Blues Dancing Audiobook By Diane McKinney-Whetstone cover art

Blues Dancing

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Blues Dancing

By: Diane McKinney-Whetstone
Narrated by: Myra Lucretia Taylor
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About this listen

"McKinney-Whetstone uses her gift for language to weave a love story that spans more than twenty years and three lives. … Blues Dancing is a novel well worth curling up with a long winter’s night."—Essence

From acclaimed writer Diane McKinney-Whetstone, a richly spun tale of love and passion, betrayal, redemption, and faith, set in contemporary Philadelphia.

My aunt says if you smell butter on a foggy night you're getting ready to fall in love.

For the last twenty years, the beautiful Verdi Mae has led a comfortable life with Rowe, the conservative professor who rescued her from addiction when she was an undergrad. But her world is about to shift when the smell of butter lingers in the air and Johnson—the boy from the back streets of Philadelphia who pulled her into the fire of passion and all the shadows cast from it—returns to town.

In "this story of self-discovery that moves seamlessly between the early 1970s and early 1990s" (Publishers Weekly, starred review), McKinney-Whetstone takes readers into a world of erotic love, drugs, and political activism, and beautifully illustrates the struggle to reconcile passion with accountability and the redemptive powers of love's rediscovery.

©1999 Diane McKinney-Whetstone (P)2001 Recorded Books
Contemporary Contemporary Romance Romance
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Moving Storyline • Memorable Characters • Unexpected Twists • Excellent Writing • Emotional Connection • Palpable Love
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This book was amazing!!! The storyline and writing style were superb. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an excellent read.

Amazing!!

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Where does Blues Dancing rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Not the best nor the worse. Different, interesting...

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Pretty riviting, i liked the fact that i could not predict evrything that was going to happen. I am a romantic, so I liked the fact that true love prevailed!

What about Myra Lucretia Taylor’s performance did you like?

Her inflections and vocal variety assisted in the level of entertainment.

Who was the most memorable character of Blues Dancing and why?

Verdi, because of her turmoil and how she dealt with it all and overcame.

Any additional comments?

A different kind of book, varying elements, well written.

Entertaining

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I loved it. The story was so moving and full. And the storytelling made the story even richer. I love a book that leaves you feeling like you personally know each character.

A powerful love story

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Characters stay with you as is the trademark of this author. Definitely a griot... This story teaches a lot if you are willing to read between the lines and listen with your heart and mind

She’s done it again!

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This story was absolutely moving. So illustrating... illuminating.....reaching the dark places and allowed room for reflection and revelation. Great building of each and every character. So many stars to celebrate. Awesome read!

Moving....enough said!

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This was just okay for me, kinda predictable. I read a review saying this is up there with The Darkest Child. The Darkest Child is a Phenomenal story and is one of my favorite all time books. I purchased this book under that pretense and I was slightly disappointed, but the story was still okay. This wasnt a bad book, it just wasnt as exciting as i thought or like the reviewer presented. This is a solid story though.

Pretty Decent Story

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The book was a warm read..Felt like something was missing. I will listen/read to more of this Author's work

warm

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There is a repeated paragraph in the last chapter of the book. This was a tad annoying, as it was so close to the end, but I thought the narration was fine, otherwise. It may be a bit slow, to some, but you can always adjust the playback speed.

Outstanding book & solid performance...

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This was a very good book. It was difficult seeing characters that have captured your heart go down such a destructive way path, but what a brilliant path. Ms. McKinney-Whetstone did an amazing job of getting into the head of young drug addicts. It felt very real, and thus, very heartbreaking. The main protagonist, Verdi, was almost a little too naive -both as a nineteen year old and a forty year old - which was a little infuriating, but the story was still well told. The love that Verdi and Johnson had was palpable and almost tangible. I also loved the affection that Verdi’s aunt and cousin had for both Johnson and Verdi. Johnson sitting on Bug’s couch and slipping deeper into the drug hole nearly broke me. So very well done. And as always, Ms. Taylor’s narration was off the hook. Bravo.

Infatuation to struggle to Love

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I could not put the book down and the characters come to life as you feel their pain and want them to win in the end. I was pleased with the outcome of the book.

Highly Recommended & will keep you engaged.

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