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Birdie & Jude
A serendipitous meeting on a beach in Galveston before a hurricane forces two strangers to take shelter with each other. Birdie, an older woman, and Jude, a young woman and lone survivor of a fatal accident are destined to spend time together during a strengthening storm. Their lives couldn't be any different. However, they recognize something in the other that forges a friendship between them. As their relationship solidifies, they share glimpses of their past. Birdie is a product of the '60's, an aging hippie, with a series of resentments hovering over her present life. She had a sheltered childhood in an upper class family. Her parents longed to see her make the Texas Dip at their krewe's Mardi Gras ball. Jude, however, entered foster care as an infant. Her parents, victims of a murder/suicide, left her and her siblings orphans and separated into different homes. Their backgrounds couldn't have been more different, but there is something about their connection that strikes Birdie as familiar. Can souls know each other in different lives? Birdie struggles with the awareness that she has had regrets and hasn't lived an authentic life, while Jude faces an uncomfortable truth about her own life. It's a character driven story set on Galveston Island with memories of the protests and inequality plaguing the 1960's and the secrets many have protected to fit into society.
This novel was inspired by a hurricane, an act of intimidation experienced by two friends, the beautiful island of Galveston, the untimely death of a friend and the debutant season. Readers often ask me, "How'd you come up with that?" Well, it's always more than one thing. I wrote a blog about it phyllishmoore.com, because I wanted to explain the dedication.
My friends Rev. Ronnie Green and the late Rev. Sam Shaw experienced an act of violence and racism when they were young men in high school in 1968. Some white citizens in our small hometown, to this day, would claim our community was an utopian village where everyone was treated equal. That's not true, and since I posted this incident in the blog, others have come forward to tell about their experiences. I hope the events woven into this braid of a story can inspire thought and be seen as a seamless tapestry of who we are and how we can do better. Above all things, there is hope. If one person can read it and come away with introspection and the notion that all souls are equal, I will know my time was well spent and the worthy dedication can be honored.
This novel was inspired by a hurricane, an act of intimidation experienced by two friends, the beautiful island of Galveston, the untimely death of a friend and the debutant season. Readers often ask me, "How'd you come up with that?" Well, it's always more than one thing. I wrote a blog about it phyllishmoore.com, because I wanted to explain the dedication.
My friends Rev. Ronnie Green and the late Rev. Sam Shaw experienced an act of violence and racism when they were young men in high school in 1968. Some white citizens in our small hometown, to this day, would claim our community was an utopian village where everyone was treated equal. That's not true, and since I posted this incident in the blog, others have come forward to tell about their experiences. I hope the events woven into this braid of a story can inspire thought and be seen as a seamless tapestry of who we are and how we can do better. Above all things, there is hope. If one person can read it and come away with introspection and the notion that all souls are equal, I will know my time was well spent and the worthy dedication can be honored.
- GenresContemporaryFiction
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 20, 2018
77 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Phyllis H. Moore
32 books58 followersPhyllis H. Moore wants to live life experiences more than once: doing it, writing about it and reading about it. She’s had two careers and two retirements. Both careers gave her inspiration for her novels: The Sabine Series, Sabine, Billy’s Story, Josephine’s Journals and Secrets of Dunn House,
She's written three stand-alone novels: Opal’s Story, Tangled, a Southern Gothic Yarn, The Bright Shawl, Colors of Tender Whispers, The Ember Months, Birdie & Jude, and an anthology of spooky short stories inspired by real places and events, The Bridge on Jackson Road. She has authored one nonfiction book, Retirement, Now What?
Phyllis has been published by Caffeinated Press in the anthology, Brewed Awakenings 2, Fifteen Tales to Jolt Your Mind Awake. She blogs on her web site http://www.phyllishmoore.com. Follow her on Pinterest and Facebook.
Phyllis is a retired social worker and former owner/operator of a small bed and breakfast. She’s lived in the rural areas and cities of south Texas. She currently lives on Galveston Island with her husband, Richard.
She's written three stand-alone novels: Opal’s Story, Tangled, a Southern Gothic Yarn, The Bright Shawl, Colors of Tender Whispers, The Ember Months, Birdie & Jude, and an anthology of spooky short stories inspired by real places and events, The Bridge on Jackson Road. She has authored one nonfiction book, Retirement, Now What?
Phyllis has been published by Caffeinated Press in the anthology, Brewed Awakenings 2, Fifteen Tales to Jolt Your Mind Awake. She blogs on her web site http://www.phyllishmoore.com. Follow her on Pinterest and Facebook.
Phyllis is a retired social worker and former owner/operator of a small bed and breakfast. She’s lived in the rural areas and cities of south Texas. She currently lives on Galveston Island with her husband, Richard.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 21, 2019
The author certainly knows how to create believable characters both by giving readers access to their thoughts and feelings and through detailed scene setting. I found I could really picture Birdie in her colourful kitchen going through her morning routine or sitting on her porch. I liked the way the author explored the weaknesses, contradictions, foibles, and changes of mood that reside in all of us. For example, in the case of Birdie, the fact that she describes herself as a ‘spur-of-the-moment’ person yet clings in the main to a set routine, trying to persuade herself that it’s for the sake of Ollie, her dog. Or that she indulges in comments about a neighbour she’s known for years (that she herself admits are ‘shallow and mean, but so funny’ ) whilst on the other hand offering generous hospitality to Jude, a seemingly complete stranger.
The story is set in Galveston which I’d not known before reading this book is an island. The idea of a place that is set apart came to seem significant in a way, particularly from the point of view of Birdie’s instinct to be something of a loner. I also wondered if the storm that batters the community soon after Birdie and Jude meet was intended to be a metaphor for the emotional turmoil within both of them. The story unfolds through the alternating points of view of the two women, sometimes incorporating recollections of past events and people from their respective childhoods and young adult years.
It seemed to me I discovered a little more about Birdie – her thought processes, emotional baggage and internal conflicts – than I did about Jude, and that Birdie’s story had more interest, even though Jude’s story has a greater sense of mystery. However, that may be because, as an older woman, Birdie had more life experiences for the reader to learn about. Birdie’s convictions about the role of fate in our lives and the possibility of messages from beyond the grave are not ones I share. This element of the book wasn’t needed for me to believe in the genuine nature of the deep and mutually beneficial relationship that forms between Birdie and Jude.
At one point Jude muses, ‘Whatever shapes a person may never be known by anyone else.’ In Birdie & Jude, the author uses all her literary skill to give the reader just such an insight…as well as delivering a few surprises along the way.
The story is set in Galveston which I’d not known before reading this book is an island. The idea of a place that is set apart came to seem significant in a way, particularly from the point of view of Birdie’s instinct to be something of a loner. I also wondered if the storm that batters the community soon after Birdie and Jude meet was intended to be a metaphor for the emotional turmoil within both of them. The story unfolds through the alternating points of view of the two women, sometimes incorporating recollections of past events and people from their respective childhoods and young adult years.
It seemed to me I discovered a little more about Birdie – her thought processes, emotional baggage and internal conflicts – than I did about Jude, and that Birdie’s story had more interest, even though Jude’s story has a greater sense of mystery. However, that may be because, as an older woman, Birdie had more life experiences for the reader to learn about. Birdie’s convictions about the role of fate in our lives and the possibility of messages from beyond the grave are not ones I share. This element of the book wasn’t needed for me to believe in the genuine nature of the deep and mutually beneficial relationship that forms between Birdie and Jude.
At one point Jude muses, ‘Whatever shapes a person may never be known by anyone else.’ In Birdie & Jude, the author uses all her literary skill to give the reader just such an insight…as well as delivering a few surprises along the way.
June 24, 2019
As I started reading this book, I was not sure what to expect. This story had a lot of layers that made it an emotional story that I really enjoyed. It opens with Birdie, a middle aged woman who lives a simple life, near the beach in Galveston. She loves to walk with her beloved, furry companion, Ollie. As a hurricane is approaching, Birdie heads out for one final walk before becoming housebound waiting out the storm. That walk becomes serendipitous as she discovers a young woman lying in the sand, bloody and a bit disoriented. She convinces the young woman, Jude, to come to her home where she will take care of her. What follows is a wonderful meeting of minds and spirits. Jude has been involved in a horrific car accident where her friend is killed.
These ladies form a bond through talking to one another. While waiting out the storm, they share their pasts, their challenges, their insecurities and their secrets. Two women from different circumstances, yet both intelligent and stronger than they realize. The story is told in alternating chapters by the two women. I will say that I enjoyed Birdie's chapters more than Jude's, perhaps because she is more like I am. Jude's story had some mystery, Birdie was exploring her own life and beliefs. There are some elements of racial prejudice, some homophobia, oppression, social classes and expectations. This is a story that will bring out the emotions, but there is hope and kindness. The ending was a bit unexpected and bittersweet, but fit when it was all said and done. The author did a good job with the pacing and description of this story and I enjoyed it very much. I received a copy of this book upon request from Rachel's Random Resources. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
These ladies form a bond through talking to one another. While waiting out the storm, they share their pasts, their challenges, their insecurities and their secrets. Two women from different circumstances, yet both intelligent and stronger than they realize. The story is told in alternating chapters by the two women. I will say that I enjoyed Birdie's chapters more than Jude's, perhaps because she is more like I am. Jude's story had some mystery, Birdie was exploring her own life and beliefs. There are some elements of racial prejudice, some homophobia, oppression, social classes and expectations. This is a story that will bring out the emotions, but there is hope and kindness. The ending was a bit unexpected and bittersweet, but fit when it was all said and done. The author did a good job with the pacing and description of this story and I enjoyed it very much. I received a copy of this book upon request from Rachel's Random Resources. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
May 19, 2019
Birdie Barnes is a middle-aged woman living in her family's longtime home near the beach in Galveston. Her only surviving family is her nephew, her brother's son. Her parents, her brother and his wife, and even their other son, have all died over the years. Her nephew lives in Houston now, but he comes back every month to see her and take her to church, and make sure she's all right.
Now, though, there's a hurricane bearing down on Galveston, and she's taking her dog, Ollie, out for a walk for what's likely to be the last opportunity till after the storm is over. And on this walk, they find a young woman, Jude, lying in the sand, with blood in her hair and on her clothes from obviously recent but not fresh injuries, and it's a challenge to get her to agree to get up and move even though the tide is coming in and the storm is approaching. Once home, she persuades Jude to shower, let Birdie put her clothes in the wash, nap, and eat a meal.
And talk.
Over the course of the storm, and the days following, we learn more about the car accident that killed Jude's friend, Casey, and the first hints about her own troubled past. More slowly, we get hints about Birdie's own troubles, fears, and insecurities.
These are two complicated, intelligent, good women struggling to coping very different challenges. They each have challenges of identity, self-worth, ability to believe in their value to other people. For Birdie, this includes her nephew and her difficulties accepting his attention and concern, but also her doubts about whether the women who have been her friends all her life, and continue to actively include her when, as she has to concede to herself, all their mothers are long gone and her mother can't be nagging their mothers to make sure they include her, as she assumes happened when they were alive.
It's a very satisfying look at very engaging characters, with a bittersweet, but rewarding end.
Recommended.
I received a free electronic galley of this book from the publisher, and am reviewing it voluntarily.
Now, though, there's a hurricane bearing down on Galveston, and she's taking her dog, Ollie, out for a walk for what's likely to be the last opportunity till after the storm is over. And on this walk, they find a young woman, Jude, lying in the sand, with blood in her hair and on her clothes from obviously recent but not fresh injuries, and it's a challenge to get her to agree to get up and move even though the tide is coming in and the storm is approaching. Once home, she persuades Jude to shower, let Birdie put her clothes in the wash, nap, and eat a meal.
And talk.
Over the course of the storm, and the days following, we learn more about the car accident that killed Jude's friend, Casey, and the first hints about her own troubled past. More slowly, we get hints about Birdie's own troubles, fears, and insecurities.
These are two complicated, intelligent, good women struggling to coping very different challenges. They each have challenges of identity, self-worth, ability to believe in their value to other people. For Birdie, this includes her nephew and her difficulties accepting his attention and concern, but also her doubts about whether the women who have been her friends all her life, and continue to actively include her when, as she has to concede to herself, all their mothers are long gone and her mother can't be nagging their mothers to make sure they include her, as she assumes happened when they were alive.
It's a very satisfying look at very engaging characters, with a bittersweet, but rewarding end.
Recommended.
I received a free electronic galley of this book from the publisher, and am reviewing it voluntarily.
June 23, 2019
It's a beautiful story. A tale of souls meeting and recognising each other. Proving that life is often more than what science and logic purports it to be. Sometimes there is more to life than logic dictates.
I enjoyed, and was relieved by, the fact that Moore didn't bring that sense of connection, belonging and souls back to faith or religion. There is enough space for thoughts of the inexplicable, without dragging mythology or religious beliefs written by man and imposed by man, onto the beauty of the ethereal plane.
The relationship between Birdie and June is founded on something we have forgotten to listen to - instinct. Birdie stopping on that beach and offering a hand is kindness, also something society seems to be lacking at the moment. Asking nothing in return and just helping another human being in their time of despair and need.
The recognition of connection through time is there, but doesn't interfere with reality. Instead it is the conduit to Birdie's past, more specifically her childhood. As the reader is taken back into time, here and there, we meet an entirely different Birdie. The Birdie she should have been, but was never allowed to be. The Birdie who saw a sameness, a connection and a friend. There was no skin colour between Henry and Birdie. Others brought their skewed ideology and racism to the two of them.
This story has the same emotional draw that Beaches has. Just two people and a true depth of feeling. At the same time it confronts the reader with uncomfortable truths about the past. Racism, homophobia and oppression. It makes this a tale of a life lost, a lifetime of opportunities denied, because Birdie didn't fit the stereotype of being a straight, white and black-hating gal.
It's literary fiction with elements of racism and homophobia, and yet ultimately it is a tale of kindness and hope. I really enjoyed it.
*I received a courtesy copy*
I enjoyed, and was relieved by, the fact that Moore didn't bring that sense of connection, belonging and souls back to faith or religion. There is enough space for thoughts of the inexplicable, without dragging mythology or religious beliefs written by man and imposed by man, onto the beauty of the ethereal plane.
The relationship between Birdie and June is founded on something we have forgotten to listen to - instinct. Birdie stopping on that beach and offering a hand is kindness, also something society seems to be lacking at the moment. Asking nothing in return and just helping another human being in their time of despair and need.
The recognition of connection through time is there, but doesn't interfere with reality. Instead it is the conduit to Birdie's past, more specifically her childhood. As the reader is taken back into time, here and there, we meet an entirely different Birdie. The Birdie she should have been, but was never allowed to be. The Birdie who saw a sameness, a connection and a friend. There was no skin colour between Henry and Birdie. Others brought their skewed ideology and racism to the two of them.
This story has the same emotional draw that Beaches has. Just two people and a true depth of feeling. At the same time it confronts the reader with uncomfortable truths about the past. Racism, homophobia and oppression. It makes this a tale of a life lost, a lifetime of opportunities denied, because Birdie didn't fit the stereotype of being a straight, white and black-hating gal.
It's literary fiction with elements of racism and homophobia, and yet ultimately it is a tale of kindness and hope. I really enjoyed it.
*I received a courtesy copy*
April 7, 2019
In Phyllis H. Moore’s, Birdie and Jude, characters come to life and spark interest in the soul of the reader. Birdie, a lifetime resident of Galveston Island, keeps to a happy routine with her dog, Ollie.
Walking the shore on one of their usual excursions they pick up a visitor in distress. Not knowing much about the young woman, Jude, or her disastrous situation, Birdie invites her back to her home to shelter out the storm.
Through routine activities, the writer reveals glimpses of Birdies unique personality. Well loved by the community, Birdie has secrets and a strong desire to be left out of social graces, though she can fake it well enough for a few friends and her over protective nephew, Barry. Young and beautiful Jude also has a past and slowly reveals her situation to Birdie as they become fast friends.
The real part of this story is not in the daily lives of its characters or the events they are caught up in. This story transcends across time and has a warmth to it that stays with the reader long after the story is over.
Birdie and Jude has the sass of Rita Mae Brown mixed with the warmth and racial equality struggle of The Help. I strongly recommend this book for any occasion, but I picked it up on my vacation and couldn’t put it down. A wonderful page turner and hope for a future with loved ones past and present.
Walking the shore on one of their usual excursions they pick up a visitor in distress. Not knowing much about the young woman, Jude, or her disastrous situation, Birdie invites her back to her home to shelter out the storm.
Through routine activities, the writer reveals glimpses of Birdies unique personality. Well loved by the community, Birdie has secrets and a strong desire to be left out of social graces, though she can fake it well enough for a few friends and her over protective nephew, Barry. Young and beautiful Jude also has a past and slowly reveals her situation to Birdie as they become fast friends.
The real part of this story is not in the daily lives of its characters or the events they are caught up in. This story transcends across time and has a warmth to it that stays with the reader long after the story is over.
Birdie and Jude has the sass of Rita Mae Brown mixed with the warmth and racial equality struggle of The Help. I strongly recommend this book for any occasion, but I picked it up on my vacation and couldn’t put it down. A wonderful page turner and hope for a future with loved ones past and present.
June 23, 2019
Birdie and Jude was a lovely though emotional and heartbreaking story about two women who meet by chance on the beach just before the arrival of a hurricane. What followed was an incredibly moving novel about the difficulties each of them has had to face in life and how these events have shaped them as well as an exploration of their newfound friendship since their meeting.
Written in alternating chapters, I loved Phyllis H. Moore’s writing style which was very easy to read. Both characters were well portrayed and very engaging but I felt more of an affinity with Birdie than with Jude. I understood Birdie more whereas there were times throughout the book that I found myself doubting Jude and certainly there was more of a mystery about her. This feeling continued until all became clear towards the end.
The book dealt with some difficult subjects with sympathy and clarity, but never diminishing their importance. It briefly touched on issues of sexuality, racial prejudice, inequality, self-doubt and loss among others. The author’s exquisite writing had me in tears, in parts but there were also humorous moments to balance these.
I was engrossed in the storyline right until the fulfilling though bitter-sweet ending which was something of a surprise although all of the clues were there. This was a wonderful page-turner with a real warmth to it. I highly recommend this very worthwhile read.
Written in alternating chapters, I loved Phyllis H. Moore’s writing style which was very easy to read. Both characters were well portrayed and very engaging but I felt more of an affinity with Birdie than with Jude. I understood Birdie more whereas there were times throughout the book that I found myself doubting Jude and certainly there was more of a mystery about her. This feeling continued until all became clear towards the end.
The book dealt with some difficult subjects with sympathy and clarity, but never diminishing their importance. It briefly touched on issues of sexuality, racial prejudice, inequality, self-doubt and loss among others. The author’s exquisite writing had me in tears, in parts but there were also humorous moments to balance these.
I was engrossed in the storyline right until the fulfilling though bitter-sweet ending which was something of a surprise although all of the clues were there. This was a wonderful page-turner with a real warmth to it. I highly recommend this very worthwhile read.
May 18, 2018
This book caught my eye through a Kindle advertisement. It is set in Galveston, and the author is local to the Island. I really enjoyed it and plan to read more by Ms. Moore.
It was written in a style I like to read.
It was written in a style I like to read.
April 22, 2020
Not what I thought
Wow, Just finished this book. Absolutely not what I expected. I figured it was a light read about friendship between women of different ages and experiences. What it turned out to be was good and evil, life versus death. Or now and then and tomorrow. Truly lovely story.
Wow, Just finished this book. Absolutely not what I expected. I figured it was a light read about friendship between women of different ages and experiences. What it turned out to be was good and evil, life versus death. Or now and then and tomorrow. Truly lovely story.
February 8, 2019
Wonderful book, glad I didn’t miss it..
Would recommend to everyone who wants a warm and complete feeling of love and understanding. So very good, please read💕
Would recommend to everyone who wants a warm and complete feeling of love and understanding. So very good, please read💕
June 21, 2019
I dived into this book straight away as I was so curious after reading the book bio. The story opens straight away into the life of Birdie, a middle aged lady who lives a simple life, and someone who loves walks with her trusty, furry companion, Ollie. A walk along the beach leads her to the discovery of Jude, a strange girl who has a shoulder of secrets which she is harbouring, along with wounds following a traumatic crash. At this point, we know very little about these two characters, but as we progress through this book we come to see how they progress into friendship.
Page after page, I read with fascination as we found out more about Birdie and Jude; their lives, their trials and tribulations. I loved Birdie's character and found myself laughing, smiling and tearing up. The writing had a wonderful flow to it and it was so easy to get into the story. The author did an amazing job of bringing these characters to life; the interactions really help to create solid, believable people who I was rooting for.
I really enjoyed this story from the first page and I would 100% recommend this to anyone who likes a book that has charisma, soul and heart. This story and its climax did not disappoint.
Page after page, I read with fascination as we found out more about Birdie and Jude; their lives, their trials and tribulations. I loved Birdie's character and found myself laughing, smiling and tearing up. The writing had a wonderful flow to it and it was so easy to get into the story. The author did an amazing job of bringing these characters to life; the interactions really help to create solid, believable people who I was rooting for.
I really enjoyed this story from the first page and I would 100% recommend this to anyone who likes a book that has charisma, soul and heart. This story and its climax did not disappoint.
April 2, 2019
Interesting characters are thrown together seemingly by chance, but as we read, we learn there is less serendipity and more celestial design in their relationship. The book provides an entertaining glimpse into the value of enduring friendships that never die.
June 15, 2018
Simple, sweet story with a few surprises.
April 19, 2023
Genuine and thought provoking
I enjoyed this book immensely. It was a thought provoking read that wasn't afraid to bring out our insecurities, our prejudices, our judgemental nature, and our desperate desire to connect with another person. I'd suggest this book to anyone looking for a good read about human nature and how we interact with other people.
I enjoyed this book immensely. It was a thought provoking read that wasn't afraid to bring out our insecurities, our prejudices, our judgemental nature, and our desperate desire to connect with another person. I'd suggest this book to anyone looking for a good read about human nature and how we interact with other people.
March 7, 2020
Soul stirring
Well written story about two very different people who meet unexpectedly before a storm and discover they have more in common than they thought. They actually have a very real and emotional connection. Great read.
Well written story about two very different people who meet unexpectedly before a storm and discover they have more in common than they thought. They actually have a very real and emotional connection. Great read.
April 18, 2023
Touching
I cried throughout this story. I suppose it is about fate and spiritual life. The main characters lives are somehow interwoven. Lots to think about, whatever your beliefs.
I cried throughout this story. I suppose it is about fate and spiritual life. The main characters lives are somehow interwoven. Lots to think about, whatever your beliefs.
May 17, 2023
Unusual, thought provoking
This book was more interesting than I thought it would be. A bit unusual, but I love books that are not easily predictable, this book is an unusual point of view on a troubling time in our past.
This book was more interesting than I thought it would be. A bit unusual, but I love books that are not easily predictable, this book is an unusual point of view on a troubling time in our past.
Want to read
September 11, 2019pw 9/2/19
Read
November 20, 2019Amazing book. I read it in one setting. Phyllis Moore is excellent in her writing. I loved Opal’s Secret & now this. Definetly one of my favorite Authors!
December 12, 2019
Everything but the kitchen sink. Enjoyed the setting of the story.
Want to read
February 25, 2020EReaderNews 99
April 26, 2020
It was okay.
December 6, 2022
Yes
This is a must read book. It touches on so many important lessons in life. Absolutely filled with love. Great book.
This is a must read book. It touches on so many important lessons in life. Absolutely filled with love. Great book.
April 15, 2023
Loved it!!!!!
January 24, 2024
Birdie and Jude was a lovely though emotional and heartbreaking story about two women who meet by chance on the beach just before the arrival of a hurricane.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews