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Tumbling Audiobook
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(4.01) - 1,002 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Tumbling is a national best-seller from an exhilarating new voice in African-American fiction. Set in Philadelphia in the 1940s and 50s, this emotionally inspiring story revolves around Noon and Herbie, a couple with more than a few obstacles to overcome. They raise two girls left on their doorstep, struggle to keep their unconsummated marriage alive, and fight to save their urban neighborhood from development. Both Noon and Herbie have secrets. Because of this she can't be intimate with her husband, and he sneaks out to a hot jazz singer named Ethel--who has a secret of her own. When the city proposes to build a road through their neighborhood, Noon begins a crusade to keep it from happening--and maybe save her marriage in the process. Tumble into this amazing novel and feel the love and warmth of a special block in South Philly. This is an extraordinary depiction of the true meaning of family and fellowship, with a realistic mix of both joy and sorrow.
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"Recommended by my reading group. Really good story about a black family living in the 40's/50's and how their lives progressed over a 15 year period. Obviously written by someone who knew that lifestyle. Very original descriptions for various scenes, for example, one character described the air in the room being red or blue as oposed to the lighting in the room being a certain color. Fun descriptions of neighbors like, "next door Dottie" or "Next door Dottie's Barb." Wonderful story about life and growing up and understanding what is important in relationships."
— Lynda (4 out of 5 stars)
Tumbling Listener Reviews
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" Beautifully written book set in 1940s-50s Philadelphia. Characters are rich and interesting. One of those books you don't want to end (but at least McKinney-Whetstone has written others)! "
— Amber, 2/11/2014 -
" Absolutely fantastic, a definite must read. The characters are compelling & the issues that each character has to deal with is believeable. I really enjoyed this book!!! "
— Juliet, 2/6/2014 -
" I received this book in a First Reads giveaway. Well-written and colorful, the core of the book must be the development of Fannie and Liz - raised as sisters they partake of labels placed on them by society and yet defy them and evolve in surprising ways. An interesting and intricate read. "
— Diana, 2/1/2014 -
" Pretty darn near as good as Blues Dancing. "
— Mary, 1/30/2014 -
" this book was a very slow read in the beginning. once it picked up i couldnt put it down. so many different interesting characters! "
— Sabrina, 1/13/2014 -
" Actually made me feel like I know something about south Philly in the forties. Compelling, beautifully written story. Loved it...Just reread this for bookclub and didn't love it as much as I remembered. Still like it, but definitely not 5 stars. Maybe more like 3.5. "
— Wendy, 1/12/2014 -
" Beautifully written, well-defined characters...just amazing. "
— Ren, 1/4/2014 -
" this one really held my attention. i read it when i lived in Philadelphia, where it is set. the story is set the within the african-american community of south-philly in the 50s. it's differen, fun and an easy read. "
— Andrea, 12/31/2013 -
" I really enjoyed reading this book. It's a 3.5 stars, actually, not just a 3. Liked the vivid descriptions of the setting, and the personalities of the characters that she develops. The plot was not earth-shattering, but very readable. "
— Julia, 12/23/2013 -
" A good story. The revelations at the end would have been much more satisfying if they weren't so predictable, but I definitely enjoyed the story and will read more of her books--I believe this is her first. I particularly liked that it was set in Philadelphia and the author lives here, too. "
— Jo, 12/8/2013 -
" A light and entertaining read. "
— Michelle, 12/1/2013 -
" This is a really good book, the characters are vibrant and relatable "
— Shekeyse, 11/26/2013 -
" I love this book it was a really good read. I actually dreamed about this book the other night. I believe it was rereleased with a different title but this was a great read. "
— Carla, 10/13/2013 -
" I was ignorant of the rich culture of the black community in Philadelphia in the early part of the 20th century. The characters in this book are deep, funny, wise...I didn't want the book to end. "
— Lisa, 10/2/2013 -
" Such an awesome story....The way The writer Tied Ethels past into her present activity was just .....Wow! I loved how she viewed her promiscuity as saving That one life that she was unable to do as a child....just an all around great story from a great author I must read more from ms. whetstone "
— Jamal, 8/5/2013 -
" Okay. I forget how I found this author or why I stopped reading her but I need to go back. "
— Melissa, 7/4/2013 -
" I LOVED it - this was her first work and it was vivid and inspirational - it made me want to teleport back to this simplier time "
— Iejones, 2/19/2013 -
" I loved this book! I think I was just charmed by the little girl character. "
— John, 1/31/2013 -
" I read this YEARS ago and I remember really liking it but I can not remember everything about it..guess I'll have to read it again, "
— Aliyah, 12/3/2012 -
" I adored this book. DMC's writing is magical. Hooks you from the start and won't let go. "
— De, 11/29/2012 -
" I loved the setting, characters and family situations. "
— Sue, 11/7/2012 -
" Stumbled across this book in a bookstore. Reminds me of the movie "The Color Purple" a little. I really enjoyed the characters & pacing. "
— Yvonne, 11/1/2012 -
" Set in 1940's Philadelphia. Liked this book about a couple and their two foundling children. Lots of secrets. "
— Steph, 10/31/2012
About Diane McKinney-Whetstone
Diane McKinney-Whetstone is the author of five acclaimed novels and the recipient of numerous awards, including the American Library Association’s Black Caucus Literary Award for Fiction, which she won twice. She teaches fiction writing at the University of Pennsylvania and lives in Philadelphia with her husband, Greg.
About Myra Lucretia Taylor
Myra Lucretia Taylor is an award-winning actress who has appeared on Broadway, off Broadway, in many theaters across the country, and internationally. Her television and film credits include Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Atlanta, The Big Sick, Bushwick, and Catfight.