Summer Lightning

by Judith Richards

If you liked To Kill A Mockingbird you'll love Summer Lightning and the irrepressible cigarette-smoking, redheaded truant named Terry, called Little Hawk by his friend, old McCree. Together they prowl the Everglades in search of rattlesnakes, epiphytes, and adventure until the law and a looming world war change their lives forever.

The award-winning Summer Lightning has been reprinted in 15 languages since its first publication by St. Martin's Press.

Genres: Fiction, Coming Of Age, Historical Fiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 1968

About the author

Before becoming a writer, Judith Richards was an actress, an animal trainer, and a carny hauling pig-iron, managing big rides on America's midways. Thelonious Rising, her sixth novel, reflects her lifelong love of music and fascination with the city of New Orleans. A Midwesterner gone South, Judith's marriage to author C. Terry Cline, Jr. first piqued her interest in writing. Since then, two of her six novels won the Alabama Library Association award for fiction, and Too Blue to Fly was nominated for the Lillian Smith Award. Her novel, Summer Lightning, has been in print since 1978, and has been read in 17 languages.

Reviews

[Dez the Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on a true story just before WWII.

We glimpse the life of a 6 year old little boy who wants to be just that, an adventurous little boy.

I found the book entertaining! I took off a combined star for two reasons…the amount of gramatical errors are distracting. Originally published in 1978 and then re-published in 2015, this book could’ve had its grammatical errors corrected. The second reason was because of the believability of this child’s life, but only partially so. I know back then it was a very different time than it is today, but could a six-year-old really have done all of the things that this book says he did? I only marginally took off for this because the author does say it’s part truth, part fiction, based on real events.

If you like ‘based on true stories’, adventure (like Huck Finn) and emotional reads, this book will hit the spot.

I thoroughly enjoyed this adventurous journey!

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Mom bought this book for me when I was about 9 years old. I started to read it and saw some cuss words and thought I probably shouldn't be reading this as a 9 year old so I put it on my bookshelf. When I turned 11 years old the book was still on the book shelf. I decided to read it. I LOVED IT!

When I was a senior in high school my English teacher gave us a list of books that we had to choose from to read and write a book report. I was amazed the book was on the list! I asked if I could choose Summer Lightening since I had already read it. She asked how long it'd been since I read the book and since it had been some time, 7 years in fact, she was okay with me re-reading the book for a book report. I still had the book on my bookshelf and again I loved the book!

I read the book again in my late 30's and loved it! Yes, I still have the book. I can not tell you how many times I have moved (two countries and a couple of states) and I've hung on to the book. Now in my 40's I'll probably read it again soon.

[Sonja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best story I've read in a long time

I've laughed out loud and cried my eyes out....
At first I didn't realize this story is about a 6 year old boy.... The year is 1941 and Terry has some amazing adventures... I fell in love with Little Hawk and McCree and I know you will too.

[Serena Meloun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book. I have met the author and her husband C Terry Cline that the book is based on he is also a author.

[Dee Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book details the life of one of my favorite authors, Terry C. Cline, Jr. Opening up in his colorful childhood, the book did not disappoint and proved to be a great read. Unfortunately, I lost this book in a move, and never finished it, so read it for me! I highly recommend this book. Richards is an excellent writer!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

This heartwarming true story centers around a 6-year-old boy named Terry in 1941 [right before the attack on Pearl Harbor causing United States to enter into WWII]. A time when children could go out alone without their parents worrying that someone or something could do them harm. Terry skips school on a regular basis to spend time with his 83-year-old friend Mr. McCree from whom he learns about snakes, swamps, survival, work ethic, and life.

The story really warms the heart. The characters are so human with their fears, pettiness, prejudices and small joys. I really enjoyed getting lost in the world of a precocious boy, his best friend Mr. McCree and the boy's parents, who wonder if they failed him.

It reminds me, in tone, of Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns and Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman.

I listened to this book and the narrator was perfect in setting the tone of the story and imbuing the characters' voices.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer Lightning
: Judith Richards

I have to ask, how have I missed this book throughout the years? It is part fiction, part non- fiction, historical fiction, adventure and so much more!!! It took me a few chapters to realize that the protagonist was a six year old boy. Wow! Terrell Calder learned more from life lessons than when he actually showed up for school. Adults didn't understand him, kids thought him different. I feel privileged to have been able to listen to this book.



The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. Steve White brought these characters to life!!!



I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Deedra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audible:I loved this book!A 6 year old boy won't go to school.He'd rather run with the migrant children and an old man.The old man has taught him to handle rattle snakes,find cocoons and moths that people pay for,etc.The kid claims he is an orphan.His parents are at their wits end. Steve White was a great narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome book. A great classic for a boy even though I read it for my daughter's book club. I love that the book was told rather simply, yet so much was happening in the world at large. It gave the book wonderful social/political context. Can't wait to discuss it with a bunch of 12 year old girls.

[Gretchen Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story. It is sappy and emotional and a great adventure. Everyone, on some level, can relate to being oppressed by the rules of society. Terry is a clever, bold boy who does a great job of fighting that oppression.

[sarah parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an adventurous book! Taking a step back in a time and place where life is hard but the kid in this story hardly notices as he is off on his on in the bayous. The story telling here is vivid and captivating. It's a good clean book!

[Julie McCahill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never give 5 stars! Julie Frankel-you MUST read this. I have it on my Kindle, which is ridiculous, since I have to have everyone read it! SUMMER BOOK! READ IT!

[Flip · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book every summer for the past 15 or so years. At the conclusion of each reading I feel that Terry is my best friend. A terrific quick read, a great southern small town story.

[Helene · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming story of a long forgotten time, i really enjoyed it not the kind of book that would normally appeal to me.

[Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Story of a 6 year old who roams the swamps, skips school, tells folks he's an orphan, and is quite mischievous and sneaky. Very unbelievable.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book because I had previously read Thelonious Rising by this author and loved it. I did not enjoy this book quite as much for two reasons: 1. The antics of this little 6 year old boy did not seem believable. I do not believe that any 6 year old would be this bold, cunning and smart without being a thug. 2. The ending was too abrupt. I felt there should have been a little more resolution to the McCree character that I had grown to love.

Having said that, I do enjoy Ms. Richards' writing style and her characters. The boy was a hoot, for sure. And I absolutely loved the Afterword!

If you enjoy Southern literature, you will enjoy this book. But definitely pick up Thelonious Rising too.

[:: susan :: · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book when I was a kid, and it has stayed with me ever since.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely little book.

[Cherise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book contains everything a childhood should be. Absolutely superb book! I think this is one of very few books I would want to read again!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t expect to like this book, but I loved it. It was so full of heart.

[anonymousreader]

to-read

[Melba · Rating 4 out of 5]

The young boy who would ditch school everyday to run wild and learn about nature from an old homeless man reminded me of a friend who couldn’t make it to school either. He had some Huck Finn in him.

[Najwa Hirn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book of Judith Richards. I really enjoyed it. Her writing style is simple and the plot was easy to follow. I highly recommend it.

[Yvonne Chadick · Rating 3 out of 5]

good story, just took too long to get there

[Wendy Albers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! Couldn’t put it down. The character development was so realistic and the storyline kept me fully engaged. So many great details. This is a keeper!