Good Kings Bad Kings Audiobook By Susan Nussbaum cover art

Good Kings Bad Kings

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Good Kings Bad Kings

By: Susan Nussbaum
Narrated by: Christina Delaine, Lauren Fortgang, Emma Galvin, Alexander Cendese, David Ledoux, Karen Murray, Daya Mendez
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Told in alternating perspectives by a varied and vocal cast of characters, Nussbaum pulls back the curtain to reveal the complicated and funny and tough life inside the walls of an institution for juveniles with disabilities. From Yessenia Lopez, who dreams of her next boyfriend and of one day of living outside those walls, to Teddy, a resident who dresses up daily in a full suit and tie, to Mia, who guards a terrifying secret, Nussbaum has crafted a multifaceted portrait of a way of life hidden from most of us.

In this isolated human warehouse on Chicago's South Side, friendships are forged, trust is built, and love affairs begin. And it's in their alliances that the residents ultimately find the strength to bond together and finally fight back against their mistreatment.

Told with humor and authenticity in voices that stay with you long past the last moments, Good Kings Bad Kings is at once strikingly original, baldly funny, and profoundly moving.

Performed by an ensemble cast, with Chris Delaine (Joanne Madsen), Lauren Fortgang (Michelle Volkmann), Emma Galvin (Yessenia Lopez), Alexander Cendese (Teddy Dobbs), David Ledoux (Ricky Hernandez), Karen Murray (Jimmie Kendrick), and Daya Mendez (Mia Oviedo).

©2013 Susan Nussbaum. Recorded by arrangement with Algonquin Books of Chapel hill, a Division of Workman Publishing Company, Inc. (P)2013 HighBridge Company Disability Awareness Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Tearjerking Witty Royalty
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Critic reviews

"This is fiction at its best. The story's sharp eye allows no one to take shelter, and it doesn't flinch, it is simply and breathtakingly honest. A stunning accomplishment." (Barbara Kingsolver)
Multiple Narratives • Well-plotted Story • Compelling Relationships • Creative Storytelling • Lively Voice Performances

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It will make you cry but your understanding will be broadened as well. Great read!

Tough topic, great book

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Would you try another book from Susan Nussbaum and/or the narrators?

Why not?

What was one of the most memorable moments of Good Kings Bad Kings?

The descriptions of the situations the young people were forced into were very good. Since I have worked with children that have challenging behaviors, emotional disabilities and the like, I know about some of these awful experiences.

What does the narrators bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I appreciated the different accents--although knowing children with cognitive and intellectual disabilities--the words and sentences were so far from what a person would ever hear--if he or she were in a position to converse with the youth.

Could you see Good Kings Bad Kings being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

I can't imagine this--no.

Any additional comments?

I wish the author would have continued writing the book with a more indepth look into what was going on in the institution--the one that housed the youth. She had so many different problems coming into focus and then letting them just fade without adequately justifying all the details and hoopla--e.g. the woman with physical disabilities that worked at ILSI--we get to know her so well and understand her role in the story--and then she gets fired and boom--she's gone.

A great start with disappointing results

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Amazing, realistic, heartbreaking and awakening account of institutionalization. must listen for anyone working in nursing homes, group homes or mental institutions

Excellent

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I love how all characters explain theirs life and how they were able to feel their emotions

I love the story, it is based on many different characters who are disabled and has many other conflicts.

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If you could sum up Good Kings Bad Kings in three words, what would they be?

Social consciousness raising

What did you like best about this story?

I enjoyed the multiple narratives, although this did create an episodic story rather than one that flowed. It does not surprise me that the author is also a playwright. It was almost like listening to a reading of a script by the cast of actors.

Which character – as performed by the narrators – was your favorite?

All of the narrators were excellent. It would be difficult to select a favorite character, although I'd say Jessinia and Ricky were especially likable.

Excellent use of multiple narrators

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