Fireflies in December

By: Jennifer Erin Valent

Narrated by: Kate Forbes

This award-winning, coming-of-age gem by Jennifer Erin Valent recounts one farm family's struggle against racial bigotry in Depression-era Virginia.

When Jessilyn's parents begin raising her best friend as their own daughter, this kindness toward a dark-skinned orphan triggers threats and violence. While teetering on the brink of womanhood, Jessilyn must learn to be a shining light in a dark world.

©2008 Jennifer Erin Valent (P)2009 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"Winner of the Christian Writers Guild's 2007 Operation First Novel contest, Valent has created a darkly evocative historical novel that boldly explores the divisive effects of unreasoning hatred, greed, and fear on a community already struggling with the economic and racial tensions caused by the Depression and exacerbated by the Ku Klux Klan." ( Booklist)

Surprisingly Good

I was just scrolling through when I picked this. Not really expecting much, just trying it out. Turned out to be a great story. The narration is pleasant to listen to, which has been difficult to find lately. Liked it so much, I am moving on to book 2 in the series.

We need more people in this world like the Lassiter's

If you liked to kill a mockingbird then you will enjoy this read. I was hooked from the beginning. Reading a story through the eyes of a child puts so much into perspective. The world could use more people like the Lassiter's. This story was beautifuly written and I highly recommend.

Great narration

This is my first book by this author. The narration was fantastic and the story was very captivating. I found myself prolonging driving trips to finish chapters and taking work breaks to finish it off. I hope to listen to this narrator again and hope that she does more by this author.

Good coming of age story

Faith and kindness in the midst of lifes hardships. Narration is good. Be sure to read the rest in the series. Audible doesn't have them connected but there are two more that follow this one.

I'll Never Look @ Fireflies The Same

What did you love best about Fireflies in December?

It's truthfulness. That's also what I hated about it!

What other book might you compare Fireflies in December to and why?

The Help perhaps because of the racial story line.

Have you listened to any of Kate Forbes’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, I haven't.

If you could take any character from Fireflies in December out to dinner, who would it be and why?

I can't remember her name but the woman who took the two girls into town for lunch. Why, because she is brave.