Polishing Jade

By: Tekoa Manning

Narrated by: Felisha Caldeira

Polishing Jade is set in the 1960's in rural Mississippi where the secrets are as sticky as the jams sold at Taylor's General Store. Jade Gentry is a young girl whose past will not control her future even if it cost her everything. Gripping and suspenseful, Jade will leave you sighing when she sighs, running when she runs, and celebrating when she is triumphant!

Meet an odd cast of characters, including kindly Miss Ellen, a superstitious woman who plants corn in front of her living room window, Renée, a peculiar woman who instinctively knows the deep hidden secrets of Jade, and a schoolteacher who begins the process of Polishing Jade.

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Compassionate story

If you could sum up Polishing Jade in three words, what would they be?

Story of strength.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jade. Jade was so strong to survive all that she had to endure. She showed great strength to endure first her father, then her abuser, and then to be so alone. You can't help but admire her determination.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

The thing I liked best is also the thing I disliked, and it may have been done on purpose. The reader brought a monosyllabic tone to her reading, which would accurately portray the state of mind Jade likely would have been in, but which also made it difficult to listen to. It seems to improve later in the story.

If you could take any character from Polishing Jade out to dinner, who would it be and why?

The father, so I could poison his food, and I'd make sure he brought the girlfriend along.

Any additional comments?

This was truly a great story of a young, abused girl, who has to learn the hard way that life isn't always fair. I can't say much without giving away the plot, but Jade will have to stand on her own if she is going to survive.

Loved this reader!

I love the reader in this book! Felt like I was part of the story! Great listening!

Inspiring Salvation Journey

Set in the South in 1960s, this book covers some tough life events and the mistakes that a young woman makes as she navigates through an abusive. Tekoa Manning has brought to life a cast of characters that are as flawed and magnificent as the people who might have lived through this turbulent tale with an insight that is honest, inspiring and touching - the story is heartwarming. Life is messy and painful - yet there is hope and love. The metaphor of polishing a stone is quite apropos to the story.
Please give it a listen. Narrator Felicia Caldeira turns in a spot on performance as Jade, nailing the dialect and inflection, breathing life into the story and each character. Honestly, I could listen to recipe books narrated by Felisha - she's that good!

Worth the listen

Any additional comments?

The story meandered a bit at first, but it helped to have a connection to Jade, from her thoughts and background, when the story picked up later. The narrator breathed life into Jade and made her even more real with her gentle, pretty, unassuming voice which, in my mind, fit Jade well. This story struck me as a very real kind of story, one that takes place in a broken world full of broken people, but also one in which the unseen and Holy works with love and power.

BITTERSWEET

"Polishing Jade" was a very sweet and meaningful book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's set in a small farming community in Braxton, Mississippi, population 32. Jade's real name is Clara Marie but her mother called her Jade for her big, dark green gemmy eyes. This story was also a gem. I was impressed by the almost poetic, colorful prose as well as the depth of the characters in contrast to the length of the audiobook.

Whenever she finds herself in a sticky situation with nowhere to go, she turns to Miss Ellen who scoops her right up and takes care of her. Her mom is gone and her dad remarries a selfish woman. With her brother Johnny having moved to Kansas to live with their uncle, she decides to move there also because back home, no one would ever understand her secret.

This is a stunning book that will keep you listening straight through. Written by Tekoa Manning and narrated by Felisha Caldeira, this one goes into my 'favorite' category. I would definitely recommend scooping this one up.

Felisha Caldeira is an Amazing narrator. One of the best I've heard with her southern drawl. Her voice epitomizes Jade and really brings her character to life. Her performance was flawless and I hope to listen to more of her work in the future. The author as well. An outstanding job.

Audiobook received in exchange for an unbiased review.

Captivating and Inspiring!

Polishing Jade is a compelling story that engages many of the social tensions at work in 1960's America. It invites readers on the difficult but rewarding journey of a young woman faced with seemingly insurmountable circumstances. While emotionally gripping, this narrative inspires hope in the midst of despair and faith in the midst of adversity. I was pleasantly surprised to find how much I related to the situations portrayed by Tekoa Manning. This book will capture your heart, challenge your assumptions, and help you appreciate the polished jade in your own life.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the extraordinary performance of Felisha Caldeira. Her entrancing voice makes the characters of Polishing Jade come to life and her incredible acting will draw you ever deeper into this captivating story. Caldeira has not only helped me hear this book, she has helped me feel it. I am eager to listen to more of her narration in the future.

Great audio book

This was a great listen. I listened mostly while traveling to and from work as I have a long commute. Loved the story and how detailed and descriptive it was. The audio was great and really kept my attention. I would say the only negative that I have is that it was too short in my opinion at least but other wise it was wonderful. I would definitely recommend this book.

enjoyable book

Where does Polishing Jade rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I really liked this book it brought to life the trouble some people have and how nothing will keep them down

Have you listened to any of Felisha Caldeira’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No this is the first book I've listen to from Felisha but what a wonderful job Jade was brought to life

Loved it

Loved the story. There were times when I smiled, times I was so angry I wanted to yell out against the injustice and tumes I was just plain sad. The narration was well done, as well. The accent was perfect for the story, the times and the location. All in all, I will be recommending this to others.

Stunning, beautiful, poignant coming of age story

If you could sum up Polishing Jade in three words, what would they be?

What a great book for all ages! My 14 year old daughter and I listened to this book at eh same time and didn't put it down. Polishing Jade is a coming of age story set in the 60s in the South, where races are still segregated. This book does have mature content, so I wouldn't recommend it for anyone under age 13. Everything happens to Jade--she's poor, has a father who drinks too much, a sick mom, and an adult who gives her too much "attention".Author Ms. MAnning does a masterful job of defining Jade's character as vulnerable yet strong and determined; the narrator does a phenomenal job of voicing all characters, but especially Jade.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jade was the most prominent voice in this book, and really well developed. That said, all characters were terrific. I particularly liked the woman who took in Jade when she left home.

Which scene was your favorite?

What I loved the most about this book was its beauty in its simplicity. The language is simple yet very descriptive and thus did a beautiful job of seeing Jade in the south in the 60s.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

My favorite scene was at then end, when Jade gets her fairytale ending (no spoilers here!).

Any additional comments?

It's a terrific listen for anyone intrigued by the South in the 60s.