White Oleander (Abridged) Audiobook, by Janet Fitch Play Audiobook Sample

White Oleander (Abridged) Audiobook

White Oleander (Abridged) Audiobook, by Janet Fitch Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Oprah Winfrey Publisher: Little, Brown & Company Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 4.17 hours at 1.5x Speed 3.13 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: September 2006 Format: Abridged Audiobook ISBN: 9781594835711

Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

90

Longest Chapter Length:

06:04 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

01:46 minutes

Average Chapter Length:

04:14 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

4

Other Audiobooks Written by Janet Fitch: > View All...

Publisher Description

The unforgettable story of a young woman's odyssey through a series of Los Angeles foster homes on her journey to redemption.



Astrid is the only child of a single mother, Ingrid, a brilliant, obsessed poet who wields her luminous beauty to intimidate and manipulate men. Astrid worships her mother and cherishes their private world full of ritual and mystery - but their idyll is shattered when Astrid's mother falls apart over a lover. Deranged by rejection, Ingrid murders the man, and is sentenced to life in prison. White Oleander is the unforgettable story of Astrid's journey through a series of foster homes and her efforts to find a place for herself in impossible circumstances. Each home is its own universe, with a new set of laws and lessons to be learned. With determination and humor, Astrid confronts the challenges of loneliness and poverty, and strives to learn who a motherless child in an indifferent world can become. Oprah Winfrey enjoyed this gripping first novel so much that she not only made it her book club pick, she asked if she could narrate the audio release.

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"Currently re-reading this book. I read this back in High School, and I don't think I can justify why I've loved this book for so many years now because it's been a while. But one thing I can remember is how this book made me feel like, and I want to relive it and give my inputs after I've read it."

— Veronica (5 out of 5 stars)

Quotes

  • “Ms. Fitch is…concerned with the ghostlike role that the ferocious Ingrid plays in her daughter’s memory once she has left for prison. What keeps White Oleander from devolving into a television mini-series is Ms. Fitch’s aptitude for delineating Astrid’s inner life.” 

    — New York Times
  • “Fitch’s startlingly apt language relates a story that is both intelligent and gripping.” 

    — New York Times Book Review
  • “A first-rate debut about a teenaged girls arduous six-year journey of self-discovery.”

    — Kirkus Reviews
  • “This novel will surely be hailed as one of the best novels of the year and is likely the best debut this reviewer has ever read…Heartbreaking, but without a trace of sentimentality, this novel provokes amazement that children like Astrid can emerge whole and capable after what we know are even worse childhoods than hers.”

    — Library Journal

Awards

  • An Oprah’s Book Club Selection in 1999
  • A New York Times bestseller
  • A #1 USA Today bestseller

White Oleander Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 4.30555555555556 out of 54.30555555555556 out of 54.30555555555556 out of 54.30555555555556 out of 54.30555555555556 out of 5 (4.31)
5 Stars: 21
4 Stars: 8
3 Stars: 5
2 Stars: 1
1 Stars: 1
Narration: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Why are you reading this? Just go read the book! "

    — Vishaka, 2/9/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Astrid's transformation throughout her teen years in this book is unsettling and yet stunning. "

    — Amanda, 1/25/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Dark, depressing, lyrical at times. "

    — Lisa, 1/1/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " While I somewhat appreciated the language, I truly felt down about the subject. I've read many books with somewhat unfortunate stories, but if I learn something valuable or the writing is gorgeous I enjoy it for those qualities. Somehow this one left a bad taste in my mouth and for me, the writing didn't rise up enough to redeem the tone. "

    — Sara, 11/1/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I am in love with this book. I could read it over and over again. "

    — Molly, 10/30/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I loved this book. It is a remarkable portrait of a young girl going through the foster care system. There is beautiful imagery and excellent story telling. "

    — Ann, 10/13/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I didn't know it, but it makes sense this was on Oprah's Book Club. It was a haunting read, like most of the books I've read in her club. "

    — Linnea, 10/11/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Janet Fitch uses words like musical instruments. Bravo! "

    — Arianna, 10/9/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This book is one of my favorite books of all time. It's been a long time since I've read it though so I'm looking at my bookcase right now considering breaking it back out to relive this wonderful book. I'll wait until then to write a more thorough review! "

    — Danielle, 9/29/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " A poetic and interesting story that runs a bit long, and gets more depressing in exponential degrees as the pages turn. The characters are well developed and fascinating, and the relationship between mother and daughter is one unlike any I've heard about. "

    — Elicia, 9/20/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " without a doubt my all time FAVORITE book. I have probly read my copy 3 times "

    — Allyson, 9/16/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " One of my favorite books. I rarely ever read a book more than once--but have read this one SEVERAL times. Fitch's prose is beautiful and her characters are incredibly well-drawn. I would highly recommend to pretty much anyone. "

    — Jennifer, 5/15/2013
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " I tried so hard to like this book...for the life of me, I just couldn't do it. It felt impossible to get through. "

    — Jeanette, 12/21/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Amazing and heady, just like the titular flower. "

    — Sezin, 11/10/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This is what fiction should look like. Good read. "

    — Beth, 10/30/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " So beautifully written....sometimes I would just pause and love a sentence. Fitch is a very poetic writer. That said, this book was just too deeply sad for me at times to warrant 5 stars. I'm interested in reading her other books. "

    — Melissa, 10/12/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " The dysfunctional American family...and the dysfunctional American system. There is a lot of drama in this book, and though I was sometimes captured by the story, many times I was just wondering...really? "

    — Nancy, 7/21/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " One of my favorite books, but one of the worst movie adaptations. "

    — Brittany, 6/18/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Love this book and also love the movie! "

    — Melissa, 2/29/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This is my favourite book of all time. I saw the movie first, and loved that as well. Fitch does an amazing job of capturing a unique relationship between mother and daughter. I find myself rereading this book every few years, mostly for the beautiful description and dialogue. "

    — Erin, 10/13/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Loved the book thought it was very well written. I would like to see the movie- I believe it had Gwenyth Paltrow in it. "

    — Rachelle, 8/17/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I remember being captivated by the movie and seeking out the book. It's really well written and although it didn't stay with me (I'm adding it now because I saw it on another friend's list) I remember it being a story that I really enjoyed. "

    — Hannah, 8/14/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Beautiful and tragic, dark but filled with light hearted moments. Highly recommend! "

    — Melissa, 6/24/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " AMAZING novel! You don't find many like this. I feel like I could relate to Astrid because she's alone in this world. And in truth, all you really have is yourself. And god (: "

    — Morgan, 5/27/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I used to think this book was the bee's knees. I guess it still holds up. "

    — Malysa, 5/22/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " BESST BOOK EVER! Seriously amazing, a must read!, "

    — Nikita, 5/21/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " such a great book. about a young girl trying to find herself after her mother is convicted of murdering her boyfriend. her mother is still controling her from behind bars in prison while Astrid tries to break free. "

    — Carli, 5/21/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " very interesting - tells a lot about being in foster care "

    — Karter, 5/20/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Fantastic book. I re-read it at least once a year. "

    — Shawna, 5/18/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I thought this book was a true page turner and loved the story. "

    — Jarica, 5/18/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Disturbing, a bit on the long side, sad what parents can do to their own children... "

    — Nathalie, 5/13/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " One of the first Adult novell i read orver 12 years ago, great read! "

    — Angela, 5/9/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Well, what was I supposed to rate it? I did work awfully hard on W.O.... still like it. Sad to think Oprah's book club is all over, it was quite an experience. "

    — Janet, 5/5/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Very dark and disturbing book, but very good! "

    — Rachael, 5/3/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " i love how books are way better then the movie. "

    — Amy, 4/26/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Loved it. A book that isn't predictable and like any other. A life story so horrifying and suspenseful that it kept me hooked. "

    — Mel, 4/20/2011

About Janet Fitch

Janet Fitch is an author whose first novel, White Oleander, was a New York Times bestseller, an Oprah’s Book Club selection, and the basis for a feature film.

About Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey, over the course of her esteemed career, has created an unparalleled connection with people around the world. As host and supervising producer of the top-rated, award-winning The Oprah Winfrey Show, she entertained, enlightened, and uplifted millions of viewers for twenty-five years. Her continued accomplishments as a global media leader and philanthropist have established her as one of the most influential and admired public figures in the world today.