The Truthful Story

By: Helen Stine

Narrated by: Jenna Lamia

When 10-year-old Genevieve Donovan's Nannie dies mysteriously in the Lowcountry river she's loved and lived near all her life, Genny and her family are heartbroken. In 1960s South Carolina, new industry is encroaching on old country, and Genny fears her grandmother may have gotten in the way of so-called progress. Even Daduh, Nannie's dearest friend and longtime housekeeper, doesn't know what to make of Nannie's death. Was it an accident, or did the drunkard son of a local businessman play a role? What's more, ever since Nannie passed, Genny has been hearing and seeing things she's not sure she can share with anyone except her mother, whose own grief is making it harder and harder to get through to her. Seeking answers, longing for guidance, and unsure if Mama will ever be the same again, Genny gingerly forges a path out of childhood and into adolescence. As Genny struggles to understand justice, healing, and a world in which Nannie is gone but still present, The Truthful Story traces a family's difficult journey through the pain of loss and the survival of love.

©2016 Helen Stine (P)2016 Helen Stine

My thoughts

One thing I loved about this book was the descriptive words that were used to help me visualize the characters, setting and feelings. I also loved the narrator that read the book. What I disliked about the book was the main character narrating 90%of the book. I would have enjoyed the book much more if each character spoke for themselves rather than the main character narrating everything.

Kind of Ho Hum

This was a story that captured the essence of the South. Jenna Lamia is always outstanding. However,
nothing happened that got you really enthused. I mean it was huge to the characters in the story, but the listener knew just about what would happen. The special gifts that were inherited were interesting, but all in all even though it was a good southern story, it lacked something.

Vicky J

Great Read

Great character development and lots of surprises! Well written with tremendous voice. Loved the book!

Great coming of age story!

A girl's relationship with her grandmother, and ultimately her mother, as well. The protagonist likes to write. This is her "Mostly True Story".

Wait, what?

Good story, and best narrator ever, but I did not like the ending. I know it is hard to wrap things up while
providing a satisfying conclusion, but this felt rushed and as though there should be a second book. I do
not see the comparison to "To Kill a Mockingbird", however I can understand how the narration by Jenna Lamia
could evoke such thoughts. She brought this book to life!!!