Commencement Audiobook By J. Courtney Sullivan cover art

Commencement

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Commencement

By: J. Courtney Sullivan
Narrated by: Christina Moore
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This radiant debut novel from J. Courtney Sullivan examines the deep bonds of friendship and the complex landscape facing today’s young women. Celia, Bree, Sally, and April arrive at Smith College as four very different people. But the years bring them closer together, and once they graduate and face the real world, they realize they need each other more than ever.

©2009 J. Courtney Sullivan (P)2010 Recorded Books, LLC Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Women's Fiction

Critic reviews

"Sullivan’s debut crackles with intelligent observations about the inner sanctum of the all-women’s elite (yet scholarship-laden) college life." ( Booklist)
“The author manages to find that sweet spot between Serious Literature and chick lit. Commencement is a beach book for smart women–and the girls they once were.” ( Entertainment Weekly)
“Sullivan tells an involving story of four students from different backgrounds who share quarters at Smith College. It sounds trite, but it isn’t. The women change the course of their lives of the years in dramatic ways.... Chick lit with depth and engagement.” ( New York Daily News)
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I did lilke this book, I really did. Not a life changer, but a good chick book. However...there I was..listening away and hadn't paid attention to how much time was left and "The End". What?? It's over?? Not a good ending...way too many opened things that could have been cleared up. Having said that...give it a listen, it's not a bad story at all. Good performance, too.

That was the end??

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What did you love best about Commencement?

This book makes you think back to your college days and friendships.Female to female sexual parts are involved so may not be for some people

college memories

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This kept my interest but it really lacked depth. The characters seemed like a checklist of “personalities that we assume fit a Smith identity”.

Ok

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My only complaint was the ending. Sort of like "The Sopranos" in that you were not ready for it to be over and were left saying, "What???" Ms. Sullivan, will you write a sequel? I so hope so! I love your work! Can't wait to begin Maine!

I loved it!

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I love this author's book, friends and strangers and this storyline was great in theory, except I disliked all of the main characters! They weren't likeable or even relatable! the narrator's voice was grating as well.

great storyline, terrible characters

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This book reminded me of all that women should cherish and all that we allow to be destroyed by others. Almost lost interest in early chapters because who can relate to this elitist college group, but so glad I kept listening.

Snuck up on me!

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I really love novels by this author and this was the only one I had left to read of hers. I really liked it, and enjoyed all the characters and their development. I did not like the narration, though, particularly for Celia. Not sure if she was trying to do a Boston accent? Her southern accent was not good, either, and I found it all really distracting.

Enjoyed the story; performance lacking

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The story was interesting enough - until the lesbian sex started in graphic detail. If I had known this book contained pornography and profanity, I'd have purchased something else. I only listened for about 2 hours.

Not What I Expected

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Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Sure I was driving and it did keep my attention.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The premise was intriguing - but it was rather predictable and then got a little tiresome.

starts great - but is rather predictable

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There is an old adage that says "friends are the family you choose" and it could not be more true in Commencement. For anyone who has been fortunate enough to experience those types of relationships this book will remind you of your blessings. The story takes you many different places physically, emotionally, spiritually and politically. It was a great listen and I'm glad I spent a credit on it. It was the best thing I have listened to since The Help. While I'm not sure if anything can compare to The Help, Commencement ranks up there and provides its own (more current) challenges that face women in our world. I so look forward to following Courtney Sullivans literary career.... Cant wait for more!!

What an amazing journey....

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