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Tumbling

By: Diane McKinney-Whetstone
Narrated by: Myra Lucretia Taylor
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Publisher's summary

Tumbling is a national best seller from an exhilarating new voice in African-American fiction. Set in Philadelphia in the 1940s and 50s, this emotionally inspiring story revolves around Noon and Herbie, a couple with more than a few obstacles to overcome. They raise two girls left on their doorstep, struggle to keep their unconsummated marriage alive, and fight to save their urban neighborhood from development.

Both Noon and Herbie have secrets. Because of this she can’t be intimate with her husband, and he sneaks out to a hot jazz singer named Ethel - who has a secret of her own. When the city proposes to build a road through their neighborhood, Noon begins a crusade to keep it from happening - and maybe save her marriage in the process.

Tumble into this amazing novel and feel the love and warmth of a special block in South Philly. This is an extraordinary depiction of the true meaning of family and fellowship, with a realistic mix of both joy and sorrow.

©1996 Diane McKinney-Whetstone (P)2001 Recorded Books
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What listeners say about Tumbling

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Ethel

What a great book. I put it up there withThe Darkest Child. Ethel did the best she could by stepping back. Herbie..smdh. I loved Noon & the whole story..it reminded me of the stories I grew up hearing.

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3 people found this helpful

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A Mother's Love

Ms. Whetstone has done it again. she is such a wonderful storyteller. I really enjoyed listening to this book, her writing was so vivid, descriptive and clear. I felt transported back to 1940's Southside of Philly.

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2 people found this helpful

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Captivating

Once I got started, it was hard to out this one down. The characters were interesting and well rounded, the writing is descriptive and relatable while weaving a story that really brought my imagination into the moment. And this narration was CHEFS KISS amazing!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Great Story

I loved everything about this novel. What a great story of redemption. I would listen to Myra Lucretia Taylor read the phone book! She gives life to every character

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Touching

I laughed, I teared up, my soul feels soothed. I rooted for each family member equally and loathed the Reverend and that Slick Willie Mann! The characters developed nicely and I could not believe that one narrator did all of the voices. This book goes down as one of my all time favorites!

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

Very interesting book.

Couldn't stop listening. Very well written and performed. Took me back to the time when many neighborhoods in the USA were faced with urban renewal.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Loved it

I absolutely loved this book! I was so sad when it ended! The depth of the characterized even adding mental health in it. Great read!

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1 person found this helpful

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You Never Know Who Will Help

i thoroughly enjoyed this story. Outstanding character developme. nt that captured the reader immediately. Excellent narration. I feel at times we all are tumbling and you'd be surprised who will come to your rescue.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Loved

I loved the well written story, I had the book years ago but never finished and I always wondered what happen to Noon and Herbie.

The narrator was spectacular!

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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

Mental health tale well ahead of its time.

Favorite book of all time. Love the realism of the characters and the time period.

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