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Jasper Jones Audiobook
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(4.00) - 4,465 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
A 2012 Michael L. Printz Honor Book Charlie Bucktin, a bookish thirteen year old, is startled one summer night by an urgent knock on his bedroom window. His visitor is Jasper Jones, an outcast in their small mining town, and he has come to ask for Charlie's help. Terribly afraid but desperate to impress, Charlie follows him into the night. Jasper takes him to his secret glade, where Charlie witnesses Jasper's horrible discovery. With his secret like a brick in his belly, Charlie is pushed and pulled by a town closing in on itself in fear and suspicion. He locks horns with his tempestuous mother, falls nervously in love, and battles to keep a lid on his zealous best friend. In the simmering summer where everything changes, Charlie learns why the truth of things is so hard to know, and even harder to hold in his heart.
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"Great book. I thought it was well written and the characters engaging. Jasper forever shrouded in mystery, Charlie just trying to survive, Jeffrey infectiously upbeat. Charlie and Jeffrey's friendship was one of the best parts of the book. Their witty banter kept me laughing despite the seriousness of the happenings in their small town. Surrounded by mostly awful townsfolk (including their own parents) Charlie, Jasper, and Eliza had to endure the suffocating weight of Laura's death and their own roles in it (whether imagined or real). I can't imagine having to deal with something so large at any age, let alone as a 13-14 year old. I can only hope that Jasper got a fresh start in the city and could leave behind a lifetime of horrifying treatment met out by an entire town full of ignorant, prejudiced, and scared people."
— Courtney (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“A richly rewarding exploration of truth and lies by a masterful storyteller.”
— Kirkus Reviews (starred review) -
“Silvey’s sure-footed, evocative prose, intelligent humor, and careful plot structuring may well ensure this Aussie import lasting status.”
— Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review) -
“The mood and atmosphere of the 1960s small-town Australian setting is perfectly realized—suspenseful, menacing, and claustrophobic—with issues of race and class boiling just below the surface.”
— Horn Book (starred review) -
“Silvey is a master of wit and words, spinning a coming-of-age tale told through the mind of a young Holden Caulfield.”
— School Library Journal (starred review)
Awards
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A 2012 Michael L. Printz Award Finalist
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A 2011 International Dublin Literary Award Finalist
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A 2010 Miles Franklin Award Finalist
Jasper Jones Listener Reviews
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" Preeeeety good book "
— Yasmine, 2/18/2014 -
" When Jasper Jones showed up at his house in the middle of the night, Charlie knew he had to go with him. He spent the rest of the book wrestling with the consequences of that midnight journey through the Australian woods. The reader who goes along on this journey with Charlie will not be sorry. Charlie, who had been content with hanging with his wisecracking and cricket-player-wannabe best friend, sees and learns things about his community, family and adult world that he sometimes wishes he didn't know. But the rewards of becoming an adult are sweet enough to overcome his doubts. For its excellent writing, well-paced plot and general excellence, I would highly recommend this book for teens (its intended audience in the US) and adults(it was marketed to adults in Oz). Amazing story! "
— Ellen, 1/31/2014 -
" I think I would have preferred this book more when I was younger, however it was a good read. "
— David, 1/25/2014 -
" You know, I'm not really into mystery novels but I happened to just pick this one up and man did it suck me in! Just read it, it's fun :) "
— Tyler, 1/25/2014 -
" A wonderful book. Very sad, but not only that. Very perceptive too. And good writing. Not sure what age group it's aimed at, probably YA, but a fine read for adults too. Does not mince words, and takes us through pretty much all the big issues. Veers towards preachy a couple of times, but does it quickly enough and seldom enough to be tolerated. "
— Sarah, 1/25/2014 -
" I loved this book. Apart from the interesting premise, some of the best (maybe the only?) laugh out loud 13 year old boy dialogue I've ever come across. Jeffrey Lu is a star! "
— Anne, 1/1/2014 -
" Can't wait to find out if my high school students will enjoy this historical fiction/mystery/thriller/coming-of-age novel as much as I did. "
— Paige, 12/20/2013 -
" Wow. Wasn't what I was expected. "
— Bridget, 12/4/2013 -
" This young adult novel, about a murder in Australia in the 1960s, sucked me in and kept me guessing until the end. A solid book!! "
— Laura, 11/25/2013 -
" very interesting plot. "
— Lisa, 8/4/2013 -
" I found it very powerful; I'd give the book 4.5 stars if I could. Great mix of the funny/sophomoric/"low-brow" and the tragic/poignant/intense. I think this story will stick with me in a way that most YA stuff does not. Not really suited for kids under 13, btw. "
— Andy, 5/18/2013 -
" A fantastic read, almost like the Australian version of To Kill A Mockingbird. I loved it, even the bits about cricket! "
— Joanna, 3/14/2013 -
" Took me foooorrreeevvveeerrr to get into this but then the very end was awesome. I loved best friend Jeffrey Lu and his triumph over the cricket bullies. Glad I read it but not my favorite. "
— camilla, 1/11/2013 -
" I'm surprised how much I liked this book. Laugh out loud funny at times and beautifully poignant at others. "
— Cara, 7/21/2012 -
" I loved this book. Hooked from page one, I plowed through it and enjoyed every second. A coming of age tale in the tradition of Mark Twain and Harper Lee, Jasper Jones explores the politics of a small town; secrecy and adult lies; and hyprocrisy. "
— Jacqui, 5/23/2012
About Craig Silvey
Craig Silvey wrote his first novel, Rhubarb, at the age of nineteen. It became a bestseller and was chosen as the “One Book” for the Perth International Writers Festival. Craig is the singer/songwriter for the band The Nancy Sikes! and lives in Fremantle, Australia.