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To the Bright and Shining Sun

By: James Lee Burke
Narrated by: Tom Stechschulte
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Publisher's summary

In this novel, Burke brings his brilliant feel for time and place to a stunning story of Appalachia in the early 1960s. Here Perry Woodson Hatfield James, a young man torn between family honor and the lure of seedy watering holes, must somehow survive the tempestuous journey from boyhood to manhood and escape the dark and atavistic heritage of the Cumberland Mountains.

©2013 James Lee Burke (P)2013 Simon & Schuster Audio
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What listeners say about To the Bright and Shining Sun

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

great history lesson

A great insight into the life and struggles of the coal mine workers in Appalachia.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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The punt

A great listen, the performance sounded just like Henry Fonda. The story does Kentucky justice,as I was there 35 years ago training as a nurse midwife.
It doesn't paint a pretty picture, but a true one
I loved it.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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James Lee Burke is a master storyteller!

This is a story in that has the feel of Steinbeck. It has true and gritty characters, honest dialogue and is told with literary images that you can almost taste. This is simple but compelling tale told by a great writer.

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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

WOW!!!!!

I read this book in 11/2 days, 5 stars to the Narrator he made it come alive. The part that surprised me the most was the part about the Coal Miner's and the fight they had just to survive. Thank you Mr. Burke for another winner.

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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

Life US Hard

Another good read by one if my favorite authors. A rough tale about how life can be very, very hard.

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

Not so much JL Burke

I kept waiting for his usual style and descriptive genius in And I miss Will Patton as narrator

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

Great ending

Tough read as the protagonist is a difficult person to like. One of James Lee Burkes' better endings. A well performed and tightly written novel.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Good listen

The ending was a relief yet disappointing. This book needs a sequel. Hope Burke can deliver.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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Burke Book

It was not the typical Burke story. It is well written. T the narrator is not as good as Patton.

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

Deeply moving story of the coal miners

shows the plight of the worker during the depression with vivid detail and a moving hero.

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