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    Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind
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    Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind
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    Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind
    Audiobook9 hours

    Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind

    Written by Ann B. Ross

    Narrated by Karen White

    3.5/5

    ()

    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this audiobook

    Miss Julia, a recently bereaved and newly wealthy widow, is only slightly bemused when one Hazel Marie Puckett appears at her door with a youngster in tow and unceremoniously announces that the child is the bastard son of Miss Julia's late husband. Suddenly, this longtime church member and pillar of her small Southern community finds herself in the center of an unseemly scandal--and the guardian of a wan nine-year-old whose mere presence turns her life upside down.

    With razor-sharp wit and perfect "Steel Magnolia" poise, Miss Julia speaks her mind indeed--about a robbery, a kidnapping, and the other disgraceful events precipitated by her husband's death. Fast-paced and charming, with a sure sense of comic drama, a cast of crazy characters, and a strong Southern cadence, Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind will delight listeners from start to end.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherPenguin Random House Audio
    Release dateOct 1, 2001
    ISBN9781415911518
    Unavailable
    Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind
    Author

    Ann B. Ross

    Ann B. Ross, who taught literature at the University of North Carolina at Asheville, is the author of Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind, one of the most popular Southern debut novels in years, Miss Julia Takes Over, Miss Julia Throws a Wedding, and Miss Julia Hits the Road. She lives in Hendersonville, North Carolina.

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    Reviews for Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind

    3.5/5

    328 ratings29 reviews

    What did you think?

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    Review must be at least 10 words

    • 4/5
      Really 3.5 stars. I couldn't go higher because I just can't get past the main character. I liked all of the characters except her. Infact I disliked her a lot in the beginning. She did get a bit more likable but she was still too naive for me to believe.

      I wanted to like this first book because I like series books and want to have a new one too read but it probably won't be this one.
    • 4/5
      Miss Julia is just getting used to being a widow -- and a wealthy one, at that -- when a visitor comes to her door with another legacy she didn't expect: her late husband's nine-year-old son.This is part comedy of manners, as Miss Julia, childless throughout her 47-year marriage, attempts to do the right thing for the boy while simultaneously coming to a slow boil over her husband's infidelity, part adventure romp as various claimants to the estate attempt to get their hands on the kid, and part velvet-gloved smack at that particular variety of religious belief that insists no woman is capable of managing her own affairs, all wrapped up in small-town manners as sugary and corrosive as sweet tea.Readers who enjoy Fannie Flagg's novels will eat this one up like hot corn bread with honey.
    • 3/5
      This book was a nice break from heavier stuff and it was better than I expected. I look forward to reading others in the series.
    • 3/5
      Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind by Ann B. Ross; (3*)Another hysterically funny but trivial bit of women's fiction. There must be something in the water in the America South because their women are funnnneeeeee.............
    • 4/5
      Timing and expectations were everything when it came to me and my love for this book. After trying it once before after expecting more of a cozy mystery, I was disappointed and didn't end up finishing the book. This go around, I went in expecting a story that was more about Miss Julia and her adjustment period after her husbands death and was pleased with her character to no end. She was sheltered by her husband and was quick to learn how to live with independence and was filled with spunk all the while. She endures a number of trials and tribulations, including a mystery. There is no doubt that as I age myself, I have a new found appreciation for characters such as Miss Julia.
    • 4/5
      Synopsis: Miss Julia is newly widowed and is finding that she rather likes being responsible for herself rather than always doing/thinking what her husband has told her. She sees the rest of her life as a comfortable progression of spending money as she likes while maintaining her lofty role in the community. This vision is upset by the arrival of a nine year-old boy on her doorstep who is her husband's son. Although completely crushed, Miss Julia decides that she will' hold up her head and do what's right'. Her community, particularly her preacher, thinks that she should let the church administer her money, as well as tell her how to live. What follows is a kidnapping, the beating of an innocent woman, and finding who her friends really are.Review: I have trouble liking the main character of this book, although I do understand her attitudes and lifestyle. The awaking of intellect, independence, and humanity this book details makes this a series I want to continue to read.
    • 5/5
      Imagine if Blanche Devereaux from The Golden Girls wrote a book. This book was genuinely funny and engaging. Not a dull moment
    • 4/5
      Fun book. A really Southern flavor but maybe more than that -- a woman finally finding self. The one thing that bothered me was the presentation of Lillian, the African-American housekeeper. Although the author was careful to appreciate her wisdom in dealing with her employer's problems, there was also a tendency to use some of her stereotypical characteristics for humor.
    • 4/5
      This is not normally the type of book that I usually read, and I was pleasantly surprised by it. It's funny, but also a very interesting social commentary. The main character is somewhat unlikeable at first (though still funny), then pitiful, then admirable. I found that the book was actually very insightful on a number of interesting subjects, including religion and women's rights, but still very entertaining.One issue I took with the book was the portrayal of Miss Julia's African American housekeeper, Lillian. Lillian was actually my favorite character, but the way she was portrayed initially seemed like a offensive caricature. Her character does ultimately become more developed, but I was put off by the way she was portrayed in the beginning of the book.
    • 4/5
      I loved this story...I loved the characters...most of them anyway! You have the "villains" in here like any other story....And their villains were that....Made you love to hate them! No, this isn't fantasy, sci-fi or anything like that...It's just regular fiction. Little bit of a suspense and having you wondering what's going to happen but knowing that things could work out.

      Now, Miss Julia, sometimes got on my last nerve...but I adored her! But I could understand why she did some of the things she did and thought the way she did...but it was annoying still mostly because, at the age she is, she should know better...but...even that has a flip side because for so long...things went one way all of her life, and after she got out from under those things, they were still deeply instilled in her.

      When I saw these books at my local bookstore, I grabbed one of each title that I saw and had to order this one online because it wasn't with the books I bought and this is the first in the series. But I do have the first eight (8) books in what I believe has at least fifteen (15) books total. I'm not quite sure if it has to be read in order, but I do suggest you read this first so that you can understand what's going on in the other books and how things ended up being how they are.

      There is very little cussing in this book and Miss Julia and her people are spiritual people but you're not bombarded with it. I really can't say too much more than that without giving spoilers, which I try not to do often.

      This was an easy, light read that I will gladly go on to the next one soon. I will read them between other books I am trying to catch up on and/or when I just need a light, cute, make you smile and/or laugh kind of read.

    • 4/5
      I loved this story...I loved the characters...most of them anyway! You have the "villains" in here like any other story....And their villains were that....Made you love to hate them! No, this isn't fantasy, sci-fi or anything like that...It's just regular fiction. Little bit of a suspense and having you wondering what's going to happen but knowing that things could work out.

      Now, Miss Julia, sometimes got on my last nerve...but I adored her! But I could understand why she did some of the things she did and thought the way she did...but it was annoying still mostly because, at the age she is, she should know better...but...even that has a flip side because for so long...things went one way all of her life, and after she got out from under those things, they were still deeply instilled in her.

      When I saw these books at my local bookstore, I grabbed one of each title that I saw and had to order this one online because it wasn't with the books I bought and this is the first in the series. But I do have the first eight (8) books in what I believe has at least fifteen (15) books total. I'm not quite sure if it has to be read in order, but I do suggest you read this first so that you can understand what's going on in the other books and how things ended up being how they are.

      There is very little cussing in this book and Miss Julia and her people are spiritual people but you're not bombarded with it. I really can't say too much more than that without giving spoilers, which I try not to do often.

      This was an easy, light read that I will gladly go on to the next one soon. I will read them between other books I am trying to catch up on and/or when I just need a light, cute, make you smile and/or laugh kind of read.

    • 3/5
      Finally read this book and it was an enjoyable, quick read. I'd chosen it for Mom to read. I plan to read the next in the series.
    • 4/5
      I loved this story...I loved the characters...most of them anyway! You have the "villains" in here like any other story....And their villains were that....Made you love to hate them! No, this isn't fantasy, sci-fi or anything like that...It's just regular fiction. Little bit of a suspense and having you wondering what's going to happen but knowing that things could work out.

      Now, Miss Julia, sometimes got on my last nerve...but I adored her! But I could understand why she did some of the things she did and thought the way she did...but it was annoying still mostly because, at the age she is, she should know better...but...even that has a flip side because for so long...things went one way all of her life, and after she got out from under those things, they were still deeply instilled in her.

      When I saw these books at my local bookstore, I grabbed one of each title that I saw and had to order this one online because it wasn't with the books I bought and this is the first in the series. But I do have the first eight (8) books in what I believe has at least fifteen (15) books total. I'm not quite sure if it has to be read in order, but I do suggest you read this first so that you can understand what's going on in the other books and how things ended up being how they are.

      There is very little cussing in this book and Miss Julia and her people are spiritual people but you're not bombarded with it. I really can't say too much more than that without giving spoilers, which I try not to do often.

      This was an easy, light read that I will gladly go on to the next one soon. I will read them between other books I am trying to catch up on and/or when I just need a light, cute, make you smile and/or laugh kind of read.

    • 3/5
      Considering that the author lives down the street and is a genuinely nice person, and the story is set in a thinly veiled version of the town in which I have lived since the late '80s, I wish I liked this book better. I found it contrived and silly. Sorry, Ann.
    • 5/5
      This is a mystery that doesn't have any dead bodies but a puzzle that is complicated confusing and all tied up in things like inheritances, religion, illegtimate children and a plot to get that inheritance at all costs. The main character is Miss Julia and she is something else. A woman married 44 years, widowed and struggling to find her own being after living the life her husband dictated for so long. It is a roller coaster ride and as much fun to read.

      I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this marvelous series.
    • 4/5
      Poor Miss Julia. Having just buried her controlling husband who died of a heart attack and learning just how much he was worth, she starts planning how to start spending some of her inheritance when the doorbell rings and she finds herself facing ....her husband's mistress and 9 year old son. If that wasn't bad enough, the mistress leaves her son with Julia and flees. Everything just spirals out of control at that point. Julia has to fight a greedy pastor, a conniving doctor, a break in, kidnappings and harboring potential fugitives, but she's just fiesty enough to keep her head .... almost. Bursting with humor, this was a fun read.
    • 3/5
      Can't say that I enjoyed this overly much. Miss Julia herself was a somewhat amusing and endearing character and narrator, and a few of the other characters had potential (never realized); however this book is otherwise populated with downright wretched human beings who were so unsubtly conniving and evil-minded that I had a hard time believing they could exist and an even harder time believing that Miss Julia (sheltered as her life has been) could not see through them immediately. Perhaps this is meant to be exaggeration for the sake of humor? If so, it missed the mark with me.
    • 4/5
      Miss Julia is actually Mrs. Wesley Lloyd Springer, recently widowed, filthy rich, and with the subtle encouragement of her family friend and lawyer Sam Murdoch, and faithful family retainer Lillian, she is gradually emerging from the shell of fragile Southern womanhood in which she was dominated by her husband during their 44 years of marriage, and beginning to think for herself. In this delightful kick-off to the series, she is confronted by her husband's heretofore unknown infidelity in the person of Wesley Lloyd Springer II (called "Junior" by his less than socially acceptable mother) at the same time she is obliged to fend off a greedy, grasping, duplicitous pastor who wants to have her declared incompetent so he can become her "guardian" and manage her money (and who really wants to put up a new building for the church).There is a cast of not quite stereotypical southern crazies and a plot that moves right along. I was pleased to see how it all began and will definitely continue reading several more of the series whenever I want a "southern veranda" iced tea break. These are not scholarly tomes, but there is enough good writing to make them an entertaining read and leave you feeling that you haven't wasted your time.
    • 3/5
      A light, yet somewhat frustrating read, as Miss Julia is a hold over from women of another time. I can't imagine a modern woman being taken advantage of the way Miss Julia is - but this helps the otherwise predictable plot.
    • 5/5
      I read this first book and knew immediately that I was going to have to read the whole series and share it with my mom because as I was laughing out loud at Miss Julia's antics, I could see my mom doing many of the same things. I love her spit and fire! My mom and I have shared many laughs over the first 9 books in this series and we are eagerly awaiting the 10th to come out in paperback. It's been a delight to share this with her. Thanks Ms Ross! Keep them coming!
    • 3/5
      I'd been wanting ages to read this series, but it wasn't that great.
    • 3/5
      I read this a few years ago, but I enjoyed it.A woman finds out her dead husband had a child by another woman!She deals with this and other things that come up, learning to rely on herself.
    • 4/5
      Well it started off really slow, I didnt know what to think about it lol. But i would have to say a 4 out of a 5 all in all. It picked up pace continually and got to be a book i couldnt put down. I will definatley be looking for the next in the series.
    • 4/5
      I actually read exerpts from this to my husband they were so funny. I laughed out loud several times.
    • 4/5
      Miss Julia's husband of forty-odd years has passed away and she learning to cope with her new life. As a married woman she was under her husband's control and is now starting to spread her wings and gain independence. Though Miss Julia is newly learning to look after herself she is no wallflower. She has a fiery spirit and says exactly what she thinks to whomever she likes, whether it be her pastor or a lazy secretary. One day she opens her front door to have her husband's mistress thrust her son upon her to look after. Unaware her husband was even unfaithful she quickly learns she's the only one in town who didn't know. When the boy is kidnapped Miss Julia is on the run to save him.This was a lot of fun and Miss Julia is a spirited southern belle. Often humorous with lots of action, I found the plot rather unbelievable but realize it is meant to be a bit over the top. I've read so many good reviews of this series that I think my expectations may have been a bit too high making this a good but not great read for me. I really enjoyed the characters, though, and am interested in reading the next book in the series. I often find these types of series get better after the first so I am optimistically looking forward to the next.
    • 3/5
      I love stories that take place in North Carolina, and listening to a story that takes place in NC is a treat because I love that southern twang.Miss Julia is full of piss and vinegar, but a true southern bell. She is not, however, a push over. Having been wronged by her husband, then left a widow, she has the surprise of a lifetime when her dead husband's mistress and son show up on her doorstep. Before she knows it, Julia is taking care of a child she didn't ask for, and all hell breaks loose. Cool as a cucumber, she says, "I declare...." and then sets about dealing with everything that comes her way.
    • 4/5
      Very fun study of older woman and her ideas changing because of circumstances, very enjoyable
    • 4/5
      Laugh out loud hilarious.It's a series I want to read more. Miss Julia is a hoot.
    • 5/5
      Funny and sad and a wonderful read!