Out of the Easy Audiobook

" After reading Between Shades of Gray, I was skeptical that this work could measure up. I am happy to admit my wrongs. Ruta Sepetys creates a strong female lead character in Josie Moraine, daughter of a swindling prostitute in 1950s New Orleans. While Josie is the central figure, she is surrounded by a cast of lovable characters, Charlie, the writer gone mad, his son, Patrick, who harbors a secret that is so great, it forces him to leave town, Willie, the tough-as-nails madame, and Cokie, Willie's driver/jack-of-all trades. And therein lies my one criticism of this work (and depraved it of a fifth star), the loose ends with the secondary characters, particularly Louise and Cincinnati, remain untied. Perhaps when the final copy has gone to press, Sepetys will have knotted them up nicely. "

" You are going to have know your reader before you give this book to a teen to read -- or be ready for some push back. The moms a prostitute. Other than that -- it's got all the excitement and mix of colorful characters that make it a page turner. I was sort of reminded by a movie starting Natalie Wood, when she was a teenager living on the wrong side of tracks, but basically she was of good character, just had a mom that wasn't. The young woman in this story, is bright, and is looking to 'get out the easy'. I love the relationships she has with these folks in the quarter -- it's her family of sorts and everyone looks out for each other. I could totally see this as one of those movies that young girls would watch on lazy Saturday afternoons. "

" Although clearly aimed at the young adult market I found this a fast-paced and engaging read. Josie, the teenage protagonist, goes through tough times to find her own identity in 1950's New Orleans. I would have liked more description of the atmosphere & locations but given the target audience I can see why this was left out. "

" I absolutely LOVED this book! It is definitely for my high school friends and for parents, not 4th graders. The characters,plot, and plot twists had me hoping that the story would never end. The setting made me long for New Orleans and brought back many fond memories of my time spent in "The Big Easy." These characters will stay with me for a long time. I highly recommend this book to all of my high school friends, don't miss it! "

" Pretty good! Though to me, it wasn't as amazing as "Between Shades of Grey". The beginning was really interesting, but then it kind of fizzled out as the story went on. "

" Wonderful read! Would have given it 5 stars but there was one aspect of the book that I didn't think was necessary for the author to add and the aspect wasn't as fully developed as it should have been. Overall, still a great read and I look forward to the author's next book. "

" Best. Book. Ever. My new favorite author! It's a love song to New Orleans. "

" Loved the setting, characters, and the story. "

" This YA book started out with a unique storyline, but seemed to lose steam toward the end. "

" It was beyond awesome. That's one of the biggest compliments I can give a book. "

" This book was amazing I could not put it down! I also love the cover! Full review to come! "

" I'd like to make that a 3 1/2 stars! "

" Liked this story set in old time New Orleans. Lead character well developed and a colorful cast. "

" Entertaining and interesting but not up to the quality of Between Shades of Grey. Definitely not suitable for middle school reading. "

" This is the first non-romance I've read in I don't know how long. It reminded me why I love fiction. Beautiful writing; amazing story; characters that you never want to let go of. This book, as with Sepetys first release, Between Shade of Gray, was perfect. "

" I enjoyed the characters in this story, but I wonder which teen I would give a book about a New Orleans whorehouse. "

" Not as good as her other book, but that is quite a tough act to follow. I really enjoyed this book as well. Much quicker read. Two days, stayed up late last night reading. Lately it takes something good to cut into sleep time. "

" NOLA in 1950 coming of age, escaping that which seems pre-ordained ending on sad but uplifting (flip a coin/either or) emotions in the principle character. Guess all good things are hard won. "

" Loved this book! Pacing is perfect and the characters are so endearing, could not put it down. "