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The Time It Never Rained Audiobook
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(4.48) - 457 listener ratings
Publisher Description
Forged from Elmer Kelton's 1950s observations of drought-ravaged West Texas, this Spur Award winner-written by the WWA's greatest Western writer-tells the compelling story of one rancher's struggle to maintain his independence. But as rainless years continue and farmers and ranchers sell their souls for federal hand-outs, Charlie finds himself under increasing pressure to compromise his principles. "One of the . best novels written by an American ."-American West in Fiction
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"Can I give it a 4.5? I really enjoyed this book, much more than I anticipated. The characters were rich and very real. The prose seemed to move effortlessly through quite a span of time. The heartache was tangible. And through it all, the ideas and philosophies that drove the main character were powerful enough to make me sit back and examine not just my own society, but my own part in it."
— Julianne (4 out of 5 stars)
The Time It Never Rained Listener Reviews
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" A good book, but this is not a typical Elmer Kelton western. This book takes place in the 50's in West Texas and concerns what befalls a rancher, his family and his friends during a six-year drought. Unfortunately for me, Kelton stacks the deck too much against the rancher, who apparently never stands a chance. "
— Jeff, 2/16/2014 -
" Everyone should read this book IMO. I was living in San Angelo when I found a copy of it. "
— ~☆, 2/5/2014 -
" One of the best novels about love I ever read. Not to turn off the guys, but its about the love of life and mankind. During this time of immigration woes, Kelton has an intelligent take on the issue. A magnificent book. "
— Michael, 2/3/2014 -
" A thoroughly believable hero, a heart-breaking situation, and a thought-provoking commentary on government "do-good-ism". Charlie Flagg is just an ordinary West Texas rancher, trying to keep on going, during a prolonged Texas drought in 1950's. Can't figure out what page I was reading when I fell in love with the "third crank in Rio Seco". "
— SuzAnne, 2/2/2014 -
" Definitely one of those books that's all about the journey and don't look for an incredible ending. It was just ok for me... I really had to force myself to read it. "
— Mrs., 1/21/2014 -
" This book is extremely well-written, but hit too close to home for me to finish. (And I have to take it back to the library tomorrow.) I just couldn't get into it the way it deserves with so many other books I'm dying to read. "
— Suzanne, 1/17/2014 -
" A great book about a time I remember as a little boy in the 50's. A multi-year drought hit Texas. We had no grass in our yard. The story's about how the drought affected a rancher named Charlie Flagg out near Abilene. If you like great Texas lit, read this! "
— Bruce, 1/15/2014 -
" Great book - one of my favorites now. Really captures the characters of west Texas and a love for the land. "
— Travis, 1/1/2014 -
" About as real and accurate book as ever has been written of rural life. The people and issues were real. "
— Marc, 12/22/2013 -
" The greatest American novel no one outside of Texas ever heard of. "
— David, 11/29/2013 -
" I just finished reading this book recently for the second time. Anyone in Texas, Oklahoma, or New Mexico can empathize with the hardships of the drought in this story. Kelton effectively portrays the hardships and hopelessness of watching barren skies day after day. "
— Kinsey, 11/9/2013 -
" I loved this book. It included fictional characters, but the historical aspect was correct. It was about the 7 year drought in west Texas in the 1950's and what the ranchers had to do to survive. Very well written. "
— Marsha, 9/9/2013 -
" A great book. Reminded me of my high school days in the panhandle of Texas "
— Janet, 6/10/2013 -
" One of Kelton's best books. Stuggles with the federales sounds like what some of go through today. "
— Jamesmurphy, 12/31/2012 -
" This wasn't a book that I'd have chosen, but was a selection for my book club. For about the first 25%, I thought it would never end, then - oh, my, it was gripping! So glad I persevered. Loved it (though probably not enough to read another western!) "
— Linda, 8/10/2012 -
" I grew up during the time it never rained in West Texas and have always needed to read this book since we have 6th degree connections with Mr. Kelton. I did not like the ending but other than that I really liked the book. Sadly, West Texas is once again in a time it never rained. "
— Tere, 2/23/2011 -
" I loved this book. It included fictional characters, but the historical aspect was correct. It was about the 7 year drought in west Texas in the 1950's and what the ranchers had to do to survive. Very well written. "
— Marsha, 9/24/2010 -
" Excellent book by a great Texas author. If you think you have to be tough to live here, try the story of a central Texas rancher holding his life together during the drought of 1950 to 57. "
— Rick, 8/12/2010 -
" A great book about a time I remember as a little boy in the 50's. A multi-year drought hit Texas. We had no grass in our yard. The story's about how the drought affected a rancher named Charlie Flagg out near Abilene. If you like great Texas lit, read this! "
— Bruce, 7/3/2010 -
" One of the best American novels I have ever read. <br/>The story of a Texas rancher during the years of a great drought in the 1950s it tells of a time of changing attitudes and the valiant struggle of one man to remain true to himself in a world that no longer values the code he lives by. "
— Stephen, 1/27/2010 -
" This is a fantastic book that captures the struggles of farmers in West Texas in a time of incredible drought. Well-developed characters, and an ironic ending that you won't forget. "
— Monk, 1/21/2010 -
" Great book - one of my favorites now. Really captures the characters of west Texas and a love for the land. "
— Travis, 7/7/2009 -
" I grew up during the time it never rained in West Texas and have always needed to read this book since we have 6th degree connections with Mr. Kelton. I did not like the ending but other than that I really liked the book. Sadly, West Texas is once again in a time it never rained. "
— Tere, 4/16/2009 -
" A great book. Reminded me of my high school days in the panhandle of Texas "
— Janet, 4/11/2009
About Elmer Kelton
Elmer Kelton (1926–2009) was an award-winning author of more than forty novels. He won seven Spur Awards from Western Writers of America and four Western Heritage Awards from the National Cowboy Hall of Fame. He was also the recipient of the Owen Wister Lifetime Achievement award. His novel The Good Old Boys was made into a television film starring Tommy Lee Jones. He also wrote sixteen works of nonfiction. He grew up on a ranch near Crane, Texas, served in the infantry in World War II, and earned a journalism degree from the University of Texas. His first novel, Hot Iron, was published in 1956. In addition to his novels, he worked as an agricultural journalist for forty-two years.
About George Guidall
George Guidall, winner of more than eighty AudioFile Earphones Awards, has won three of the prestigious Audie Award for Excellence in Audiobook Narration. In 2014 the Audio Publishers Association presented him with the Special Achievement Award for lifetime achievement/ During his thirty-year recording career he has recorded over 1,700 audiobooks, won multiple awards, been a mentor to many narrators, and shown by example the potential of fine storytelling. His forty-year acting career includes starring roles on Broadway, an Obie Award for best performance off Broadway, and frequent television appearances.