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When Sounds Collide: A Novel
When Sounds Collide is a richly layered story of love and ambition set against the backdrop of the American South in the late 1800s.
Custis—a gifted, Black, ten-year-old boy orphaned and left for dead—is discovered by a young White girl. Sarah Tennison hasn’t spoken a word since her mother died. Nursed back to health and raised by Sarah’s widowed father, Custis is sheltered from community biases and anti-literacy laws. In the safety of the Tennison home, his bright mind has room to flourish and he strives to advance to his potential. Along the way, Custis' curiosity and quiet compassion help Sarah find her voice. Sarah and Custis develop an unbreakable bond, but intolerance and bigotry prohibit marriage.
To pursue his education, Custis must leave the repression of the South. He sets his sights on the esteemed universities of New York City, where he dreams of working in cutting-edge science labs to develop a revolutionary medical device. Custis has the stuff for success, but New York City isn’t as enlightened as it may seem. Custis assumes a false identity to navigate the exclusionary culture of higher education. With the help of some unlikely friends, Custis learns to traverse a society that feels like a world away from the ranch in North Carolina. Life moves on back home, with forces threatening to keep Custis and Sarah apart forever.
At the heart of this deeply drawn saga is the power of love to inspire greatness in us all. Custis—a fictional representation of history’s many unsung heroes—chases his goals with compelling determination, driven by his romantic vision of a brighter future.
Custis—a gifted, Black, ten-year-old boy orphaned and left for dead—is discovered by a young White girl. Sarah Tennison hasn’t spoken a word since her mother died. Nursed back to health and raised by Sarah’s widowed father, Custis is sheltered from community biases and anti-literacy laws. In the safety of the Tennison home, his bright mind has room to flourish and he strives to advance to his potential. Along the way, Custis' curiosity and quiet compassion help Sarah find her voice. Sarah and Custis develop an unbreakable bond, but intolerance and bigotry prohibit marriage.
To pursue his education, Custis must leave the repression of the South. He sets his sights on the esteemed universities of New York City, where he dreams of working in cutting-edge science labs to develop a revolutionary medical device. Custis has the stuff for success, but New York City isn’t as enlightened as it may seem. Custis assumes a false identity to navigate the exclusionary culture of higher education. With the help of some unlikely friends, Custis learns to traverse a society that feels like a world away from the ranch in North Carolina. Life moves on back home, with forces threatening to keep Custis and Sarah apart forever.
At the heart of this deeply drawn saga is the power of love to inspire greatness in us all. Custis—a fictional representation of history’s many unsung heroes—chases his goals with compelling determination, driven by his romantic vision of a brighter future.
Audible Audio
Published August 12, 2025
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October 22, 2025Won an ebook giveaway on Fable for this one, and I’m super excited to read it as soon as I’m able to, lol! 😂❤️
August 19, 2025
When Sounds Collide by M. Day Hampton, narrated by Rhet Samuel Price.
A thought provoking audiobook that tackles strong themes of prejudice and loss.
The writing is engaging, and the main protagonist is well developed and relatable.
The story highlights some issues that remain painfully relevant today.
While the narrator delivered the story with passion, I had a hard time connecting with him. Overall, the book's powerful themes and message make it a worth listening.
Thank you to NetGalley and Greenleaf Audiobooks for the opportunity to listen and review this book.
A thought provoking audiobook that tackles strong themes of prejudice and loss.
The writing is engaging, and the main protagonist is well developed and relatable.
The story highlights some issues that remain painfully relevant today.
While the narrator delivered the story with passion, I had a hard time connecting with him. Overall, the book's powerful themes and message make it a worth listening.
Thank you to NetGalley and Greenleaf Audiobooks for the opportunity to listen and review this book.
December 28, 2025
“Why is it that when death occurs, the world continues to move and breathe and quickly forgets about the broken heart that remains?”
When Sounds Collide is such a deeply moving, thought provoking story that confronts some strong themes such as prejudice, grief and loss, injustice, and how far someone will go to realize their dreams. The writing held my attention from the beginning and Custis is such a strong, determined character, who genuinely deserved far better than the treatment he received over his life. He endured so much hardship simply because of the color of his skin and the narrow mindedness of those in power. His story was both heartbreaking and triumphant. There were times his choices frustrated me but all the way through, I felt inspired and invested in seeing his dreams come true. I feel like the author did an excellent job portraying the realities of segregation and the impact it had on all people, but especially those targeted and expected to make do with less and be thankful for it. The author clearly did their research. Hampton also highlights the lengths a person will go to when they feel hopeless, through Custis, as well as a few other characters. The story also shows how much of a difference one person can make in the world. I have learned that this is a prequel, of sorts, to Hampton’s first book, where Custis was more of a secondary character, and am most definitely going to need to read Behind Picketwire in the near future.
When Sounds Collide is such a deeply moving, thought provoking story that confronts some strong themes such as prejudice, grief and loss, injustice, and how far someone will go to realize their dreams. The writing held my attention from the beginning and Custis is such a strong, determined character, who genuinely deserved far better than the treatment he received over his life. He endured so much hardship simply because of the color of his skin and the narrow mindedness of those in power. His story was both heartbreaking and triumphant. There were times his choices frustrated me but all the way through, I felt inspired and invested in seeing his dreams come true. I feel like the author did an excellent job portraying the realities of segregation and the impact it had on all people, but especially those targeted and expected to make do with less and be thankful for it. The author clearly did their research. Hampton also highlights the lengths a person will go to when they feel hopeless, through Custis, as well as a few other characters. The story also shows how much of a difference one person can make in the world. I have learned that this is a prequel, of sorts, to Hampton’s first book, where Custis was more of a secondary character, and am most definitely going to need to read Behind Picketwire in the near future.
February 20, 2025
Such a stunning and emotional story.
Absolutely compelling to read, I was emotionally invested in Curtis from the very first few pages.
Following his journey from the physically and mentally damaged child to his adult self was so inspiring.
Sarah saves him as a child and their beautiful friendship and connection was a joy to experience.
So many hardships Curtis faced in order to make his dream come true, he fought so incredibly hard to get his scientific endeavours to come to life and benefit others.
Set in a time when the colour of your skin or your sex prevented you from being treated equally, this book manages to cover these issues so honestly and it really made me consider all of the difficulties faced by the minorities in that era and area. This book was so well researched, and the characters were so memorable, I couldn’t stop thinking about them when I was away from the story. This book does have moments of tragedy but ultimately the story was powerful and uplifting. Such an awesome book that really touched my heart.
Absolutely compelling to read, I was emotionally invested in Curtis from the very first few pages.
Following his journey from the physically and mentally damaged child to his adult self was so inspiring.
Sarah saves him as a child and their beautiful friendship and connection was a joy to experience.
So many hardships Curtis faced in order to make his dream come true, he fought so incredibly hard to get his scientific endeavours to come to life and benefit others.
Set in a time when the colour of your skin or your sex prevented you from being treated equally, this book manages to cover these issues so honestly and it really made me consider all of the difficulties faced by the minorities in that era and area. This book was so well researched, and the characters were so memorable, I couldn’t stop thinking about them when I was away from the story. This book does have moments of tragedy but ultimately the story was powerful and uplifting. Such an awesome book that really touched my heart.
September 3, 2025
I listened to the audiobook version of this book, and I really enjoyed it. Thank you to NetGalley for providing it. The story was engaging, with a main character whose intelligence and scientific curiosity made the book especially interesting to me. I felt for the characters and became invested in their struggles and triumphs. Gus, in particular, was an intriguing protagonist who made me care deeply about him, even when his choices sometimes frustrated me. The ending tied everything together and left me emotional.
The historical aspect also left a strong impression. I appreciated how the book handled segregation and the challenges of those times in a way that made me reflect more deeply on the past.
As for the narration, the voice actor did a good job overall even though there were a few moments where it was harder for me to connect emotionally. Overall, his performance complemented the story well.
A powerful and memorable read that blends science, history, and humanity in a way that lingers.
The historical aspect also left a strong impression. I appreciated how the book handled segregation and the challenges of those times in a way that made me reflect more deeply on the past.
As for the narration, the voice actor did a good job overall even though there were a few moments where it was harder for me to connect emotionally. Overall, his performance complemented the story well.
A powerful and memorable read that blends science, history, and humanity in a way that lingers.
February 18, 2025
This is a wonderful , thought provoking story. It gives you all of the feels but is also intelligent, historical, factual and open your eyes to many things happening in America in the early 1900s. M. Day Hampton Bravo😊💗👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻looking for many more wonderful reads from you!! Amazing research and story. I’ll never forget Custis💗
January 27, 2025
This was my first NetGalley book. And I was pleasantly surprised.
I loved the characters, it was refreshing to have some good people in a book that covered this period of history.
Everything was so beautifully described without being overdone. I truly felt like I watched a movie not read a book.
I struggled with understanding how a man that passed for years was immediately told to step off the sidewalk the moment he arrived in North Carolina? I finally justified it by deciding New York was more diverse in foreign ethnicities, and didn’t see everyone as black or white. And perhaps Custis reverted to carrying himself poorly after the dejection?
I am definitely searching out the author’s first book to read next.
I loved the characters, it was refreshing to have some good people in a book that covered this period of history.
Everything was so beautifully described without being overdone. I truly felt like I watched a movie not read a book.
I struggled with understanding how a man that passed for years was immediately told to step off the sidewalk the moment he arrived in North Carolina? I finally justified it by deciding New York was more diverse in foreign ethnicities, and didn’t see everyone as black or white. And perhaps Custis reverted to carrying himself poorly after the dejection?
I am definitely searching out the author’s first book to read next.
April 26, 2025
With regret, because this book was gifted to me and I’d truly hoped to enjoy it, I am giving up on When Sounds Collide after slogging through 145 pages. The characters are unrealistic and the writing style far too flowery and pretentious for me. The author peppers her writing with unusual words, often used incorrectly, like the most recent: “anadromous” — which a dictionary tells me is an adjective describing fish that swim upriver to the sea to spawn, but which in this book is used to describe human travelers! I kept looking for reasons to keep reading, but just cannot continue.
March 10, 2025
#WhenSoundsCollide #NetGalley
Thank you to Net Galley for an ARC in exchange for a review!
This book is what they call a “sweeping saga” of love and heartbreak spanning over decades.
The story begins in the late 1800s and continues into the mid-1950s. It follows Custis, a Black boy who, while escaping his tormentors (who are hunting him down to beat him up because they find out that he knows how to read), is left for dead. He is discovered by Sarah, a White girl who lives on a nearby ranch with her father, Martin. Sarah and her family, including their housekeeper and other ranch staff, rescue Custis and nurse him back to health. Despite the great risk to themselves, the family looks after him. The story then takes us through Custis and Sarah’s lives as they grow up on the ranch. Over the years, their friendship blooms, and they fall in love with each other, although they don’t realize (Sarah) or admit it (Custis) to each other.
If you ever feel like your life is a bit too predictable, just remember Custis and his rollercoaster of a life. From being left for dead to almost winning a Nobel Prize, and everything in between, his story is a reminder that life can be full of unexpected twists and turns.
Things that I liked about the book:
- The characters, including Custis, Sarah, Martin, Preston, and even Mary the housekeeper, have depth, and the author has fleshed them out well.
- The genuine warmth and affection between Martin and Custis.
- The way race and education are addressed.
- Details of life on the ranch. The author’s research shines in the descriptions of the ranch life shown to us.
Things I did not like and or did not make sense:
- All through Part I, Custis’ blackness is emphasized and how he was treated because of it. Then suddenly in Part II (or was it Part III), Custis talks about going to NY and trying to pass as a white man. This transition felt abrupt and confusing. How is it that no one in the South ever doubted that he was black, not just when he was a kid, but also when he came back from New York to the ranch and went back to confront Lucas (the guy at the stable refuses to give him a horse saying he is black), but at the same time he feels it is possible to build reasonable doubt in the minds of NYers and try to pass. I get that NY at the time was teeming with immigrants from various parts of the world, but still ….
- I liked the short images at the start of each chapter. For the most part they were generic stock images of a clock, a train, a field or a fence. So, it was weird to suddenly be hit by a picture of a stocky man with a dog – supposedly, Andoe and his dog. Why was Andoe given this special honor? Throughout the book, I had built images of all the characters in my mind (including Andoe’s), and then bam, out of nowhere, this image of Andoe.
- Speaking of Andoe, what was with him going into the University wearing a kilt. That felt out of the blue and unnecessary.
- Still speaking of Andoe, there is no hint of his Irish roots in his initial appearances when he is serving Custis and Preston at the pub. But all of a sudden, he is full of “Ayes” when he is speaking with Custis at his home.
- And still speaking of Andoe, when he is telling Custis about his background, he mentions that he was born in America. However, while recounting the story of how his parents came to America from Ireland, he mentions that his father got into a cargo ship from Ireland after his mother died during the famine. So how was he born..spooky!
- At one point, it is mentioned that Custis has been in NY for 10 years. Apparently, Sarah married Lucas because she was pregnant by him right after Custis went to NY. However, at the same time, the book says her eldest daughter is 8. The maths doesn’t add up.
- The transition to the post-World War II era felt very abrupt with no logical or well-built/ stated transition.
I was curious to know the reason behind the title. Some research on the web revealed that it’s a play on the “world of sound”. Custis uses sounds waves to get his machine to finally work, the machine which is a central part of this book. And the fact that in so many ways, Custis and Sarah’s lives keep colliding with each other – whether it is the way they first collide into each other’s lives when Sarah finds Custis, or the way it collides when Lucas comes into the picture, or the way it collides away when they lose touch with each other the last time he goes to the ranch.
All in all, I liked the book and would rate it at 3.5. For now, I am going to round it up to 4. But over time, as I let the story keep settling into my mind, I have a feeling I might revise the rating to 3.
Thank you to Net Galley for an ARC in exchange for a review!
This book is what they call a “sweeping saga” of love and heartbreak spanning over decades.
The story begins in the late 1800s and continues into the mid-1950s. It follows Custis, a Black boy who, while escaping his tormentors (who are hunting him down to beat him up because they find out that he knows how to read), is left for dead. He is discovered by Sarah, a White girl who lives on a nearby ranch with her father, Martin. Sarah and her family, including their housekeeper and other ranch staff, rescue Custis and nurse him back to health. Despite the great risk to themselves, the family looks after him. The story then takes us through Custis and Sarah’s lives as they grow up on the ranch. Over the years, their friendship blooms, and they fall in love with each other, although they don’t realize (Sarah) or admit it (Custis) to each other.
If you ever feel like your life is a bit too predictable, just remember Custis and his rollercoaster of a life. From being left for dead to almost winning a Nobel Prize, and everything in between, his story is a reminder that life can be full of unexpected twists and turns.
Things that I liked about the book:
- The characters, including Custis, Sarah, Martin, Preston, and even Mary the housekeeper, have depth, and the author has fleshed them out well.
- The genuine warmth and affection between Martin and Custis.
- The way race and education are addressed.
- Details of life on the ranch. The author’s research shines in the descriptions of the ranch life shown to us.
Things I did not like and or did not make sense:
- All through Part I, Custis’ blackness is emphasized and how he was treated because of it. Then suddenly in Part II (or was it Part III), Custis talks about going to NY and trying to pass as a white man. This transition felt abrupt and confusing. How is it that no one in the South ever doubted that he was black, not just when he was a kid, but also when he came back from New York to the ranch and went back to confront Lucas (the guy at the stable refuses to give him a horse saying he is black), but at the same time he feels it is possible to build reasonable doubt in the minds of NYers and try to pass. I get that NY at the time was teeming with immigrants from various parts of the world, but still ….
- I liked the short images at the start of each chapter. For the most part they were generic stock images of a clock, a train, a field or a fence. So, it was weird to suddenly be hit by a picture of a stocky man with a dog – supposedly, Andoe and his dog. Why was Andoe given this special honor? Throughout the book, I had built images of all the characters in my mind (including Andoe’s), and then bam, out of nowhere, this image of Andoe.
- Speaking of Andoe, what was with him going into the University wearing a kilt. That felt out of the blue and unnecessary.
- Still speaking of Andoe, there is no hint of his Irish roots in his initial appearances when he is serving Custis and Preston at the pub. But all of a sudden, he is full of “Ayes” when he is speaking with Custis at his home.
- And still speaking of Andoe, when he is telling Custis about his background, he mentions that he was born in America. However, while recounting the story of how his parents came to America from Ireland, he mentions that his father got into a cargo ship from Ireland after his mother died during the famine. So how was he born..spooky!
- At one point, it is mentioned that Custis has been in NY for 10 years. Apparently, Sarah married Lucas because she was pregnant by him right after Custis went to NY. However, at the same time, the book says her eldest daughter is 8. The maths doesn’t add up.
- The transition to the post-World War II era felt very abrupt with no logical or well-built/ stated transition.
I was curious to know the reason behind the title. Some research on the web revealed that it’s a play on the “world of sound”. Custis uses sounds waves to get his machine to finally work, the machine which is a central part of this book. And the fact that in so many ways, Custis and Sarah’s lives keep colliding with each other – whether it is the way they first collide into each other’s lives when Sarah finds Custis, or the way it collides when Lucas comes into the picture, or the way it collides away when they lose touch with each other the last time he goes to the ranch.
All in all, I liked the book and would rate it at 3.5. For now, I am going to round it up to 4. But over time, as I let the story keep settling into my mind, I have a feeling I might revise the rating to 3.
August 21, 2025
Quite an emotional roller coaster of a book!!!
This is a GRIPPING read that will pull you in right from the start, tear OUT your heartstrings... play with them for a while... and then continue on, like nothing ever happened! =0
We meet Custis when he is just a child. He is a little boy who's black, growing up in the late 1800's and trying to make ends meet. He lives with his Mama who teaches him all about God, love and family. But he's not prepared for the horrible acts of racism that are occurring all around him, and TO him, at the time. And he's definitely not prepared for what comes to him so early on in life.
So, Lucky for HIM that he meets up with Sarah and her Dad, Martin, who don't really care about the color of his skin, and who try to protect him at all costs.
We travel through life with Sarah and Custis... seeing each step as it occurs and how they respond to them. But you need to remember is that, at that time, blacks were not allowed pretty much anywhere, and in order to even remain as friends, well... they had their work cut out for them...
As each of them move on and try to realize their dreams, well, they grow up. Life changes. Obstacles are thrown in their way... and they are forced to make some very hard choices. Even when they really don't want to.
I'm going to 🛑🛑 STOP here 🛑🛑, as I don't want to give anything away. I will say that I was TOTALLY HOOKED at only 11%, and became a blubbering fool for a good part of the book!
ALL THE STARS AND THEN SOME FOR ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟✨✨✨✨✨💫💫💫💫💫
#WhenSoundsCollide by @MDayHampton and narrated nicely by @RhettSamuelPrice.
*** THIS WAS JUST RELEASED on 8/12/25 !!! LOOK 👀 FOR IT ON SHELVES NOW!!! ***
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, #GreenleafAudiobooks and #RiverGroveBooks for an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Insta @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
This is a GRIPPING read that will pull you in right from the start, tear OUT your heartstrings... play with them for a while... and then continue on, like nothing ever happened! =0
We meet Custis when he is just a child. He is a little boy who's black, growing up in the late 1800's and trying to make ends meet. He lives with his Mama who teaches him all about God, love and family. But he's not prepared for the horrible acts of racism that are occurring all around him, and TO him, at the time. And he's definitely not prepared for what comes to him so early on in life.
So, Lucky for HIM that he meets up with Sarah and her Dad, Martin, who don't really care about the color of his skin, and who try to protect him at all costs.
We travel through life with Sarah and Custis... seeing each step as it occurs and how they respond to them. But you need to remember is that, at that time, blacks were not allowed pretty much anywhere, and in order to even remain as friends, well... they had their work cut out for them...
As each of them move on and try to realize their dreams, well, they grow up. Life changes. Obstacles are thrown in their way... and they are forced to make some very hard choices. Even when they really don't want to.
I'm going to 🛑🛑 STOP here 🛑🛑, as I don't want to give anything away. I will say that I was TOTALLY HOOKED at only 11%, and became a blubbering fool for a good part of the book!
ALL THE STARS AND THEN SOME FOR ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟✨✨✨✨✨💫💫💫💫💫
#WhenSoundsCollide by @MDayHampton and narrated nicely by @RhettSamuelPrice.
*** THIS WAS JUST RELEASED on 8/12/25 !!! LOOK 👀 FOR IT ON SHELVES NOW!!! ***
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, #GreenleafAudiobooks and #RiverGroveBooks for an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Insta @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
February 24, 2025
Strongly recommended read!
This is my 1st book by M. Day Hampton and it begins in the late 1800s and continues into the mid-1950s. I was hooked by the opening with 10 year old Custis being chased by 3 town bullies and how he was found by Sarah Tennison (also 10) and taken in to the household by her father, Martin. The story then follows Sarah's and Custis lives, both together and separately, from their childhood and into adulthood.
Custis, brilliant and determined, goes away to school and works on X-ray/ ultrasound type machines to improve care while Sarah continues to explores a variety of farming techniques on the ranch with her father. They become aware of their changing relationship and they try to navigate the various legal and cultural challenges.
It addresses racism in society, in educational institutions and the variation throughout the country as well as love, loyalty and friendship. The historical thread throughout was also well written. There are twists and sub plots that keep the reader engaged, sometimes tragic and heartbreaking as well as demonstrably tenacious and uplifting as he overcomes terrible circumstances . While there were a few instances that were a bit uneven, overall the story was a lovely read.
There was some violence that was appropriate for the time, non-graphic physical intimacy and some language that was historically used .
Overall, a beautifully written story that I highly recommend for anyone looking for historical read that will stay with you long after you finished the book.
A big note of appreciation to River Grove Books and NetGalley for the privilege of the ARC, all opinions expressed are my own.
This is my 1st book by M. Day Hampton and it begins in the late 1800s and continues into the mid-1950s. I was hooked by the opening with 10 year old Custis being chased by 3 town bullies and how he was found by Sarah Tennison (also 10) and taken in to the household by her father, Martin. The story then follows Sarah's and Custis lives, both together and separately, from their childhood and into adulthood.
Custis, brilliant and determined, goes away to school and works on X-ray/ ultrasound type machines to improve care while Sarah continues to explores a variety of farming techniques on the ranch with her father. They become aware of their changing relationship and they try to navigate the various legal and cultural challenges.
It addresses racism in society, in educational institutions and the variation throughout the country as well as love, loyalty and friendship. The historical thread throughout was also well written. There are twists and sub plots that keep the reader engaged, sometimes tragic and heartbreaking as well as demonstrably tenacious and uplifting as he overcomes terrible circumstances . While there were a few instances that were a bit uneven, overall the story was a lovely read.
There was some violence that was appropriate for the time, non-graphic physical intimacy and some language that was historically used .
Overall, a beautifully written story that I highly recommend for anyone looking for historical read that will stay with you long after you finished the book.
A big note of appreciation to River Grove Books and NetGalley for the privilege of the ARC, all opinions expressed are my own.
March 13, 2025
When Sounds Collide is the first book I have read by this author. I received a complimentary copy of this novel through Netgalley and was blown away by the quality of both the story and the writing. This is an epic story set in America in the late 1800s spanning 80 years. It follows the life of Custis, a smart black boy living in poverty with his mother. He has dreams and wants to receive a good education. He lives in a prejudiced world and faces plenty of obstacles and heartbreak. But he is resilient and never gives up, managing to inspire many others along the way. He also encounters plenty of good people along his journey who believe in him and put themselves at risk to help him. The story is an incredible one and moves along at a great pace. I never really knew what was coming next and what direction the story was going to take. It was one of those books that I found hard to put down when life got in the way, and then I couldn’t wait to get back to it. At times the book got technical dealing with science/physics but it never became bogged down. It was apparent that the author conducted a great deal of research to get this information accurate. Throughout the book the most wonderful love story also took place. I think this story would actually make an amazing movie. I highly recommend it. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 20, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley. the author and publisher for the opportunity. This is my 1st book by M. Day Hampton and it begins in the late 1800s and continues into the mid-1950s. An Epic Journey following Custis, a Black boy who, while escaping his tormentors (who are hunting him down to beat him up because they find out that he knows how to read), is left for dead. He is discovered by Sarah, a White girl who lives on a nearby ranch with her father, Martin. Sarah and her family, including their housekeeper and other ranch staff, rescue Custis and nurse him back to health. Despite the great risk to themselves, the family looks after him. The story then follows Sarah's and Custis lives, both together and separately, from their childhood and into adulthood. Custis, brilliant and determined, goes away to school and works on X-ray/ ultrasound type machines to improve care while Sarah continues to explores a variety of farming techniques on the ranch with her father. They become aware of their changing relationship and they try to navigate the various legal and cultural challenges. Historical fiction fans will enjoy as well as social and medical readers. This novel provided insights into the times as well as not all people followed the racial ideas of the times. There are times where it is a bit slow but overall it provides a journey thanks to Custis on how to pursue something no matter what.
September 14, 2025
What I loved about the book was that it was a different perspective on the Black/White issue at the time. Bigotry and injustice, yes, but also someone who saw past that and gave the protagonist possibilities in life that he wouldn't have otherwise.
I love books that are about minorities in some form, race or gender, minority people that excel in something and defy expectations and circumstances. In this book, there are so many examples of this. It inspirers people to be courageous and dare to defy societal expectations. I love literary fiction which demand something from the reader. Lots of description of science and medical stuff in this book.
I don't really need a happy, harmonic ending in a book, but I need closure and peace, and this book definetly gave me that. I cried, laughed, I got the chills and stayed up way too late to read this book. Several times I had to cover the page with my hand to stop my eyes from reading ahead and spoil the story, and just enjoy the build up to the scene unfolding. Such a richly layered story.
The protagonist was flawed, but still very lovable. I connected with him and understood his mistakes, which he made up for. Both character and story driven book, and the protagonist showed strong character development.
Overall a great reading! Highly recommend!
I love books that are about minorities in some form, race or gender, minority people that excel in something and defy expectations and circumstances. In this book, there are so many examples of this. It inspirers people to be courageous and dare to defy societal expectations. I love literary fiction which demand something from the reader. Lots of description of science and medical stuff in this book.
I don't really need a happy, harmonic ending in a book, but I need closure and peace, and this book definetly gave me that. I cried, laughed, I got the chills and stayed up way too late to read this book. Several times I had to cover the page with my hand to stop my eyes from reading ahead and spoil the story, and just enjoy the build up to the scene unfolding. Such a richly layered story.
The protagonist was flawed, but still very lovable. I connected with him and understood his mistakes, which he made up for. Both character and story driven book, and the protagonist showed strong character development.
Overall a great reading! Highly recommend!
April 22, 2025
Calling my Historical Fiction friends! Hampton's prose is both lyrical and poignant, drawing readers into a world where every page resonates with emotional depth and historical significance. The characters are richly developed, with Custis's journey from a vulnerable child to a determined young man being both inspiring and heartbreaking. The bond between Custis and Sarah is beautifully portrayed, highlighting the transformative power of love and understanding across societal and racial divides. Custis will remain with me for a long time.
This novel is not just a story; it's an experience that lingers long after the last page is turned. I took my time reading, not only because I loved the book so much, but because I was worried that the ending wouldn't be what I had (unreasonably) wanted. The ending was better than I could have even imagined.
When Sounds Collide is a testament to the enduring human spirit and the unbreakable bonds that can form even in the most challenging of circumstances. Highly recommended for readers who appreciate historical fiction that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.
This novel is not just a story; it's an experience that lingers long after the last page is turned. I took my time reading, not only because I loved the book so much, but because I was worried that the ending wouldn't be what I had (unreasonably) wanted. The ending was better than I could have even imagined.
When Sounds Collide is a testament to the enduring human spirit and the unbreakable bonds that can form even in the most challenging of circumstances. Highly recommended for readers who appreciate historical fiction that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.
May 4, 2025
I can’t imagine living in the late 19th century in the deep south. You get a glimpse of life as a 10 year old coloured boy within the first 50 pages. He gets cheated, mocked, beaten, left for dead, and made an orphan. This book isn’t for the faint of heart. If that isn’t heartbreaking enough, two children find solace in each other’s companionship as they discuss their mutual grief of losing their mothers. Ugh! In this story, Custis is a gifted black boy that, despite his skin colour, goes to college up North and becomes a professor, through lies and coverups becomes a Nobel peace prize nominee and then a disgraced inventor. This is his and his best friend Sarah’s story, a story of friendship, loyalty and love. It is also a story of being unfairly disadvantaged in life because of your colour. Custis meets many people in his life that are good people that want to help him, he also meets people that are racist and entitled. He leaves an impression on the people he meets throughout his life and they never give up fighting for him. This is a story of true friendship and love that will stay with me for a long time.
May 4, 2025
📚When Sounds Collide by M Day Hampton
Genre: Historical Fiction
📚I am struggling to move on from When Sounds Collide. The characters in this book will forever be a part of me. When your heart is broken and you think, "What more could possibly happen?", more happens. This book will make you feel ALL the emotions. This story is set in the United States (North Carolina, Ohio, New York, and California) in the late 1800s through the early 1900s. There is so much I want to say about this book, but my review could never do it justice, and I don't like giving away the story. It is so much more than a love story. If you like forbidden and enduring love, unlikely friends and enemies, and books that make you feel it all, then please read!
📚Favorite quotes:
"And in the early autumns of each passing year, know that we will stand amongst the turning leaves and breathe in the promise of tomorrows--and I will think of you."
"I'm just Custis. That's what my friends call me." - (Such a simple statement but also full of meaning.)
Genre: Historical Fiction
📚I am struggling to move on from When Sounds Collide. The characters in this book will forever be a part of me. When your heart is broken and you think, "What more could possibly happen?", more happens. This book will make you feel ALL the emotions. This story is set in the United States (North Carolina, Ohio, New York, and California) in the late 1800s through the early 1900s. There is so much I want to say about this book, but my review could never do it justice, and I don't like giving away the story. It is so much more than a love story. If you like forbidden and enduring love, unlikely friends and enemies, and books that make you feel it all, then please read!
📚Favorite quotes:
"And in the early autumns of each passing year, know that we will stand amongst the turning leaves and breathe in the promise of tomorrows--and I will think of you."
"I'm just Custis. That's what my friends call me." - (Such a simple statement but also full of meaning.)
June 1, 2025
There is so much to love about this wonderful book!
The first thing that comes to mind is the writing. I found it beautifully descriptive and insightful. A few of the passages really grabbed my attention and made me pause. The pacing was pitch perfect. There was never a dull moment with lots of ups and downs and twists and turns to keep me guessing.
I enjoyed the cast of richly imagined characters and instantly fell in love with Custis, Sarah and Martin. I became engrossed in their stories and felt all the emotions as they navigated their way through love, loss, struggles and success.
The book is set in a period where anti-black racism is prevalent and opportunities for women are limited. It is meticulously researched and, although not based on real people in history, it feels authentic in its presentation of time and place.
To me this book is a story at its heart; love of the natural world, love of learning, love of family, both birth and found and romantic love.
This is a book that will stay with you long after the last page. I highly recommend it!
The first thing that comes to mind is the writing. I found it beautifully descriptive and insightful. A few of the passages really grabbed my attention and made me pause. The pacing was pitch perfect. There was never a dull moment with lots of ups and downs and twists and turns to keep me guessing.
I enjoyed the cast of richly imagined characters and instantly fell in love with Custis, Sarah and Martin. I became engrossed in their stories and felt all the emotions as they navigated their way through love, loss, struggles and success.
The book is set in a period where anti-black racism is prevalent and opportunities for women are limited. It is meticulously researched and, although not based on real people in history, it feels authentic in its presentation of time and place.
To me this book is a story at its heart; love of the natural world, love of learning, love of family, both birth and found and romantic love.
This is a book that will stay with you long after the last page. I highly recommend it!
August 31, 2025
thank you, Netgalley, for the opportunity to listen to this audio eARC.
Set in the American South, in the late 1800s, Custis is an incredibly smart and gifted 10 year old black boy who has a very rough start in life. Beaten and left for dead, he is found by Sarah, a young white girl, and is saved and taken in by her family at their Ranch. So, begins Custis's many trials and tribulations through life.
This book is amazing, I loved each and every part of it. Custis is just that character you want to give the biggest hug and make everything ok for. It's thought-provoking and emotional. It's really hard to read/listen to at times. It covers racism and segregation, sexism, cruelty, liars, and thieves. It covers so many different hardships. Loosing family and gaining family. Keeping secrets so others don't get hurt. It will make you laugh, gasp, and cry. It will hurt your heart and it will stay with you.
Set in the American South, in the late 1800s, Custis is an incredibly smart and gifted 10 year old black boy who has a very rough start in life. Beaten and left for dead, he is found by Sarah, a young white girl, and is saved and taken in by her family at their Ranch. So, begins Custis's many trials and tribulations through life.
This book is amazing, I loved each and every part of it. Custis is just that character you want to give the biggest hug and make everything ok for. It's thought-provoking and emotional. It's really hard to read/listen to at times. It covers racism and segregation, sexism, cruelty, liars, and thieves. It covers so many different hardships. Loosing family and gaining family. Keeping secrets so others don't get hurt. It will make you laugh, gasp, and cry. It will hurt your heart and it will stay with you.
September 14, 2025
This book was meh. It was not great, good, or terrible. I simply did not connect with the characters or the story. I will say that I listened to this on audiobook and I feel that had a lot of do with my disconnect. The narrator's voice is deep and rich. So when he is trying to do the voices of the main characters of young children, especially a high pitched girl with a raspy voice, I thought I was going to lose my mind. It was incredibly difficult to concentrate on the words because the voice was so grating. For me, the story was too long in some points and then glanced over others. Lastly, I found the character of Custis to be unrealistic. His quest for knowledge went beyond a love of learning, and into OCD or even on the autism spectrum.
Do I recommend this book? Not really. But if it sounds interesting, read it. If it does not, then don't. I would, however, 100% NOT recommend listening to this on audiobook.
Do I recommend this book? Not really. But if it sounds interesting, read it. If it does not, then don't. I would, however, 100% NOT recommend listening to this on audiobook.
September 2, 2025
M. Day Hampton's When Sounds Collide is a good story, but I didn't enjoy it. I appreciate the importance of the story, as well as the composite of so many heroes that Custis represents. The writing was a little bit flowery and "showy" for my taste, but the depictions of the strong relationship between Martin and Custis, as well as that between Sara and Custis, rings true. The issues of Black people feeling that they need to "pass" to gain access to what others freely access as well as the attitudes about love and also interracial marriage, are important ones. I may try to read this book in digital or hard copy form. As wonderful as Rhett Samuel Price's voice is, I had a tough time listening to his falsetto voice when he voiced Sarah.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Audible Audio for the ALC of this book in exchange for my honest review of When Sounds Collide. All opinions are my own.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Audible Audio for the ALC of this book in exchange for my honest review of When Sounds Collide. All opinions are my own.
September 5, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, River Grove Books and Greenleaf Audio for the ARC copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. The thoughts and opinions are all my own.
First, I must say Rhett Samuel Price is one of the best narrators ever; his voice adjusts to the different characters beautifully, sounding like several different narrators were involved, a truly remarkable talent that helps to enhance the entire listening experience.
I have read several reviews stating that this is the best book they have read in 2025. I've read many books this year, but I have to admit that it is the best book about the Old South that I have read, maybe in forever.
A story of loss, pain, hope, dreams, and love, it will grip your heart and soul. Grab your tissues and begin this journey.
First, I must say Rhett Samuel Price is one of the best narrators ever; his voice adjusts to the different characters beautifully, sounding like several different narrators were involved, a truly remarkable talent that helps to enhance the entire listening experience.
I have read several reviews stating that this is the best book they have read in 2025. I've read many books this year, but I have to admit that it is the best book about the Old South that I have read, maybe in forever.
A story of loss, pain, hope, dreams, and love, it will grip your heart and soul. Grab your tissues and begin this journey.
September 30, 2025
Honestly, this book kind of really upset me. However I think in a way that is the point. I really wanted this book to go well and for it to work out for Custis. But it just did not. I also really wanted it to be a story where love conquered all and it just really wasn't. I was devastated and I imagine Custis was too. This was not a love story, this was not a feel good story. This was a realistic story and in its "realness" it hits you with the hard truths of reality, and the truth is that time frame sucked. This does not mean it is not good. I just really wanted more for Custis, the same way my ancestors wanted more for themselves and each other.
Thank you M. Day Hampton, Greenleaf Audio, and NetGalley for this opportunity. I received a copy of this book to review. All Thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you M. Day Hampton, Greenleaf Audio, and NetGalley for this opportunity. I received a copy of this book to review. All Thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 30, 2025
OMG!!! Not me, bawling my eyes out in the last chapter on the treadmill… and then again in the epilogue. Ugh. Wow! This is my first from this author. And this is PRECISELY why I love NetGalley!! I love finding new-to-me or underrepresented authors. :)
In the Author’s Note, I discovered that this book is the prequel to his first novel. But it was absolutely able to be read as a standalone and provides great detail for the character you will see in his first book (who apparently only occupies one chapter.)
I am very much looking forward to reading it.
This is a sweeping life story of a young boy who had a string of bad fortune, despite his brilliant mind. Luckily, he had a certain people looking after him to make sure he was able to live a fulfilling life. At times, it was a tortured one, but made for a hell of a story.
In the Author’s Note, I discovered that this book is the prequel to his first novel. But it was absolutely able to be read as a standalone and provides great detail for the character you will see in his first book (who apparently only occupies one chapter.)
I am very much looking forward to reading it.
This is a sweeping life story of a young boy who had a string of bad fortune, despite his brilliant mind. Luckily, he had a certain people looking after him to make sure he was able to live a fulfilling life. At times, it was a tortured one, but made for a hell of a story.
November 25, 2025
M. Day Hampton's When Sounds Collide is a good story, but I didn't enjoy it. I appreciate the importance of the story, as well as the composite of so many heroes that Custis represents. The writing was a little bit flowery and "showy" for my taste, but the depictions of the strong relationship between Martin and Custis, as well as that between Sara and Custis, rings true. The issues of Black people feeling that they need to "pass" to gain access to what others freely access as well as the attitudes about love and also interracial marriage, are important ones. I may try to read this book in digital or hard copy form. As wonderful as Rhett Samuel Price's voice is, I had a tough time listening to his falsetto voice when he voiced Sarah.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Audible Audio for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review of When Sounds Collide. All opinions are my own.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Audible Audio for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review of When Sounds Collide. All opinions are my own.
July 29, 2025
This was a difficult emotional book to read. Learning about Custis and his life growing up in the south as a young black boy and all he endures is heartbreaking. While the characters are well developed, there were several issues I had while reading the book. One in particular was how can Custis be treated so poorly as a black person but thinks he can go to New York and pass himself off as a white man? A book that deals with a lot of emotional issues ... family, racial inequalities, prejudices, love, loss, violence, and relationships. Some of these could be triggers so the reader should consider these before starting to read the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and River Grove Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!
Thank you to NetGalley and River Grove Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!
April 2, 2025
5 stars all around. This is an absolutely enthralling and emotional story. I will genuinely miss Custis, Sarah and Martin and all the other characters that I feel I have gotten to know so well. I really loved the picture at the beginning of each chapter too. I thought it really helps the reader feel even more transported to the timeline of the story. This is one of those books that is giving me a reading hangover….I’m going to need a minute before I can start a new book just to fully process the beautiful story.
April 9, 2025
We seldom find books that can challenge the way we think about things. This book is filled with just those kinds of gems. The individual characters are well designed. The settings are so vivid you can create solid pictures of them in your mind. The ability to "feel" for the main character and everything he endures is captured through his intense interiority. Introspection and personal reflection are a fantastic take-away from this book. The creativity of the storyline is a bonus! Hope you pick it up sooner rather than later. And do tell your friends about it.
April 5, 2025
Outstanding! Custis, Sarah and Martin came to life so quickly I had a hard time putting the book down. I wanted to know more and M. Day Hampton did not disappoint! With each chapter I became more immersed in their stories as individuals, as a family. The love story will bring tears to your eyes. Absolutely brilliant!!
July 18, 2025
While I stayed with the story until the end, it became more and more preposterous. The characters were completely uni-dimensional (either perfect angels or utterly evil). That no peers picked up on the main antagonist's motives seemed unfathomable. I found it ironic that Sarah, who was so "flawless", slept with someone she didn't love and no one questioned it. Ridiculous.
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