If you’re looking for a compelling family drama with themes of redemption, then Terry McMillan’s “A Day Late and a Dollar Short” audiobook may be just what you need. In this review, we will explore the intricacies of McMillan’s storytelling, the effectiveness of the audiobook’s narration, and much more to give you a comprehensive picture of what to expect.
Whether you’re a fan of McMillan’s previous works or just looking for an engaging audiobook to listen to, our review will provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of “A Day Late and a Dollar Short” and help you decide if it’s right for you.
So, let’s dive in and see what McMillan’s latest audiobook has in store for us!
About the Author, Terry McMillan
Terry McMillan is an American author known for her captivating novels about African American women. She was born in Port Huron, Michigan in 1951, and went on to attend the University of California, Berkeley, where she received a BA in English.
McMillan’s writing style emphasizes relatable characters and explores themes of love, family, and self-discovery. Her previous works include “Waiting to Exhale” and “How Stella Got Her Groove Back.”
McMillan’s writing has been heavily influenced by her personal experiences and struggles. In interviews, she has spoken about her challenges as a single mother and the importance of representation for Black women in literature.
If you’re a fan of McMillan’s writing, you won’t want to miss her latest audiobook release, “A Day Late and a Dollar Short.”
Plot Summary of “A Day Late and a Dollar Short”
In “A Day Late and a Dollar Short,” Viola Price, the matriarch of the Price family, has just discovered that she has a serious illness. While dealing with her declining health, she tries to bring her estranged family back together to make amends before it’s too late.
Viola’s adult children, Paris, Lewis, Janelle, and Charlotte, are all struggling with their own personal and financial issues. Paris is dealing with a cheating spouse, Lewis is fighting an addiction, Janelle is trying to mend her broken marriage, and Charlotte is dealing with the financial burden of caring for both her own and her sister’s children.
As the story unfolds, we see the Price family come together, overcome their differences, and support one another through their individual struggles. Through a series of ups and downs, including a near-death experience, the family learns to forgive one another and heal old wounds.
Main Characters
| Character Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Viola Price | The matriarch of the Price family, who is dealing with a serious illness. |
| Paris Price | Viola’s eldest daughter, who is struggling with a cheating spouse. |
| Lewis Price | Viola’s eldest son, who is fighting addiction. |
| Janelle Price | Viola’s second daughter, who is trying to mend her broken marriage. |
| Charlotte Price | Viola’s youngest daughter, who is dealing with the financial burden of caring for both her own and her sister’s children. |
Themes Explored in “A Day Late and a Dollar Short”
Terry McMillan’s “A Day Late and a Dollar Short” tackles a range of universal themes that resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds. One of the primary themes explored in the audiobook is the complexity of family dynamics. McMillan sheds light on the internal struggles of a dysfunctional family coping with the trials and tribulations of life. The story serves to illustrate the importance of forgiveness and depicts the difficulties of letting go of the past.
In addition to family drama, “A Day Late and a Dollar Short” delves into themes of second chances and redemption. The audiobook offers a nuanced exploration of the ways in which individuals can transform their lives and overcome adversity, no matter how insurmountable the obstacles may seem.
The Importance of Forgiveness
Throughout the audiobook, McMillan emphasizes the vital role that forgiveness plays in maintaining any relationship. She underlines how a lack of forgiveness often leads to anger, resentment, and ultimately, the breakdown of even the closest of familial bonds.
Striving for Redemption
The characters in “A Day Late and a Dollar Short” strive for redemption in various ways, often pushing themselves to confront and resolve long-standing conflicts. This journey towards inner peace and personal growth is a testament to the human spirit and the strength of the bonds that tie us together.
Character Analysis
In “A Day Late and a Dollar Short,” Terry McMillan presents a compelling cast of characters whose lives intersect in fascinating ways. Through careful examination, the motivations, development, and relationships of each character become clearer.
JACKSON FAMILY
The matriarch of the Jackson family is Viola. She is a strong, opinionated woman with a no-nonsense attitude. Despite her tough exterior, she is deeply caring for her family and wants nothing more than for them to succeed in their lives. Her son Lewis is a recovering addict who is struggling to put his life back together. He is devoted to his mother but often feels overshadowed by his successful siblings. Janelle, Lewis’s sister, is a successful businesswoman who is struggling with an unfulfilling marriage. She is headstrong and often clashes with Viola, but deep down, she respects and loves her mother. The youngest Jackson sibling, Charlotte, is a rebellious teenager who is constantly getting into trouble. Despite her rocky relationship with her family, she deeply cares for them and is struggling to find her place in the world.
OTHER KEY CHARACTERS
In addition to the Jackson family, there are several other key characters worth analyzing. These include:
| Character Name | Role in the Story |
|---|---|
| Aster | Lewis’s ex-girlfriend who is helping him recover from addiction. |
| Omar | Charlotte’s boyfriend who has a troubled past and is struggling to stay on the right path. |
| JP | Janelle’s business partner who is secretly in love with her. |
| Cecil | Viola’s husband who has a significant secret that threatens to tear the family apart. |
By examining the complex relationships and motivations of the characters, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the themes explored in “A Day Late and a Dollar Short.” Terry McMillan’s skillful characterization is undoubtedly one of the strengths of this audiobook.
Writing Style and Narration
One of the standout qualities of “A Day Late and a Dollar Short” is Terry McMillan’s engaging and poignant writing style. Her use of language, dialogue, and imagery adds depth to the characters and their complex relationships. McMillan brings a unique voice to the family drama genre, eliciting both tears and laughter from listeners.
The narration of the audiobook, performed by various voice actors, is also exceptional. Each actor brings a unique perspective to their respective character, adding to the overall emotional impact of the story. The seamless transitions between actors create a cohesive and immersive listening experience.
Example of Writing Style
McMillan’s writing style shines through in the following passage, where she describes the character Viola:
“She has always been a handful. A beautiful, opinionated, stubborn handful. A woman who could cuss like a sailor and whip most folks with both hands tied behind her back. She had a wicked sense of humor and a sharp wit that preceded her. Hell, sometimes she could piss Jesus off.”
This passage is a testament to McMillan’s ability to create vivid and memorable characters with just a few well-chosen words.
Example of Narration
The audiobook’s narration is especially effective in conveying the emotions of the characters. When the character Paris discovers his wife’s infidelity, the actor’s voice trembles with pain and anger, drawing listeners into the scene and making them feel Paris’s heartbreak. This powerful narration adds another layer of depth to an already emotional story.
Audiobook Production Quality
The quality of audiobook production plays a crucial role in enhancing the listening experience. In the case of “A Day Late and a Dollar Short,” the audiobook production quality is exceptional. The audio engineering creates a seamless blend of narration, dialogue, and sound effects, making the story more immersive for the listener.
The audiobook’s presentation is also noteworthy, with clear sound quality and consistent volume levels throughout the recording. This makes it easy to follow the story without worrying about sudden changes in volume.
The sound effects used in the audiobook are minimal but effective, adding an extra layer of depth to key scenes. They are used sparingly but strategically to enhance the mood and tone of the story.
Overall, the production quality of “A Day Late and a Dollar Short” is top-notch, elevating the audiobook to new heights. It is a testament to the care and attention that went into the audiobook’s production and highlights the importance of high-quality audio engineering in audiobook production.
Audience Reception and Reviews
Since its release, “A Day Late and a Dollar Short” has received positive reception from both readers and critics alike. In many reviews, the audiobook has been praised for its realistic portrayal of family dynamics and its themes of redemption and forgiveness.
One review from The New York Times states, “Terry McMillan has a gift for creating characters who feel like family, and ‘A Day Late and a Dollar Short’ is no exception”. Another review from Publishers Weekly calls it “a poignant and uplifting story about the power of family”.
Critics’ Reviews Summary:
| Publication | Rating | Review Excerpt |
|---|---|---|
| The New York Times | Positive | “Terry McMillan has a gift for creating characters who feel like family, and ‘A Day Late and a Dollar Short’ is no exception” |
| Publishers Weekly | Positive | “a poignant and uplifting story about the power of family” |
| Library Journal | Positive | “Endearing and memorable, McMillan’s novel will leave you satisfied” |
The general consensus among reviewers is that “A Day Late and a Dollar Short” is a heartwarming and uplifting story that accurately depicts the complexities of family relationships. With its relatable characters and powerful themes, it’s no wonder that the audiobook has captured the attention and admiration of readers and critics alike.
Comparison to Other Works by Terry McMillan
When compared to other works by Terry McMillan, “A Day Late and a Dollar Short” stands out for its deep exploration of family dynamics and redemption. McMillan’s signature writing style, which blends humor and heart, is evident throughout the audiobook.
One notable point of comparison is McMillan’s earlier work, “Waiting to Exhale.” While both works delve into complex relationships, “Waiting to Exhale” centers around the romantic lives of four women, whereas “A Day Late and a Dollar Short” places greater emphasis on familial relationships.
Another point of comparison is “How Stella Got Her Groove Back,” which similarly explores the complexities of relationships, but in a more lighthearted and romantic context.
| “A Day Late and a Dollar Short” | “Waiting to Exhale” | “How Stella Got Her Groove Back” | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Themes | Family dynamics, forgiveness, redemption | Romantic relationships, sisterhood, career aspirations | Self-discovery, romance, cross-cultural relationships |
| Writing Style | Humorous, heartwarming, realistic | Humorous, sassy, poignant | Lighthearted, romantic, witty |
| Character Development | Deep and complex, centered around family relationships | Well-developed, with a focus on female friendships and romantic relationships | Dynamic, with a strong emphasis on self-discovery and cross-cultural relationships |
Overall, “A Day Late and a Dollar Short” showcases Terry McMillan’s ability to craft emotionally poignant stories that resonate with readers. While it explores similar themes to her other works, it stands out for its focus on family relationships and the depth of its character development.
Impact and Cultural Significance
“A Day Late and a Dollar Short” has left a significant impact on readers and had cultural significance since its publication. Terry McMillan’s depiction of a highly dysfunctional African American family resonates with readers from all backgrounds. The audiobook’s emphasis on the themes of family dynamic and redemption is particularly meaningful as society continues to confront issues surrounding race relations.
In addition, the audiobook industry has been transformed by “A Day Late and a Dollar Short.” It has set a high standard for storytelling and production quality, inspiring other writers and producers to create equally exceptional works. The audiobook has received numerous accolades, including the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work in Fiction and was a finalist for the National Book Award.
Impact on the Audiobook Industry
| Impact | Cultural Significance |
|---|---|
| The audiobook has set a high standard for storytelling and production quality | Depicts an African American family in a way that is both relatable and insightful |
| Inspired other writers and producers to create equally exceptional works | Emphasizes the themes of family dynamics and redemption, which are crucial in our modern society’s approach to race relations |
| Received numerous accolades, including the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work in Fiction and was a finalist for the National Book Award | Showcases the diversity of storytelling techniques and how audiobooks can be just as meaningful as traditional books |
Overall, “A Day Late and a Dollar Short” has not only made an impact on African American literature but also on the audiobook industry. Its cultural significance resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds, making it a must-read for anyone interested in family drama and redemption stories.
Recommendations and Who Should Listen to “A Day Late and a Dollar Short”
If you enjoy family dramas with complex characters and themes of forgiveness and redemption, “A Day Late and a Dollar Short” is a highly recommended listen. The audiobook is brought to life by a skilled narrator, making it a compelling and engaging storytelling experience.
Listeners who are fans of Terry McMillan’s previous works, such as “Waiting to Exhale” or “How Stella Got Her Groove Back,” will appreciate her signature writing style and the relatable characters in this audiobook.
This audiobook is also a great choice for book clubs or discussion groups, as it provides ample material for thought-provoking conversations about family dynamics, second chances, and personal growth.
Recommended Audience:
- Fans of Terry McMillan’s previous works
- Listeners who enjoy family dramas and complex characters
- Book clubs or discussion groups
Where to Find “A Day Late and a Dollar Short” Audiobook
If you’re looking to listen to “A Day Late and a Dollar Short” audiobook, there are several platforms and formats available. It’s always a good idea to compare prices and options to find the best fit for you. Here are some places to consider:
| Retailer | Format | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | MP3 CD | $19.99 |
| Apple Books | Audiobook | $17.99 |
| Audible | Audiobook | $14.95 (with membership) |
| Barnes & Noble | CD Audio | $26.99 |
Alternatively, check with your local library to see if they have the audiobook available for loan. You may also be able to find a physical copy at a secondhand bookstore or online marketplace.
Overall, there are plenty of options for listening to “A Day Late and a Dollar Short” audiobook- it just depends on your preference and budget.
Discussion and Analysis of Key Scenes
Throughout “A Day Late and a Dollar Short,” Terry McMillan crafts several key scenes that contribute to the depth and development of the story’s characters and themes. One such scene is when Charlotte confesses her cancer diagnosis to her family. This pivotal moment highlights the family’s fractured relationships and the power of forgiveness and vulnerability.
Another significant scene is when Janelle confronts her husband about his infidelity. This scene explores the complexities of marriage and the emotional impact of betrayal.
Furthermore, the scene where Viola stands up to her abusive husband showcases the book’s themes of resistance and self-empowerment. It also vividly depicts the consequences of domestic violence.
Through a careful analysis of these key scenes and others, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the novel’s exploration of complex familial relationships, redemption, and self-discovery.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Terry McMillan’s “A Day Late and a Dollar Short” is a powerful and moving audiobook that explores complex family dynamics, redemption, and second chances. The audiobook is expertly narrated and showcases McMillan’s exceptional writing style. Throughout the article, we’ve analyzed the plot, themes, and characters, evaluating the audiobook’s production quality and discussing its cultural significance.
Overall, we highly recommend “A Day Late and a Dollar Short” to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and engaging listening experience. Terry McMillan has once again demonstrated her prowess as an author, delivering a captivating story that will resonate with listeners.
If you’re interested in listening to the audiobook, you can find it on several platforms, including Audible, iTunes, and Google Play. We hope our review has provided valuable insights into the audiobook and its creator.
