face. A student said I needed to read this book and she lent me her copy. She was right. "

" There oughta be a shelf for "rereading".... Even on a second encounter, this one still proves a wonder -- and a great book to teach too. "