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Shine

By: Jodi Picoult
Narrated by: Audra McDonald
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Publisher's summary

Jodi Picoult tackles issues of race and privilege in this original short story, a prequel to her novel Small Great Things.

In "Shine", the master storyteller and New York Times best-selling author of Leaving Time and My Sister's Keeper introduces listeners to the unforgettable Ruth Brooks. Today is Ruth's first day of third grade at Dalton. The prestigious institution on New York's Upper East Side couldn't be more different from her old school in Harlem. Despite being the smartest girl in her grade, Ruth suspects that her classmates and teachers only see her dark skin. She also notices that Christina, the daughter of her mother's employer, treats Ruth very differently when they're hanging out with the popular girls rather than playing together. Ruth must navigate between two worlds, never losing sight of the dreams she has for herself - in hopes that someday someone will see her for who she really is.

©2016 Jodi Picoult (P)2016 Random House Audio
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What listeners say about Shine

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

love the author....not the narrator

I really struggled with this. I'm glad I got this before buying Small Great Things since it's narrated by the same person. I'll just read this book myself because I can't stand this narrator for some reason.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

ugh pandering

a story about black women by a white woman. it rang very false. I was not a fan.

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4 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A good "Listen"

What a great way to spend an hour listening to a good story. I really enjoyed the ending. Not to be a spoiler,
but it had a perfect ending and I will listen to it again and again.
Annette Collins

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

wonderful

Audra McDonald is a wonderful narrator. This prequel to Small Great Things gave me chills. Wonderful accompaniment to the novel.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Informative but too short

I enjoyed reading the beginning of Ruth going to school but it was too short; just as I got into the story it ended. 😞
In all honesty I already completed the book I should've read this first.
I gave the story a rating of four stars only because I wanted more!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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Stunning

I found myself audibly gasping and almost in tears during this short story. it is incredible.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Loved this short story

What made the experience of listening to Shine the most enjoyable?

The reader was the perfect voice!!!!!!

What did you like best about this story?

The little pieces of comedy added in

What about Audra McDonald’s performance did you like?

Her fluctuation of her voice and how she told the story!!!!!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

All of it!!!!!!!

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Not thrilled

Usually love all authors books but this was very simple plot- not great read. Sweet story though.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Good reading, it was history with common sense. Protecting her family amiust prejudice I this world is fundamental right.

I really enjoyed this book. Prejudice is so outrageous in America. This book address the history and challenges that continues.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Ruth!

This gives additional insight on how Ruth's struggle began....been a long road for her. Ongoing.

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