Audiobook Review~ Calling Me Home: A Novel by Julie Kibler

Book: Calling Me Home
 
Author: Julie Kibler
 
Narrator (if applicable): Bonnie Turpin; Lorna Raver

Release date (if applicable): Published

Synopsis: Hairdresser and single, black mother (struggling with her own family issues), Dorrie, is asked by her longtime client, Isabelle MacAllister to drive her to a funeral in Ohio. Big askings since both live in Texas.  This will be a journey that brings secrets to the surface and changes lives forever.
 
My rating: 5 Stars (but this is one I would love to give infinite stars to)
 
My opinion: I had the opportunity to review this book through St. Martin's Press early reviewer program and I turned it down. I didn't know at that point, but it was an incredibly smart decision. When I noticed that a friend of mine gave it 5 stars and stated that she cried at the ending and it was nominated for STB's Book of the Month, I decided to grab the book, but opted for the audiobook version. Another smart decision! 

This book sucked me in at the first CD. The narrators were simply perfect and really led to the "ambiance" of the story.  The story released twists and turns masterfully with surprises once I figured I had things thought out. I found myself having to force myself to limit my listening of this book to make time for other books in my roster. 

Now, I have to say that I am not an emotional person. I am very pragmatic in my thinking and general approach to life. The better chunk of my books are simply read, reviewed and moved on. Although the "final" ending of this book was predictable, I cried like a blathering idiot with how beautifully the author wrote it. 

If this is the author's debut, what are we to expect from Ms. Kibler in future releases. This will definitely be an author that I follow for future books. Furthermore, I can say that this is the reason that St. Martin's Press is one of my favorite traditional publishers. This is generally the quality of novel they produce.

 If Hollywood hasn't looked at this for movie rights, then they are even more ignorant than what my general opinion of them is. This book would make a spectacular gut-wrenching, yet heartwarming movie.
 

Source:  Library

      

Would I recommend? : Not only have I, but I would shout it from the mountain tops how much I loved this book. 
 
Stand Alone or Part of a Series: Stand Alone