Summer of Pearls

By: Mike Blakely

Narrated by: George Guidall

A once-booming riverboat community, Port Caddo is a now struggling Texas town due to the emergence of the railroad. A series of incidents leads to the discovery of the first fresh water pearl, and the town is rejuvenated. Mike Blakely transports listeners to a time filled with hope in a lost little town. George Guidall’s lively narration captures every nuance of this masterfully crafted story.

©2000 Mike Blakely (P)2002 Recorded Books

Excellent story about life and friendship during a

teenage boys transition years. The development of characters was most impressive. i have the privilege of knowing Mike, and grateful his wife steered me towards his writing.

1st review

i have avg >150 audile books a year ... i have NEVER written a review ...i have listened to many actully better books "Atlas Shrugged" narrarted by HURT ! NOT Brick my fav ... BUt since no1 did this book i thought i would try and help people get over fencepost on buying this 1 ... it was REALLY good!!! = i often listen to "sample" and its like a good trailer to moive... it seems good and it was the movie and then i end up quitting the book ... in this case the book is REALLY good for pg 1 to last sentence.

i type poorly so dontlet that discount my advise = its worth time and $ 4sure! -G

Decent Coming of Age Story

This is an interesting, "decent" (aka no gratuitous sex or violence) story of a young man who came of age in the bayou country at a time when steamships plied the rivers and lakes of the great South. Narrated expertly by George Guidall, it is an engaging saga of youth-to-manhood during the late 1890's. It is told in a narrative style, taking listeners back to the day, offering a delightful tale with heroes and villains who will surprise and amaze. I enjoyed this one -- it was an easy listen -- and learned a bit about that era, the art of gleaning pearls from mussels, and steamer history.

Outstanding

This book reminded me of a mark twain novel. The best ending to a story I have ever experienced!! But don't read it first. Must read the entire book first for it to have the impact it had on me. Enjoy!!!

Beautifully written, Mike Blakely!

The Summer of Pearls is a sweeping saga of love greed, betrayal, murder and suspense, written and narrated so beautifully that I was transported to Caddo Lake 1874, like I was seeing a movie. Blakley masterfully captured the language and social systems of that time in American history, while telling the reader a wonderful and engaging story about the plight of the steamboat and of course the pearl rush, as the title implies. Not to exclude one of the main characters, Pearl, a clever, strong beautiful woman.
All my senses were engaged as Blakely described characters, setting, and events. I particularly enjoyed Blakely's use of humor, enough that I laughed out loud while listening:) I am now reading a second historical novel by Mike Blakely, a supremely gifted author!
*I would love to read a sequel representing the time shortly after when Caddo Lake completed the world's first over-water oil platform.