Tucker's way

Tucker #1

by David Johnson

After a childhood steeped in abuse and poverty, Tucker trusts no one. Having carefully crafted a life of isolation, she suddenly finds she needs help or risk losing the grandchildren she is raising.Into Tucker's private life steps Ella, whose childhood was a life of privilege but her marriage was a private life of abuse. As Tucker's new neighbor, Ella's openness about her life crashes headlong into Tucker's closed-door attitude. Gradually, Tucker begins to rethink her view of the world.It is Tucker's six-year-old, mute granddaughter, April, who becomes the fulcrum that pries open the vault on Tucker's heart and allows Ella to step inside.Tucker's Way, a tale set in the rural south, is an inspirational story about overcoming incredible odds.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Mystery, Christian Fiction, Drama, Christian

136 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

David Johnson has developed a reputation as a writer of "books with heart." His books feature strong, unforgettable characters from humble backgrounds who have to grapple with the unexpected turns of everyday life.

He is the author of the riveting "Tucker" series, one of the best-selling series on Amazon. The series has collected over 5,000 reviews, averaging 4.7 stars, and sales of the books will soon approach 500,000 copies.

Toby, his next book, following the Tucker series, is a story about a dog, a woman who has gotten lost in addiction, and a hermit who has hidden from his past for decades.

The Woodcutter's Wife, a Civil War era, historical romance, was his next book. It is a story of love lost and love found.

And his newest release is The Last Patient. A story of secrets, resentment, regret, and redemption.

David maintains a very busy life outside of writing. He's a full-time Marriage and Family Therapist, is Director of a community chorus that performs all across the Southeast, performing 15 shows a year. He maintains a blog: www.thefrontwindow.wordpress.com . He's been married for 44 years, has two daughters and six grandchildren.

He would love to hear from you. Send him a note to davidjohnsonbooks@gmail.com and join him on Facebook - David Johnson, author

Reviews

[✨Susan✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tucker is an uneducated woman who lives off of her own land and is doing her best to raise her, floozy of a daughters, three young children. They don't have much but they eat every day, the children attend school and know what a hard days work is. One day she finds herself in an extremely rare and awkward situation. She must ask her very new, recently divorced neighbor for help. Tucker is a no noncence, tough old bird and cantankerous to beat the band, so to ask for help is almost an impossible thing for her to do, but at the same time she loves fiercely. Her Granddaughter has not spoken in years and CPS is going to remove her from her home if she can't get the girl to improve before the Christmas break from school. Tucker's last hope is this new neighbor who is book educated, physically capable and could afford to take the girl in.
This story is woven around these two dramatically different woman and how they each make up for the others short comings. When twists of tragedy and murder strike at the heart of their relationship, will love lead them through the darkness and deceit of others?
A fantastic character driven story that is a wonderful lesson in morals, the lack there of and what makes up the middle. I will be reading more about these wonderful characters who I fell in love with. Laural Merlington did an excellent job narrating each character.

[LemonLinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw from someone that this book is a good example of "outsider literature" which I googled as I was unsure what that term meant. I found it was literature that "represented the melting pot that is American culture and this book certainly fits that category. Tucker is a crude, illiterate, gruff, yet unfailingly honest grandmother raising her three grandchildren in rural Tennessee. Some in the community have labeled her as "the welfare queen".

Ella, recently divorced and recovering from cancer, moves close by and they develop a friendship of sorts even though it is really tough for Tucker to trust anyone given her personal history. The social worker informs Tucker that the state might take away her granddaughter, April, who has never spoken claiming neglect. And so Tucker has to trust her new friend to help find the solution to the puzzle as to how to unlock April's voice.

This was a charming, sweet book that I randomly found when searching for a book that I knew nothing about for my annual challenge. I was supposed to choose only by the cover so I did and I was most surprised and pleased with this selection.

A very quick, easy read.

[Michael Nuckols · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased "Tucker's Way" after Amazon's recommendation engine linked it to my novel ("Customers Who Bought Your Book Also Bought..."). I wanted to see what other works my readers were purchasing.

This book surprised me greatly. I've seen and admired outsider art for years - but this is the first book I've encountered that I would consider successful "outsider" literature. It reminded me of a Grandma Moses painting - simple, unadorned, spartan, and full of sentimental images - but charming nonetheless.

In many ways, the main character, Tucker, is an Appalachian rendition of Tyler Perry's Madea. Like the Madea stories, David Johnson offers us a basic morality tale. As I finished, I was surprised I wanted to hear more about this crazy old woman. Thank goodness we live in an age where simple stories like those of David Johnson or Tyler Perry can find an audience - and where more Tucker stories are a click away!

"Tucker's Way" is a quick, fun read. It's like having a plate of your Momma's meatloaf and mashed potatoes after weeks of eating in five-star restaurants. Sometimes that's all you want.

[Peggy Holloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad to find this author. I am an avid reader and enjoy so many different types of books, but his book has everything. I love the character, Tucker. She had me crying and then laughing. The author has done an excellent job with all the characters and especially with Tucker. The language is so southern and country. The author doesn't just drop the g off ing words to try and create a southern accent. The plot moved along at a good clip. There is so much depth in the book that it's obvious the author writes from the heart. I was so impressed with this novel that I immediately downloaded several others after finishing this one. I can't say enough good things about this book. It is a clean read. The author doesn't resort to padding the book with porn, but there is love in it. It is also about deep friendship. I highly recommend this book.

[Libby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was painfully wonderful. The authors version of Tucker's dialect brought her character to life. She had no choice but to survive because she had a greater calling later in life. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Looking forward to the next one.

[Rita Golden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful



As a foster mom in past years this book was inspiring. The content had many truths in it for me. Our judgments are often too quick for the good of the people we serve.

[Samyann · Rating 4 out of 5]

These comments address the The Tucker Series, as of this writing four novels written by David Johnson. All of the unabridged audiobooks are narrated by Laural Merlington. Lengths vary from just under six hours to just over ten. I was introduced to the first book via an Audible Daily Deal and enjoyed the story enough to finish the entire series.

The stories center around the lead character, Tucker. Tucker is an elderly woman, a victim of child abuse, who has been saddled with the raising of her three grandchildren. The setting is a life of extreme poverty in rural Tennessee.

My initial reaction is positive with a few codicils. Working through all four novels became a bit tedious, many areas a bit too preachy for my taste .. especially in books three and four. The characters were also very teary, lots of crying and angst. For those squeamish of the topic, some terrible child abuse is vividly described. There are many instances that had me rolling my eyes … some situations and character behavior lacks credibility.

Reason I liked these stories? Character development and narration. David Johnson does a terrific job with the character of Tucker. I’m sure you’ll find other characters in the stories that are well developed and believable. Narration by Merlington is excellent … unique voices for all characters.

If you are interested in a familial tale, with character development exceptional, you will enjoy The Tucker Series.

If you’re turned off by books that are very preachy and loaded with christian values, these are not for you.

[Laurie Sexton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure what to make of this book, at times I would get swept away in the story and then a "Really?" moment wold crop up to ruin it. Someone would use a phrase totally out of context with the character or to the time of the story. Tucker (presented as an unschooled, back woods granny) appears to understand conversations with higher educated terms but then stops a conversation to ask what noble means. And although she is a loner with no newspaper or tv, she seems to understand what the terms physical and verbal abuse are. And I'm not even sure those terms were used in the early 70's when this story took place. Tucker speaks heavily accented English, but her 2 grandsons who have lived with her all their lives speak with no accent. There are several long, drawn out and unnecessary graphic scenes. Two important issues are brought up and then dropped. Finally the story is wordy ...way to many adjectives and similes that are pulled out of no where. The author needs to put down his thesauris

[Lori · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the book isn't particularly well written, it was a story that drew me in and made me keep reading to find out what happened to the characters. There were many times I rolled my eyes at how it was a bit like an after-school special- though seriously- some of the scenes were NOT appropriate at all for that age group! It deals with child molestation and murder- in uncomfortable detail. That said, in spite of the predictability of it, it had an all too human aspect of there being characters that couldn't be characterized as good or bad, but complex, real, abrasive, but true, honest, and often principled. I liked that bit. I have to admit, I regret buying the second book prior to reading the first, but it was a bargain, so maybe I will read the next one. I would not recommend the book, as I think the same themes are dealt with in other books with more subtlety, and without the sappy unrealistic scenes that undermine the trauma of everything that was going on in that family.

[Lis Carey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tucker grew up grindingly poor, and horrifically abused by her father. Now, in the mid-1970s, she's raising her grandchildren, August, March, and only granddaughter April, on the same farm she grew up on. Her daughter, Mazie, is an irresponsible, mostly absent, mother, showing up for visits just often enough to disturb the peace of the little family.

Ella McDade has her own history of abuse, at the hands of her now ex-husband, Judge Jack McDade. She's just bought the old McDaniel house, just down the road from Tucker.

Judge Jack is Tucker's sworn enemy, the main threat to her custody of granddaughter April, who at six years old has never spoken a word.

Social workers think April retarded. Tucker, living with April daily, can see that she's very bright, can even read--but won't speak. When the order comes down in the fall that if April isn't speaking by the end of Christmas break, Tucker knows she has to find a way to change things--and the unlikely, tentative friendship between Tucker and Ella grows stronger as Ella works to provide the change April needs.

The conflicts between Tucker and Judge Jack, between Ella and Judge Jack, and the strained relationships between Tucker and daughter Mazie and Ella and son Cade, become sharper and more volatile, as past secrets start to find their way to the surface.

This was an absorbing, compelling story, as the rough, uneducated, sometimes intentionally crude Tucker is revealed as a deeper, more complex character, and Ella, having lived a privileged life with the advantages Tucker never had, but also with a dependence Tucker could never afford, discovers her own strength.

I really enjoyed this. Apparently there are more books about this pair of friends and their families. I may need to look for them!

Recommended.

I bought this audiobook.

[Anita Mae · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the best serious ever read.

[Judie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The time is the 1970s. The place, rural Tennessee. Tucker, a proud, poor woman who talks and dresses tough, and known as the Welfare Queen, is raising her three grandchildren, August, March, and April, because their mother, her daughter, Maisy, is not capable of raising them. Tucker is ostracized by the townspeople, partly because of her own attitudes and actions. She is always on the defensive: “Trust means somethin’ bad’s gonna happen.”
One day Ella moves into the house across the street. Ella wears a wig as the result of recent chemotherapy. The next day, Ella brings Tucker an apple pie as a way to meet her neighbor. Tucker’s initial reaction was not friendly. Ella shows Tucker support, appreciation and understanding, things foreign to her.
The book tells their stories: Tucker was abandoned by her mother and abused by her father. Ella was married for thirty two years to a lawyer, now a judge, who presented her with divorce papers after her cancer surgery. They married while they were college students. “It was a whirlwind romance. Three months after meeting Jack, she married him. Unfortunately, the whirlwind evolved into a hurricane.”
Maise’s relationship with her family and Ella is flightly. Maisy is convinced her mother has always hated her but we don’t learn why she acts the way she does or how she was raised. She comes in unexpectedly and expects her children to adore her. The older boys usually do (“In spite of not having seen her in three months, the boys fall into the false security that her arms offer.”) but her daughter seems afraid of her. The reason is not explained. When Maise learns about Ella’s connection with Jack, she has a strong reaction which is also not explained.
As time passes, the two women develop a relationship friendship unlike any each had previously known. At one point, Ella insults her but doesn’t seem to realize the negativity of what she said.: “I’m not trying to be nosey, Tucker. I was just wondering about Maisy. She is a beautiful woman. Does she look like her father?”
On the whole, it was well-written. I found one confusing error, possibly the result of an editing or grammatical error: The driver steadies themselves by putting their hand on the car door.”
Some actions are illogical. One morning Tucker strikes March as he starts to eat his oatmeal. “I done told you kids, you supposed t’ pray afore y’ start eatin’....You too good for God? You ungrateful turd!” But there is no religion in the home.
Ella’s son Cade, with whom she has a distant relationship, shows up during the night at one point asking for her help protecting him from an encounter with the law. Jack had always taken care of getting him off but couldn’t this time. After he promises to change, she reluctantly agrees to do what she could, he leaves but not before dropping a bombshell. Logically, I don’t see him either going to her–she has no connections to help get him out of his mess–or leaving. The only purpose seems to be to bring Jack into the picture, but his comments, questions, and actions are also seem forced and stereotypical.
Right after Maisy’s birth Mattie, who helped deliver the baby, gave her to Tucker to nurse. Johnson writes, “As the hungry mouth....” If I remember correctly, a baby is not hungry immediately upon being born.
The family goes into Maisy’s car and she drives them to Ella’s house but they live so close to each other that walking would be more logical.
One character appears for a short time to do some work around Ella’s house. He has a severe speech impediment and, his words written in dialect, are almost impossible to understand. I don’t see why either he or the impediment were necessary except, possibly, to show that Tucker and her grandchildren know him and accept him and his musical ability opens a new door.
David Johnson presents some interesting verbal pictures. At one point Tucker folds her arms across her chest, trying to protect her heart from this unexpected but unintentional arrow.” He lets his main characters explain themselves but made me wonder if they could have gotten more help earlier on. Perhaps it wasn’t available in that place at that time. Somewhere there is an interesting story here but the distractions hid it.
This book was a free Amazon download.

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tucker is a phenomenally interesting and complex character. She is incredibly human: illiterate, a victim of childhood sexual abuse, and lacking social graces, we meet Tucker and, though she is a million miles away from anyone I could possibly relate to, I fell quickly under her spell. And Ella, Tucker’s new neighbour, contrasts and compliments her perfectly.

Unfortunately, despite the great that Johnson has written into Tucker the plot itself leaves much to be desired. Even with characters that I care about, I never felt the plot move beyond feeling like an outline; I wanted the storyline to be fleshed out more. It never felt as though it was going anywhere and, even when it did move forward, it felt too forced and insincere. Despite myself, I couldn’t finish reading Tucker’s Way because it fell so short on the storyline development. For another reader, it may be perfect. I whole-heartedly recommend giving it a go!

More at: https://chatterbooks.wordpress.com

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tucker’s Way is an old story that has been told many times about abused women and an unusual friendship. It is the first in a five book series. Tucker lives out in the boonies and tries to raise her three young grandchildren on her own. She works hard to support her family with what she can raise alone on her farm. Life is tough and there is little money. When Ella moves into the house on the next property, Ella is dismayed by the poverty and forthrightness of Tucker who never bothers with manners. She cannot imagine that she and Tucker will develop any kind of relationship.

I listened to this book. Despite all the difficulty in Tucker and Ella’s life, I frequently smiled while listening. The narrator, Laural Merlington, was excellent. The story is not great but the narrator took it to a higher level. Once I started listening, I did not want to stop.

[Lori Henrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tucker is a odd woman that is thought to be crazy. She lives on her own with her three grandchildren. Tucker is about to get a new neighbor and little does she know what affect Ella moving in down the road will have on her life.

I loved the characters and the development of the relationship between Tucker and Ella. Two more different people normally wouldn't have given each other the time of day normally. You can't judge a book by the cover, and it sure would be a shame if you would miss out on a person based on how the look of if they don't come from the same background as yourself. Look forward to eventually reading the other books in the series.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a haunting read! The story of a desperately poor woman who is raising three of her grandchildren. Desperate to help the youngest one learn to talk, she befriends a lady who moves close to her and is a college graduate. The two become very good friends and it turns out they help each other in ways neither saw coming. A very emotional book! I highly recommend it.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tucker's Way

This was a warm heartfelt story of a grandmothers love of her grandchildren and her past abuse by her own father. Tucker had never been shown love and was at a loss of how t give it to the three grandchildren she's been raising. Alone comes Ella the ex-wife of her enemy. Ella turns out to be the friend that Tucker needs as well as a blessing. A wonderful story.

[LeeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Technically, this book was not 5 stars. A little too radical of a transformation unless you read closely. Maisy's especially. But it was amazing how it drew me along, wishing and hoping, even praying for these people. A good, short read.

[Joanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wish this story gave me more. It was a quick and easy read. I was disappointed that characters and plot lines were introduced but never developed. Ending came with a "just get it over with" scenario. Really wish I liked it better

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! It was easy to get caught up in the storyline, fall in love with the characters, and become moved by the unlikely acts of kindness and friendship. I will definitely read the follow up books!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do yourself a favor and read this book!

A very touching book. I fell in love with the characters. Tucker's heartbreaking childhood touched my heart. I will be looking for the sequel.

[wilda russell · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disgusting

got this by mistake could not finish reading it was so disgusting do not waist
your time on this one

[Deanna M Kelsven · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read

What an uplifting read. I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters in this book came to life with the author's words

[Wendy Nahmias · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to my friend Elaine, I enjoyed this book very much. This book took turns I didn't see coming at all!! I am ready for the next one.

[Freda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational

The characters come to life. You actually feel like you are in the moment with the characters. Third time I've read it.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be oddly appealing and much more than I originally anticipated. I was first moved by the animated character of Tucker, and the narrator who read the story via audiobook. This old woman calls things out as they are and takes no crap. Of course, this is steeled with the horror of a trauma-filled history and a lifetime of defending herself in any way she needed to at the time, but what a character she became as a result. Of course, I believe David Johnson must have some brush with or fluency with psychology and working in the field, as his descriptions of the behaviors and presentations of the different characters were very clinical and textbook in different diagnoses. The twist at the end was also similarly unexpected and a sweet way to tie the seemingly different characters together in an even more intriguing way. The story very much takes the stubbornness that has developed in a jaded and fiery old woman and combines it with an unexpected caring matriarch that finds new life in working with and caring for Tucker's own. The story of young April finding her voice made me tear up; the story of Tucker's father and the level of abuse she suffered at his hands made me do the same. Contrasting these strong-willed characters (and also Ella) with the likes of Judge McDade, his son, and Tucker's daughter Maisie make the story surprisingly well-developed and move forward in a well-timed and rhythmic way. What was a free audiobook is now a story I hope to continue following with the sequels in a similar audiobook-style manner. I am curious to see how Tucker, April, Ella, March, August, and the rest of the characters in this story fare after the major developments of this introductory title.

[Ginger · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a reader, every once in awhile you download a book from an author who’s unknown to you. If you’re lucky, you discover a gem. If you’re even luckier, you not only discover a gem, but you also discover that gem has a few books in the series.

Loved this book! The characters were well developed, and overall, well liked. There’s a couple of them you want to smack, but that’s the whole point.

I didn’t like the use of the word “retarded” when describing Tucker’s granddaughter April and constantly reminded myself the book is set in the early 1970s. Nowadays children are classified as “special needs”.

While the story of Tucker growing up was hard to read about at times, overall the story was well written. Will definitely continue with this series.

[Susan Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the irony in this story that brings the small world together in a great tale. Tucker is a woman who can take care of herself. As a matter of fact she now faces taking care of her grandchildren too. It's not until a women recovering from cancer moves into her neighborhood that an unlikely friendship begins. As the back story behind Tucker's life comes to light along with the murder of her daughter Amazing. All of the characters are full of detail, the story is well written and very engaging.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been quite a long time since I've read a book I really really did not want to put down. This was a fascinating, well-written although the style was unusual as it was present tense--sometimes an off-putting method for me. But Tucker is a wonderful heroine, honest, forthright, and not easy to get along with. She loves the grandchildren she is raising, and perseveres in spite of her extreme poverty, and abusive childhood.
Ella chas a character that developed beautifully in this story, becoming Tucker's friend and advocate.
Looking forward to more Tucker stories.

[Marilyn Rushing · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new author to me. A good story line but it does have some adult language and scenes.
Tucker was abused by her dad for many years. Her mom leaves and now it is just her and her dad living in poverty and the abuse continues. Tucker has a daughter whom she rarely sees. She is raising her three grandchildren.
Ella McDade moves in the home near Tucker. She has had cancer and is recently divorced. After a time Tucker and Ella become close friends. When Tucker’s daughter is murdered, will Tucker and Ella remain close friends?