Cleo

by Jean Brody

As a teenager, Cleo hits the road, armed with only $20 in egg money, her dead father's trumpet, and a copy of My Journey to Lhasa by Alexandra David-Neel. She had tried to grow up as afast as she could on a farm in Robina County, Oklahoma, in the 1920s. The 432 books she has borrowed from the local pharmacy/lending library have given her a bad case of wanderlust.
The Himalayas sound pretty daunting, even to a girl like Cleo, so she settles on Tulsa instead, playing her horn in a speakeasy and fending off a lecherous minister. Years pass, and in the wake of a senseless tragedy Cleo goes as far west as California, but ultimately returns home to Oklahoma to reconcile with her Bible-quoting mother, write the biography of her ninety-seven year old grandmother, and begin a new business venture.
Despite the narrow compass of her travels, Cleo's mind and spirit range free and interpret everyday experience in original ways. She ends her tale rooted in Robina but with eyes firmly fixed on the far horizon.

Genres: Fiction

368 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1995

Reviews

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

So thankful to my dear friend Nicole for introducing me and sharing with me this fabulous read.

[Katja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cleo tells the story of a teenager who leaves her home in Robina County, Oklahoma inspired by My Journey to Lhasa, by Alexandra David-Neel. With just $20 and her trumpet she is ready to leave her Bible-quoting mother behind in search of adventure. The reader follows the ups and downs of Cleo's life and although her travels never take her as far as she would like, her mind remains open to new possibilities and opportunities. As Cleo says, "Every day of my life I have traveled to the unknown, and have often found welcome and astonishment there." Cleo is a feisty and spirited heroine who will inspire you to find wonder in the ordinary.

[Varonica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicely written and good characters that I related to.
Second read, first time years ago with book group

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although it has been quite a long time since I have read this book, I can remember falling in love with it instantly. I felt everything Cleo felt. Wonderfully written. I think I will return to it again!

[Carol Bates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this book on my daughter,s bookshelf while visiting. It was the type of story you want to read about a woman's journey from teen (15) to maturity and her eventual realization that home was where she found her peace. I loved following her through her many loves and loses.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book 15 years ago, and have remembered it ever since (although I can't give a coherent story line other than it being a coming-of-age road trip). It's meaningful, funny, and intelligent. Recommended!

[Sarah Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite fiction books of all time! Just a great story from beginning to end. Unfortunately, I think it's out of print now.

[Cecilee]

One of the top five books I've read in my adult life.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

girl from Okla, runs away with trumpet and 20.00 dollars from mother

[Jotam Magraccia · Rating 3 out of 5]

what's wrong with the strawberries there? It's just Cleo's business in the last part of the book.

[Cilicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent story.

[Barbara DeBerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful read. The story of an independent woman who came of age in the early 1930's in rural Oklahoma.

[Rita · Rating 2 out of 5]

Way too long