THE SITTIN' UP

Narrator JD Jackson’s deep, resonant voice tells the story of 11-year-old Bean and the summer of 1940 in North Carolina when a beloved 100-year-old former slave, Mr. Bro. Wiley, dies. Listeners are given in-depth details about African-American traditions of caring for the dead and the sorrowful reactions of the townspeople who loved Mr. Bro. deeply. With his smooth narration, vivid character depictions, and beautiful singing voice, Jackson enhances a plot that youngsters may find slow paced and a little morbid. He brings out the sorrowful emotions of the history of slavery as well as the deep spirituality and pride of the characters, along with their hope and joy as times begin to change for the better. M.M.G. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2014]