Jerry

Excellent story about the early Texas oil boom

Revisado: 05-10-25

I'm sure Mr Kelton did some research about the early days of Texas oil boom towns, but I'm guessing he heard a lot the stories first hand considering he was born in far west Texas in 1926.

This book is a lot about good vs evil, small town justice and redemption even, though not for all perhaps. Yes, some of it is what we would consider "corny" at times and I'll admit to a few eye rolls too. There is a good amount of humor thrown in along but sometimes you had to catch it.

I found myself creating chores in the house so I could listen and the last hour or so is especially good, when it all comes to a head as they say.

After the book ended I couldn't help but wonder what happened to some of the characters, but this was a "standalone" book that you will recognize names from previous books.

I'd have to say this is one of his best works. Yes I am a Kelton fan but ironically what is probably his most famous work, The Time It Never Rained, is one that I could not finish. Perhaps it's time I gave it another try.

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One of his better books I think

Revisado: 04-28-25

At first I was a bit put off by the narrator but quickly got over that once he got into the story.

This wasn't a typical Kelton book IMHO. Yes, it dealt with the hardships of the early West, but it went deeper with the outbreak of the Civil War and how some Texans weren't in favor of secession. I honestly think he did some good research on this aspect of the book. I had to chuckle when they would say "talking American" or "talking Mexican", but I figure that was pretty accurate. Some old west stuff along with some Civil War history, not a bad combination.

If there was one "flaw", I thought the ending was a bit lackluster. OK, so I wanted to know how things worked out! I was honestly sad when the book ended. I wanted more!

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Boring!

Revisado: 04-18-25

I had just finished The Dutch House so I guess I expected too much from the same author. I was disappointed. I didn’t even finish the second chapter.

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Chilling!!

Revisado: 04-10-25

I may upset some people, but I really don't care! Liberals, Snowflakes, etc.....all of you who think that Socialism and Communism are so great.....You need to listen to this book!
To think that your friends, neighbors, and even family members would turn on you and turn you in should send a shiver up your spine. Is the USA perfect? Heck no, but it's still the best thing going. OK, off my soapbox, for now at least.
I never fully understood how they trapped the East Berliners, but this book explained that. I'm 73 years old and have some memories of seeing it on the news. For sure I remember the wall and even more when it finally came down. I recall hearing stories of people being killed by their own countrymen trying to escape. I also remember hearing about successful escapes too.
The story here is well told and believable. Great book!

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Causes You to Stop and Think

Revisado: 03-19-25

WOW, when you consider this was published in 1985 it's almost like Brin was a visionary. It makes you realize just how fragile our society and life can be. Remember the Pandemic of 2020 and how easily our system broke down? What's really scary to me is the wars started in the 20s in the book. Considering how we are becoming more and more reliant on AI now it's very scary!

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Not Entertaining!

Revisado: 03-08-25

Dear Lord I hope the world doesn't think that all of us Southerners are as morose and boring as this author. After about 3 of his stories I had to quit.

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REALLY?

Revisado: 03-08-25

I'm about tired of so-so authors churning out series, and this one is no better. After a long drawn out story that's not that great you learn at the abrupt end that it has a "cliff hanger" to try and lure you into the next book.

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Interesting!

Revisado: 02-28-25

Recently I rewatched the 1935 movie on Turner Classic Movies and the host mentioned that the movie wasn't historically accurate, no great surprise there, but it got me to wondering what the true story was, so good old Audible to the rescue!

I never realized that a historical maritime book would be of interest, but once again I was wrong. Even though this seemed to be a well researched book I had to wonder how the author knew so many details, but nonetheless it was a "wild ride" of a book! Sure enough the movie was Hollywood and there is a lot more to the story as I had expected.

The epilogue! That was extremely interesting and I thank the author for including that.

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Narration was awful

Revisado: 02-06-25

I'm a history buff and native Texan, so this book caught my eye. It seems to be well written, and I may even actually read it, but the narration was awful. It sounded so "AI" at times that I had to look to see if it had a narrator.

OK, IF you're going to be narrating a book about Texas you need to come visit us and see how we pronounce words!! It may not be "correct" but it's the way we and most of the rest of the civilized world pronounce these names:

Brazos, not Brahzos

Pecos..... when he said Peecos that's when I stopped. We say Paycos...yeah, maybe not the "proper" way, but it's how we say it Bucko!

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Adversity, Perseverance, and Triumph!

Revisado: 01-13-25

DISCLAIMER: I am a 73 year old Native Texas male that grew up in a rural area.

More than once, several times in fact, I threatened to quit this book. Parts of it were almost too difficult to listen to, mainly the drug abuse. Once I realized the time frame and setting I endured and it finally "got better".

To me this book touches on several problems in our country today, mainly Child Protection Services and the lack of funding it receives. My heart goes out to those who work in this field.

These kids in this book had no future they felt, and this can apply to kids in big cities, Reservations, etc. Drugs were/are their "outlet" sadly. Fortunately I could not relate to this having grown up where and when I did. Our biggest thing was someone scoring a bottle of cherry vodka back then. We had heard of marijuana but as far as I know none of my friends had tried that.

One thing I COULD relate to was the small town football team and how the players were treated like Gods! Sadly that was and is still their moment of "glory" and some have a problem dealing with the real world later in life, or so it seems to me.

The narrator nailed the accents I THINK, but not sure. I'm thinking that people from Virginia might disagree, but I have a good friend from W. Va. and it sounded a lot like him at times. I would laugh at "cor" (car) but then I'd think about my strong Texas accent too! LOL

In the end Demon comes face-to-face with his demons thankfully. In other words, this book is a lot like life no matter where you grew up, a lot of ups and downs, and hopefully you survive!

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