Appalachian Daughter

By: Mary Jane Salyers

Narrated by: Bailey Carr

Length: 8 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

On the last day of eighth grade, Maggie begins to dream of finding a way to escape the drudgery and confinement of life in the hollow and establish her independence. Her plan begins to fall in place when she enters high school and discovers she has a natural talent for excelling in shorthand, typing, and other business classes. Meanwhile she spares no effort in helping her family continue to survive despite their poverty, a less than fertile few acres, and a family history of instability. The typical spoken language, folkways, traditional beliefs, and religious practices are skillfully woven into this portrait of Appalachian family life. The author's sympathetic insights into mountain culture combined with memorably etched characters and events create a realistic reflection of Tennessee mountain life during the decade following World War II. Maggie's life takes an unexpected turn when her cousin JD reveals a dark secret that could shatter the family. Maggie struggles to maintain her dreams of a better life amidst the many trials that will test the grit of this Appalachian Daughter.

©2014 Mary Jane Salyers (P)2017 Tantor

take me home to the mountians

well written and narrated stirred up memories of growing up in the foothills. Loved it

overall really good

really good narration, would recommend.
ending could have been better, mother really harsh, I love Appalachian stories.

I loved the slow pace

I would love to know what happens next in Maggie’s journey! As a southern girl myself, I loved the realness of the story ❤️

volume varies too much.

Sound production was really frustrating. The narrator was alternating very soft or very loud. I had to keep adjusting the volume either to hear her or to not be blasted away.

An Accurate Portrayal of Appalachian Families 1950s

While the story lacked some depth for me I am still rating it high because it simply captures an accurate portrayal of a young woman seeking education in rural Appalachia and some of the barriers she encounters. While I was a few decades after this - I was the first to graduate from high school in my family (southern WV/eastern KY) and I could very much relate to some of the struggles Maggie faced. A sweet story and will resonate with those that grew up in the mountains. Would have liked to have seen a stronger link with the grandmother’s diary. It had more potential than the outcome but I still very much enjoyed it.

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Appalachian Daughter

Appalachian Daughter was written with true insight and deep understanding of the culture. Reared by Appalachian parents the sayings, the religion, and using guilt to manipulate children were all too real for me. The story took hold of my interest and would not let go until the last page.

good

I don't really have anything bad to say about this book. it was good.

A story that leaves you wanting more

Things were different then. My mom lived in Salyersville, Kentucky as a young girl. I've heard plenty of stories from those days of older kids quitting school to care for their younger siblings, and living on the land, slaughtering their own food, wringing chickens' necks etc. I loved listening to the story about Maggie and her family. The story is over now, and I wish I knew how life turned out for her. Any story that keeps you thinking about the people and what became of them, is a good story! I accidentally stumbled upon this book/audible and I'm glad I did.

Sweet Story

A clean enjoyable listen. A sweet coming of age story that will touch your heart.