Memorial Day marks the unofficial beginning of summer here in the US, and summer reading lists are everywhere. If you happen to be making one this weekend, be sure to include The Homecoming of Samuel Lake by Jenny Wingfield. It has what every reader wants - memorable characters, a plot that keeps you turning pages into the wee hours, and great writing. It also offers a healthy dose of down home comfort.
The Homecoming of Samuel Lake is, without a doubt, my favorite book so far this year. I've been trying to write a review for weeks, but all I seem to do is gush. Why is it that the more I like a book, the less articulate I become? For a real review, check out what Les has to say. Her post convinced me to read the book in the first place.
I downloaded the audio from audible.com and started listening in the car. After three and a half hours (which seemed like no time at all), I wanted to keep going. When a friend on twitter suggested I drive around in circles and I lamented over the price of gas, the author offered to send a print copy. That was on a Friday afternoon, and by Monday I had the book in my hands. For the next few days, I was totally immersed in The Homecoming of Samuel Lake - reading at home and listening in the car. From the indomitable Swan Lake, to her big-hearted Uncle Toy and the villainous Ras Ballenger (who literally sent chills down my spine), the characters became part of my life. When the book ended, I missed them for days and, to be perfectly honest, still miss them now. The good news is that the author will begin work on a screenplay soon!
For audiobook fans, this production is right up there with The Help on my list of all-time favorites. Catherine Taber is a fantastic reader and her southern accent makes this an amazing listening experience. You can listen to a sample here.
The Homecoming of Samuel Lake is truly a must read!
My rating:
I LOVED this book, too!
ReplyDeletehttp://n-good-company.blogspot.com/2011/07/good-books-homecoming-of-samuel-lake.html
Georgia Girls - We are in good company... everybody seems to adore this book!
DeleteI adored the audio as well JoAnn. Glad you had the chance to experience this one.
ReplyDeleteDiane - My mom read it after I did and she loved it, too. She made my father read it and he said he hasn't enjoyed a book that much in ages.
DeleteOh, lucky you! Who ever said it's not good to lament? I've had this experience (the wanting to walk around in circles part) with listening to books on my Ipod, and it would be good for me to have it more often. I'm not familiar with this book (yet) but I love your enthusiasm for it. :)
ReplyDeleteAudrey - The audio version will definitely keep you walking! I think you'd love this book, too.
DeleteI just finished this book last night and LOVED it. I don't usually listen to audiobooks, but after reading your post, just might. :)
ReplyDeleteJo - If you decide to listen to this, it might just change your mind about audiobooks. It was so hard for me to say goodbye to the characters after I finished reading... do you miss them today?
DeleteI absolutely loved this book too and one day I will listen to it on audio. I wish audible.com would do a loaning deal similar to Kindle!!
ReplyDeleteStaci - What a great idea! I never thought of that, but amazon does own audible now. Wonder if it's in the works?
DeleteI read this one on my Kindle while on the treadmill and had to get off because I was crying so hard. I loved the Lake family, especially Uncle Toy. I put it on my Top Ten list last year, glad you enjoyed it too.
ReplyDeleteDiane - There were quite a few tears shed here, too! I know this book will make it to my list of favorites this year.
DeleteGood to know that so many people have enjoyed The Homecoming of Samuel Lake. I won a copy and haven't read it yet. Will move it up the TBR pile.
ReplyDeleteBeth :-)
Beth - You're in for a treat! You won't want to put this down, so choose a lazy weekend or day off to get started.
DeleteI loved this book -- I read it in one morning on a Friday, last summer -- just sucked it up! I can appreciate why you wouldn't have wanted to stop!
ReplyDeleteAudra - I don't remember the last time I was so completely sucked into a novel. It doesn't get much better than this!
DeleteThat is so cool that the author helped you to finish the novel more quickly. The power of the internet -- cool!
ReplyDeleteDCMetroreader - It's hard to remember life before the internet... just love that the author came to my rescue on this one. It's been a long time since I loved a book like this!
DeleteI had this one from the library and then had to turn it in unread, since someone had a hold on it. I really need to request it again.
ReplyDeleteTi - Yes, yes yes! You need to request this one again.
DeleteYou certainly have made me curious about this book! I hesitate to add another book to my pile, but I just might have to do so. You are not alone in becoming more inarticulate the more you like a book! So hard to do anything but gush :)
ReplyDeleteTerri - This book is worthy of all that gushing! I haven't carried on like this since I read Cutting for Stone.
DeleteI am compiling my summer reading list but ironically, I rarely include books that most people bring to the beach with. Haha...I'm eclectic that way, and extremely fussy with my reads. *but* if you recommend one I never question about it. This one is in!
ReplyDeleteMatt - I don't like typical beach reads and I know you don't either. This book is really something special - I laughed and cried and wished it could last forever. Can't wait to hear what you think of it.
DeleteI love your audio recs. Adding this to my list. I have The Help on audio checked out right now.
ReplyDeleteStacy - Thanks, I love listening to audiobooks. I hope you're enjoying The Help as much as I did... and I'm still thinking about The Homecoming of Samuel Lake!
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