Boy's Life

I did not expect to like this book.

But I was pleasantly surprised because it was engaging, well written, and completely pulled me in. Absolutely one of my all-time favorite books. I thought how boring, another coming-of-age story. But I just absolutely loved the entire story. I am going to look for more of his books to read. I'm glad I listened to the recommendations and not my preconceived ideas

146 of 150 people found this review helpful

A Feast for the Senses!

Smell the honeysuckle, summer heat and barbeque. Taste the homemade ice cream and peach pie. Hear the drone of bees and the yells of kids on the last of school before summer vacation. See the tiny town of Zephyr, Alabama and experience life in a small, rural town in the tumult of the 60s. A Boy’s Life is about feeling invincible, protected and being convinced you know what the world is about at the tender age of 12. Until a ghastly murder slowly erodes what you thought you knew. If you read A Boy’s Life in print, enjoy this unabridged Audible treat. It’s as good as you remember. If you never read A Boy’s Life, download it at once. This is a masterpiece.

110 of 113 people found this review helpful

Great read

I have a ton of books in my library and have enjoyed most of them, but this book was special. The story telling was fantastic and it has that nostalgic feel of books like To Kill a Mockingbird. I highly recommend this book, it is simply fabulous.

52 of 53 people found this review helpful

Wonderful !

I loved this story. Sort of a Stephen King coming-of-age theme, with some mystism and horror mixed in. I wish there had been a different narrator, though. George Newbern wasn't the right voice for this IMHO. Otherwise it would have been a (5) star review.

23 of 23 people found this review helpful

Great read

Being from Alabama I relate to the story and see much of my childhood from the sixties in the author's words. Friends never seem as important as they do when you are young. Highly recommended read.

42 of 43 people found this review helpful

A Real Winner

Any additional comments?

Most of the books I get through Audible are very good. Not exceptional, but very good. They fill the time while I'm driving an hour or so, or while I'm mowing the lawn or cleaning around the house. That is where there value comes in. Boys Life, however, is the exception. I bought it because of the reviews, but I didn't really expect it to be as good as it is.

I've read reviews before where people have said that a story brought them to tears, but I never quite believed it. I also tend to steer clear of stories where this kind of thing is mentioned in the reviews. And don't get me wrong... I felt that in only a few short sections of the book. However, this story is one where I felt that emotion several times. And I only mention it because I felt for the people in the story. Because they were real, and what they were going through was real. Because Robert McCammon NAILED it in his story telling.

It was so real, and so close to things that I had experienced, that the emotions were right there. But the story was also funny...VERY funny, and at the same time honest and was very indicative of the time it was told. I didn't have all the same experiences, having been raised in the north, but I lived through it, and saw it on tv news.

Don't set expectations too high. Expectations can be crushers. Rather take this book as a ride through the early 60's and allow your self to feel it as you go along. It will stick with you long after the story is done, and you can't ask for any more of that from a story.

99 of 103 people found this review helpful

Remember when the Waltons made you feel good?

No, this is not like the Waltons! If you ever watched the Waltons, or the Little Farm on the Prairie, you know what feeling and genre I am going for! All was good with the world because there were good morals. This book will show what was right in those times, but also what was wrong in those times. It is such a feel-good book. The character development is even, but the story despite sometimes being too wholesome, becomes all of a sudden this dangerous maze, where only the good can and will prevail on the bad. You will experience great writing, a murder mystery, good people that come together when the going gets tough, and just young boys that will steal your heart. This is such a different book. If you are looking for something refreshingly new, please get this book. I had such fun listening to it, and my favorite part was when the boys went to the movies to see a movie about aliens. The book talks about magic, and yes, there is magic in this book. Oh, and don't miss the Wasps!! Hilarious. The narrator was great. Worth a credit, worth reading during your commute or just listening. Great Book.
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38 of 39 people found this review helpful

Finally Unabridged

What did you love best about Boy's Life?

The adventures of the young Cory and his world.

What other book might you compare Boy's Life to and why?

I can't think of any book that compares to Boy's Life. Its that amazing.

Would you listen to another book narrated by George Newbern?

Here I wasn't happy. I have the abridged version with Richard Thomas n hoped he'd do the unabridged. The narrator didn't use a southern accent of that place and time. And his mispronouncation words was a disappointment. Like he pronounced Chile as Chil
(Ch-eye-l) when its pronounced Chilly.

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

When the main character Cory went to sit at his friends grave.

Any additional comments?

This is an amazing story about a time in life when the world is an amazing place filled with magic. When you and your friends have great adventures. It makes you wish you were there too.

43 of 45 people found this review helpful

Dear Robert McCammon, I love your books!

Any additional comments?

What a gift this book is! I enjoyed every single minute. I am a child of this era and anyone who is will be especially pleased. The story is timeless full of wonder!

Robert McKammon is one of my fave authors. He sure can tell a story and never sticks to one genre maybe he doesn't believe in them. A great book is a story, period.

18 of 19 people found this review helpful

One of the Best Books I have EVER listened to!!!!!

Where does Boy's Life rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

In the top 10 for sure maybe even the top 5.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

It was not a suspense novel but it was so interesting. The story was vivid in it's descriptions. I saw the town through Corey's eyes. This book was funny, it was intense, it had mystery, and magic. The characters were rich in their growth and their interactions.

Which character – as performed by George Newbern – was your favorite?

Corey, the main character. He is full of wonder at the beginning of the book. He and his friends have so much imagination. As he begins to learn about the dark parts of life his father's guidance stays with him and helps him to become a man of integrity. Then when he sees his own father suffering he stands by his father and encourages him in his darkness. The bond between the two of them reminded me that life is still good, even when terrible realities must be faced.

If you could take any character from Boy's Life out to dinner, who would it be and why?

"The Lady." On the surface she seemed like the town witch, but there was more to her than her witchcraft. She had great wisdom which she had gained from suffering, and she had dreams for future generations. She was a kind person and she had a good heart, but she was funny and one to be feared as well.

Any additional comments?

I loved the variety of quirky characters from the town's naked man who although he seemed crazy, had uncanny wisdom, insight and compassion. "The Lady," the "Demon,"
"the bird lady," the sherrif. The book truley painted a picture of town life before internet, before strip malls, when people in a town knew each other and were there for each other.

8 of 8 people found this review helpful