Never Cry Again

by Jim Cole

More than 8 decades prior to this present day, a young, selfish and corrupt single mother banishes her only child—a 10-year-old boy—from their rural southern Arkansas home. The boy, Drew, already concerned for his safety since recently witnessing a KKK school burning, knows that if he is alone the Klan will seek retribution against him. He must run.The young white boy, lost and alone, is the subject of a depression-era fiction story that will touch the human soul. When Drew embarks on his solitary and dangerous adventure of extreme poverty and starvation, he realizes that his childhood is over at age 10. He knows that the only people he can trust are members of the Black community that have surrounded him all his life, yet they cannot help since it is they who are the Klan’s primary and deadly focus.Drew’s desperate and dangerous journey takes him away from Arkansas into northern Louisiana where he finds temporary shelter with a gambler and bootlegger. The young boy becomes an involuntary witness to robbery and murder and once again must run, knowing that those responsible will want to keep him from telling what he knows.The coming-of-age story of a young man traveling through the racially turbulent American South provides the reader a heartfelt and ultimately joyful story of strength and true grit as Drew fights toward responsible and compassionate manhood.Compared by critics to both Huckleberry Finn and Stand By Me, Never Cry Again paints a compelling mosaic of life in the 1930s rural American South.

Genres: Historical Fiction

374 pages, Paperback

Published July 15, 2020

Reviews

[BookNightOwl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book takes place in the 1930's and 1940's during racial prejudice, World war II and the depression Era.

Drew has never had it easy. Having a mother who doesnt care for him he decides to runaway at the age 10. Throughout the book he faces many people and many decisions. Trigger warnings include language, racial slurs, attempted rape and bullying.

Thank you Netgally and BooksGoSocial for providing a copy of this book for an honest review.

[Irene Well Worth A Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some women are not cut out to be mothers. Drew's mom Edith is one of them. Edith was only 13 the first time her father raped her and it wasn't much longer until the day she decided to go for a walk and never return. Having no place to stay and no way to earn money she ends up in a hotel with a married man. When he tells her that he is going back to his wife she is once again on her own. Edith ends up giving birth in a brothel and becomes a prostitute. She seems to enjoy this lifestyle as there is no shortage of other prostitutes to take care of her son, who she wants nothing to do with. This becomes a problem as Drew grows up and begins attending church, the only white boy in the all black congregation. The brothel owner feels she is already at risk having a child on the premises but the Klan may make trouble as well so Edith is sold off to one of her customers and she is not happy that she is expected to take her son with her and be a mother to him. By this point Edith is already a raging alcoholic with no maternal skills and Drew must basically fend for himself. He follows in his mother's footsteps of becoming a runaway after an attempted rape and is homeless and alone at 10 years old. Drew meets a multitude of people in his travels, some good and others who mean him harm though he never seems to give up hope of living a decent life.

This is usually my favorite time period for historical fiction and while I understand that racial tensions ran hot in the south it still seemed a bit heavier on the N word than was required and the (phonetically correct?) spellings of the way black people are portrayed as pronouncing certain words seemed over done and unnecessary. I'm not as in love with this book as I'd hoped to be.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4

I received an complimentary copy for review.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The son of a prostitute, Drew makes a vow to himself to never cry again after he leaves home.
The story follows his life in the 1930's and 40's through five states including Oklahoma,Arkansas,New Mexico,Louisiana and Texas. Racial tensions were flaring and there was the turbulence of WW II and it's effects on the country.

Pub Date 16 Apr 2016
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Janet Newport · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for this arc.

This has been getting great reviews and I was excited to start reading it. While the story told is as it was presented, it just fell flat for me. The book was truly written for the teen market and I should have paid more attention to that, but I'm having a hard time putting my finger on exactly what hit the sour notes for me. It was written as all "tell" with very little "show." The characters fell in and out of dialect and their dialogue seemed very formal and outdated when not speaking the local patois. The story did move along at a decent pace with a few gaps in the timeline here and there. Other times, the story was overly focused on an event, detailing every breath taken by the characters. I had a tough time connecting with any of the characters as they all seemed to be presented as either stark white good guys or deepest dark bad guys. Though it's marketed as a teen/YA read, it just seemed more appropriate for the pre-teen range for the emotional depth of the characters displayed.

I also found that the myriad of societal "ills".... poverty, racism, sexual exploitation of women and children, anti-Semitism, gun violence, and potential infertility issues were minimized and used as mere plot contrivances for a happy fairy tale story,

2 to 2.25 stars

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Cry Again will make you weep and cheer for the sweet and resilient main character, Drew.

Born into a family battling generations of abuse, Drew finds the good in the world, holds on to it and transforms his life. Born to an abused and battered mother, raised by a motley crew of prostitutes, housekeepers, church folk, teachers and neighbors, Drew's optimism, determination and smarts help him escape the utter disaster that is his home life and start again.

As the Great Depression and World War II swirl around the characters, vivid pictures are painted of the world Drew lives in - from the urban centers to the rural Deep South. Cole is a descriptive and vibrant storyteller, delighting readers with his nuanced characters and detailed settings. You feel that you are not just reading a book, but walking alongside the characters, living the story with them. History buffs will particularly enjoy the way Cole weaves historical events into Drew's life.

This book is sure to break your heart and make you believe that you can overcome any odds. What a spectacular debut novel! I can't wait to see what Cole cooks up next.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This debut novel is worthy of so much praise! It has so many of the elements that I look forward to in a book. Great character development, exciting plot, important themes, and a read that I learned a lot from.

Drew. What can I say? He has experienced so much in his life that no child (or anyone, really) should experience. He never knew his father, his mom regrets him being born, he’s known starvation, has had to fend for himself, lost loved ones, and sexually assaulted. With all these experiences, though, this young boy never lost the one thing that made him special – Drew’s friendliness and acceptance of all. In a time when African Americans were poorly thought of, Drew loved and trusted every single African American he came in contact with. This put him in odds with some, but he never faltered in the love he had for his real family.

Read my full review here:
https://bookloverblogs.com/2017/03/23...

*This was part of the OnlineBookClub.org Book of the Day Program*

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, thos book was pretty good, although very sad. The writing style really wasn't my type. I felt like it was more like telling a story rather than actually experiencing it.

[Venae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. Word of warning...this book contains some language and situations that may make some very uncomfortable. That being said I liked the realness of the story and found myself very involved in reading on to the next page even when I was tired. So it kept me very interested! I gave the book only four stars because of the language. But I understand why the language and situations were told the way they were...for me it gave the story depth and showed the intensity of the situations that occurred.

[Doris Vandruff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drew is just eleven years old when he makes his way into a church. He is older than his years. He has gone through so much in his young life, abuse, neglect. He has finally made his way to this small church, hoping to find food and shelter. What he finds is a kind priest. A priest that will nurture, protect and love him. Someone who helps him find a home and a loving father figure. He will encounter numerous people who will influence his life. He will bring the love that he has for the black people and stand up for them. Through many ordeals he will finally reach the goals that he has wanted to achieve. And one day he will become a lawyer and help change the course of history.
Phenomenal!
Great storyline and strong characters. Strongly recommended.

[Debra Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

NEVER CRY AGAIN is Jim Cole's debut novel and what a fantastic book this is! The protagonist of this story is Drew, a young man whom you'll never forget; once you read his story. Drew is born in 1926, in a bawdy house, to 16 year old Edith Simmons in southern Arkansas. Edith was obviously never meant to be a mother. The only times she'll ever want Drew around .... is when he can do something for her. He lives behind the house, in a shack with Maude, an old black woman who loves him dearly. She's his real mother; the one who feeds, clothes, and watches out for him. Drew goes to the Reverend Thomas's church with Maude and Eddie, the piano player. He meets his best friend Leon there, and they learn to love to sing! Drew doesn't understand segregation, because to him, people are either good or bad, not black or white! The Reverend sees how bright Drew is and begins to teach him at his home. Eddie teaches Drew to play piano and tap dance. When he starts to go to the one room schoolhouse, he doesn't know why Leon can't come there with him. Miss Catherine, his teacher, belongs to the NAACP, and is fighting for the black children to attend school, too. The KKK in Arkansas of the 1930's is still a force to be reckoned with. Drew awakens one night to the smell of smoke. He gets up, looks around, and sees a cross burning in front of the schoolnouse. His beloved Miss Catherine's schoolhouse is on fire, too! However, Drew is also seen by some of the white hooded men, and he knows who some of them are, too. Drew's Mother and he are no longer living at Mrs Lytte's bawdy house. One night, one of Drew's many "uncles" comes after him, and Drew finally fights back. Then his Mother throws Drew out of the house and tells him not to come back. That night Drew vows to himself that he'll "never cry again". Where and who does Drew go to now? He's only 10 years old! He's lived a hard life already, and he'll take all his life's lessons and skills with him to a new life ... somewhere. This is a must read book, that is still relevant to our world today. NEVER CRY AGAIN is a heartfelt and thought-provoking book. I know that I will never forget Drew, one of the most delightful characters I've ever read about!

[Kade Gulluscio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks NetGalley!

This book is beautiful. It's about a mistreated little boy in the 20s & 30s whom was born to a prostitute.

The story is well-written, easy to read, and i read it quickly! Buy it!

[♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

*This book was provided by Net Galley in exchange for an honest review*

It takes a lot for me to cry while reading a book and this book did exactly that. While reading I was crying and longing to help Drew. This book was heart-wrenching and heart stopping. I couldn't put it down and I wanted to see what would happen to Drew.

The character backgrounds are rich and well developed as is the plot. Some parts seemed a bit choppy but I barely noticed.

The author made me mad, sad and happy which sometimes doesn't happen. The author made me feel the pain and sorrow and I could feel it coming through the pages.

I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Michelle Noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

I volunteered to give an honest review in exchange for a free copy of the book. The book is set in the 1920s and 1930s in the south. A little boy is born to a poor woman working as a prostitute. His mother doesn't want him, and she lets the African American maid and the maids black church community raise him until about age 5. The mother leaves the brothel to be cared for by a man, and she has to take her son with her. He goes through turbulent times while living with his mother. This book has a lot of the discrimination against the blacks during this time period. The author does a good job of making you sad and angry. I cried at the ending. I look forward to more books from this author.

[Beverly McCamly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book

I am an avid kindle reader. However, I heard about this book when I met the author while swimming at a health club in Victoria Tx. This book is about a boy ,born to a prostitute in depression era south, and his difficult and amazing life. I thoughly enjoyed this book. This does not read like a book from a first time author. The story grabs you up and sweeps you along for the ride. I'm hoping to hear from more from this 80 year old first time novelist! Hint: He said there may be a a sequel.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a while to get into the book. I had a hard time with the "authentic" dialog used by some of the characters. Once I got about 1/4 into the book I became very engaged with the main character. The more I read the more engaged I became with the story. I live in the areas where much of the book takes place and the historical aspect was very interesting. I recommend this as a good summer read.

I am really looking forward to reading the second book in the trilogy.

I knew the author as the father of my high school friend. I had no idea of his writing talent!!
Susan

[Ken Oder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Cry Again tells the story of a young man who beats all the odds. He is conceived in abuse, born into neglect, and raised with hatred. That he survives at all is a miracle, but he does much more. Year by year, chapter by chapter, he makes a gritty determined climb out of poverty and hell, each rung on the ladder a hard-earned achievement. Jim Cole’s debut is a well written, artfully told, historical and literary journey that leaves you hoping for a sequel.

[R.L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book for a fair and honest review. Never Cry Again is a well-written chronicle of a boy's life rough as it is in the early '30's in America. His mother didn't want him, the sweet black folk from a nearby church nurtured him and taught him what love meant. The terrible circumstances of his life didn't daunt him, but made him stronger. When I walked away from the book I found I was still thinking about it for days after.

[Nicki Southwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the 1930s in the American south, this is about Drew who, despite his upbringing, beats the odds.

His childhood is abysmal with abuse etc. and at 10 years old he escapes, via a freight train. Having left his friends behind, and more importantly his childhood, it is then that he decides never to cry again. He needs to move forward, even at that tender age.

The great depression and world war II pass and still, this resilient young man seeks for the goodness in life. He is quite an inspiration. He will battle through but is determined to reach his goal safely.

Jim Cole is an empathetic writer and his description of the characters is brilliant. You may well find reading this difficult, but it is worth carrying on. The plot, in particular, is worthy of some ****

I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity.

[Connie Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wondered why I had bought this book from the Blue Willow and had it signed. Then I read the back jacket and discovered the author was currently residing in my home town in TX. It was a good read, the main character had a terrible mother but he never let that stop him from improving his own life. He managed to survive beginning at the age of 7. She threw him out! He made a lot of wonderful negro friends who raised him and he had a wonderful school teacher who helped him and then reconnected with him even after she had moved. Very heart warming story. Would give it a 7 out of 10.

[Venae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. Word of warning...this book contains some language and situations that may make some very uncomfortable. That being said I liked the realness of the story and found myself very involved in reading on to the next page even when I was tired. So it kept me very interested! I gave the book only four stars because of the language. But I understand why the language and situations were told the way they were...for me it gave the story depth and showed the intensity of the situations that occurred.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was not a light read by any stretch of the imagination - it covers various heavy topics including extreme poverty, abuse, and rape. By the age of ten, Drew has lived a hard life, but his adventures are only beginning. You'll easily fall in love with Drew, he's a well-developed character with plenty of depth. It's easy to imagine him as a real person navigating America in the early to mid 20th century. Cole does an excellent job of bringing the historical setting to life, drawing the reader in with vivid descriptions. Perfect for historical fiction lovers.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, Jim Cole, NetGalley and the publisher (Xlibris) for allowing me to read this book.

While this normally isn't my type of book to read, based on the description of the book, I wanted to really read this book. I did enjoy this coming of age book, and thought that it was extremely thought provoking, especially for a kid in the early 1930's.

I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys historical books.

[Courtney Whisenant · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the saddest books I've ever read. Although painful to read, the story was written in such a way that I had to keep reading. Drew was a character that I could relate to, empathize with, and root for. If you like literary fiction, this book is for you!

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Historical Novel.

This book was written about the era when my parents were growing up. The racial tense, the depression and World War II made me wish I had ask them more questions. My father was stationed at the Army Base in New Mexico that they tested the Atomic Bomb.

[kelly James · Rating 1 out of 5]

I cant really review this book as I did try to read but just couldn't get on with it.
I did read a couple of chapters but the the style of writing was not not for me so I not saying this book was good or bad other maybe love this book.

[Gregory Godon · Rating 5 out of 5]

80 Years of Wisdom

Good stuff great characters lots of fun worth every minute.
Live and let live ...and read.
Enjoy your summer with a good book.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a whole book in 24 hours but there was no way I was putting down Never Cry Again is a complex, painful family love .. Real and raw .. Loved it!’

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot. Very good racial storyline. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC #netgalley #Nevercryagain

[The Endless Unread · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful story about overcoming obstacles. This was well written and I look forward to seeing what else the author has to offer.