Fiction
2019 Thomas Nelson Audio
Read by Sean Dietrich
Finished on February 11, 2021
Rating: 3/5 (Good)
Publisher's Blurb:
With a voice both humorous and heartfelt, Sean Dietrich—also known as Sean of the South—weaves together a tale about the dignity of humanity and the value of enduring hope.
One child preacher traveling across the plains.
One young woman with a mysterious touch.
Two old friends, their baby, and their bloodhound.
And all the stars that shine above them.
When fifteen-year-old Marigold becomes pregnant amid the Great Depression, she is rejected by her family and forced to fend for herself. And when she loses her baby in the forest, her whole world turns upside down. She’s even more distraught upon discovering she has an inexplicable power that makes her both beautiful and terrifying—and something of a local legend.
Meanwhile, migrant workers Vern and Paul discover a violet-eyed baby and take it upon themselves to care for her. The men soon pair up with a widow and her two children, and the misfit family finds its way in fits and starts toward taking care of each other.
As survival brings one family together, a young boy finds himself with nary a friend to his name as the dust storms rage across Kansas. Fourteen-year-old Coot, a child preacher with a prodigy’s memory, is on the run with thousands of stolen dollars—and the only thing he’s sure of is that Mobile, Alabama, is his destination.
As the years pass and a world war looms, these stories intertwine in surprising ways, reminding us that when the dust clears, we can still see the stars.
I wish I could remember where I first heard about Stars of Alabama and why I added it to my queue on Audible.com. I don't have any record of using one of my credits, so it must have been listed in Audible's new Plus catalogue, which allows subscribers to try new authors and genres without using any credits. As I began to listen, I noticed that the opening credits mentioned Thomas Nelson as the publisher. My first reaction was surprise, since I don't read Christian fiction and Thomas Nelson is one of the better-known publishers of that genre. I was somewhat hesitant to continue, but once I heard Sean Dietrich's voice, which is deep and smooth, I decided to give the book a chance. I laughed out loud and felt my heartstrings tugged as I listened to this heartwarming novel. More than a week later, I'm still thinking about Vern, Coot and Marigold and the other characters I came to care about. Fans of Jenny Wingfield, Fannie Flagg and Wiley Cash are sure to enjoy this endearing Southern story.
About the Author:
Prior to reading Stars of Alabama, I had never heard of Sean Dietrich, who is also known as Sean of the South.
Sean Dietrich is a columnist, and novelist, known for his commentary on life in the American South. His work has appeared in Southern Living, The Tallahassee Democrat, Good Grit, South Magazine, Alabama Living, the Birmingham News, Thom Magazine, The Mobile Press Register, and he has authored seven books.
A mediocre sailor and fisherman, a biscuit connoisseur, and a barbecue competition judge when he’s not writing, he spends much of his time aboard his fourteen-foot fishing boat (the SS Squirrel) along with his coonhound, Thelma Lou.
I have since subscribed to his blog and his writing brings to mind that of Rick Bragg's. Dietrich also has a podcast, which I may have to start listening to, as well. Am I the only one who has never heard of this gifted writer?
I think Christian Fiction has come a long way. Not sure if this book is actually categorized as that but there is an author I adore, Nan Rossiter and she writes for a Christian publishing house and although yes, I am a Christian, I find her books to just be heartwarming, enjoyable reads. I don't see too much of a slant except for the faith aspect.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tia! I'll have to look for Nan Rossiter. One other author I used to read and enjoy is Jan Karon. Her books have religious undertones, but aren't preachy.
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