Listened (read) this for our book club. I really enjoyed the story and narration. The voice actor was exceptional and his variety of characterizations was outstanding. The story, while it should have been familiar to me was not. I have avoided it for years because I knew it had a sad ending. The assorted contrasts between the two Big Scrub families was well outlined and gave the reader an eye into the world of subsistence farming and living on the edge of both civilization and life. The relationship between the child Jody and his father was a wonderful example of the love in a small family. The mother's aloofness contrasted sharply with the father's warmth. The book is a great story and the ending is as expected sad. The sad ending does not detract and stays true to the story. Now, I want to watch the 1946 movie version. An NPR article indicated that the cinematography is beautiful since it was actually filmed on location in the Florida Big Scrub.

I can’t believe I hadn’t read this book after seeing the wonderful movie so long ago! This book should be required reading in schools if it isn’t already. The author’s descriptions of nature and the feelings it evokes is perfect. It could inspire more children and adults to treat the planet kindly. What a great story, writing and narrator. His characterizations were so good. I’m going to Google him and see if he was an actor.

Narrative was excellent. Vividness and imagery of good storytelling was enjoyable. The reader can quickly get lost in the story.