Neva's Story

A Coming-of-Age Romance Set in 1940s America

By: Austin McConnell, Clara Smith

Narrated by: Emily Ellet

During the last year of her life, my grandmother started writing a story about a young girl named Neva. This book is my way of finishing it. It's a coming-of-age story about family, high school sweethearts, and growing up in the year 1940. Gregory Austin McConnell is a writer, filmmaker, and creator of web video. His previous work includes the award-winning film Voicemails from Strangers. He has produced numerous video essays, documentaries, short stories, diverse educational work, and a general oddball assortment of viral videos that have entertained millions on YouTube.

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Optimistic, Idealistic, yet Realistic & Enjoyable

I really enjoyed this sweet, heartfelt story. The background of how it came to be and the heartfelt foreword and afterword really add to its sincerity and are great messages even on their own.

The protagonist was hugely relatable for me and her growth was a joy to watch. The mystery was intriguing without being frustrating, as the protagonist had had enough about the same time I had. (lol) I will definitely be listening again and sharing. It was realistic yet optimistic. (Ooh, I'll make that the title.)

The narrator's performance was top tier! Her pacing, tone, and acting were impeccable. And the range of characters voices really helped me feel engrossed. Bob was described as really deep voiced, which is difficult to achieve, yet I always knew when he was speaking by her tone. 10 out of 10.

Reminds me of my life

As someone who is close in age Geneva I think this story hit me harder than most. The story isn't perfect and has a couple points I would change personally perhaps hiding The Twist at the end of a little better would have been good. Thanks Austin and thank you Emily,
and of course mrs. Smith for providing a story which has helped me in this stage of life.

YouTube ruining expectations

I decided to give this book a listen based slowly on the fact that it was written by a YouTuber. Austin makes truly entertaining video essays about history, and other things. So when I see that he has a historical novel out. I figured it would have some neat historical twist to it.

There is a twist, just not a historical one. And I give Austin credit for not creating an outlandish twist for the sake of a twist. This story was started by his grandma after all.

Neva's story is truly one that you need to read through. Stop trying to guess the twist, you will probably be wrong. But to ease you concerns, no it's not the first thing that popped into your head during the picnic scene. Not the second thing either. It's actually a clean book.

The narrator did a wonderful job reading this story in a way that was interesting and emotional. She did great with the voices too.

Glad it’s an audiobook now.

This probably won’t be an American classic, but I liked it. The book raps up the way we want life to, so it’s a little sad when our problems aren’t resolved. Hopefully this book can remind the readers how our actions can hurt people, even if we weren’t trying to hurt anyone. Remember to forgive.
Maybe this would be a classic If people were kinder.

A really sweet story

I was honestly hesitant to give this one a read since I don't usually enjoy books like this, but I decided to give it ago anyway, and I'm super glad I did. The plot, while not very complex, was still really engaging and I actually found myself getting pretty emotional at certain points. Very well done, Austin. Your grandmother would be proud of you.

This is a great coming of age story.

This story is heart warming and is a great insight to another time and another walk of life! I am definitely going to have my daughter read it when she is a little older!

Would Recommend

Dramatic story, sweet ending, excellent narration. Young Neva's internal monologue is amusing in the way it takes itself so seriously, but bears a universal quality in its longing.

unique and sweet

I heard about this book from YouTube short from author. I liked his spirit and immediately went to Audible and bout this. It's a refreshingly sweet. Thanx Austin.

Austin's Tribute

Austin's grandmother started this book many years ago. I think he finished it quite nicely. Lovely tribute.