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Diane McKinney-Whetstone
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Tumbling: A Novel Paperback – June 29, 2010

4.6 out of 5 stars 435 ratings
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“Warm and intimate. . . . An accomplished novel, with sharply drawn characters, exuberant prose, plenty of period detail and a wise, forgiving outlook on family life.” — Los Angeles Times Book Review

Tumbling is the beloved bestselling debut novel that launched the luminous career of Diane McKinney Whetstone, critically acclaimed author of Tempest Rising, Blues Dancing, Leaving Cecil Street, and Trading Dreams at Midnight. Writing in a style as accessible as Terry McMillan, yet with the literary touches of Toni Morrison, McKinney Whetstone’s Tumbling is a poignant, exquisitely rendered story of the ties that bind us and the secrets that keep us apart.

Noon and Herbie are deeply in love and living in a tightly knit African American neighborhood in South Philadelphia during the 1940s. But their marriage remains unconsummated because of a horrible incident in Noon's past, so each seeks comfort elsewhere: Noon in the warm acceptance of the neighborhood church; Herbie in the arms of Ethel, a jazz singer. Then one day an infant girl is left on their doorstep, and later Ethel blesses them with her five-year-old niece. Suddenly and unexpectedly a family, Herbie, Noon, and their two girls draw closer—until an outside threat reawakens a fire in Noon, causing her to rise up and fight to hold her family and her community together.

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  1. Print length
    368 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Harper Perennial
  4. Publication date
    June 29, 2010
  5. Dimensions
    1 x 5.2 x 7.9 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    9780061792120
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0061792120
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“Even the air is palpable in TUMBLING. . . . The story moves forth on the power of Ms. Mckinney-Whetstone’s characters. Ms. McKinney-Whetstone captures the formidable struggle to protect both a community and a family.” — New York Times Book Review

“A densely textured narrative that proves as rich and filling as a well-cooked meal. McKinney-Whetstone’s remarkably skillful first effort should place her at the forefront of a generation of emerging African-American women novelists. McKinney-Whetstone is clearly a smart, careful writer who’s created a page-turner of a novel with abundant style and irresistible charm.” — Washington Post Book World

“An accomplished novel, with sharply drawn characters, exuberant prose, plenty of period detail and a wise, forgiving outlook on family life.” — Los Angeles Times Book Review

“[A] beautifully written tale [and] a lyrical read.” — USA Today

“[A] remarkable first novel. . . . The story probes beneath its residents’ lives to tell a powerful tale of damage and healing.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“A bouncy, moody, musical debut by an author who, like a good blues singer, is strong on style and interpretation. . . . A gifted prose writer with a tremendous sense of place.” — Kirkus Reviews

“McKinney-Whetstone . . . has a true talent for strong characters, effortlessly natural dialogue, and prose that flows.” — Kirkus Reviews

“In an era when most writers bank on hype and hook to grab a reader’s attention, McKinney-Whetstone has amassed an enthusiastic cadre of readers by writing engaging characters supported by enchanting language.” — BET Weekend

From the Back Cover

Noon and Herbie are deeply in love and living in a tightly knit African American neighborhood in South Philadelphia during the 1940s. But their marriage remains unconsummated because of a horrible incident in Noon's past, so each seeks comfort elsewhere: Noon in the warm acceptance of the neighborhood church; Herbie in the arms of Ethel, a jazz singer. Then one day an infant girl is left on their doorstep, and later Ethel blesses them with her five-year-old niece. Suddenly and unexpectedly a family, Herbie, Noon, and their two girls draw closer—until an outside threat reawakens a fire in Noon, causing her to rise up and fight to hold her family and her community together.

Diane McKinney-Whetstone's Tumbling is a poignant, exquisitely rendered story of the ties that bind us and the secrets that keep us apart.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 0061792128
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harper Perennial; Reprint edition (June 29, 2010)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780061792120
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0061792120
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 1 x 5.2 x 7.9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 435 ratings

About the author

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Diane McKinney-Whetstone

Diane McKinney-Whetstone

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
435 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this novel to be a page-turner with surprising plot twists and great storytelling. The writing is brilliant, with nuanced characters and emotional depth that resonates with readers. Moreover, the book receives positive feedback for its visual quality, with one customer noting they could clearly picture the scenes described. Additionally, customers appreciate how the book evokes childhood memories and provides a good look into African American family life.

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44 customers mention "Readability"44 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as a page-turner that kept them entertained.

"This is a great book full of beautiful imagery, well developed characters and a captivating plot...." Read more

"...The author is a fantastic storyteller. Highly entertaining. "Tumbling" held my attention from the beginning to the end." Read more

"...I liked the book and the way the story was told. I really would like to see what happened with Liz...." Read more

"I love this book. It was well written, it draw me in from the beginning. I fell in love with the characters and felt their pain...." Read more

31 customers mention "Story quality"29 positive2 negative

Customers love the story of this novel, praising its compelling narrative and surprising plot twists.

"...book full of beautiful imagery, well developed characters and a captivating plot...." Read more

"...I liked the book and the way the story was told. I really would like to see what happened with Liz...." Read more

"...This was absolute genius in my opinion. The story was spiritual, metaphorical, intellectual, and at times humorous...." Read more

"...didn’t want the book to end, but it ended with closure that was worthy of the story...." Read more

23 customers mention "Writing quality"23 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, finding it brilliant and delightful to read, with one customer noting how the author slowly develops the story.

"I loved this read. It was a bookclub selection. The author is a fantastic storyteller. Highly entertaining. "..." Read more

"I love this book. It was well written, it draw me in from the beginning. I fell in love with the characters and felt their pain...." Read more

"I love when a writer slowly develops a story and takes the readers on the journey with her...." Read more

"...This is my 1st audible and I can't stop listening. The narrator is the best. Very clear and easy to understand. This book is well written...." Read more

18 customers mention "Character development"18 positive0 negative

Customers love the nuanced characters in the book, with one customer particularly appreciating the detailed background of the main character.

"...I really could imagine all of the characters and see every detail that was described so well. I related to the themes easily." Read more

"...It was well written, it draw me in from the beginning. I fell in love with the characters and felt their pain...." Read more

"I enjoyed this book, the plot and character build up was amazing. I love got the author portrayed a sense of community." Read more

"...Diane McKinney-Whetstone truly has a way with words that bring her characters to life. I will definitely be reading more from her." Read more

7 customers mention "Emotion level"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the emotional depth of the book, with one customer noting how it portrays a sense of community and examines multiple family dynamics, while another mentions it provides a good look into African American family life.

"...could smell the aromas brewing, taste the atmosphere, and feel the emotions on every page. Diane never fails to bring her pages to life...." Read more

"...I love got the author portrayed a sense of community." Read more

"...Its like your experiencing every emotion,inner thought and feeling of each character!..." Read more

"...A page turner indeed. Every emotion tapped into. Highly recommended." Read more

5 customers mention "Visual quality"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the visual quality of the book, describing it as a beautiful novel with vivid imagery, and one customer mentions being able to clearly picture the scenes in their mind.

"...I really could imagine all of the characters and see every detail that was described so well. I related to the themes easily." Read more

"...This was definitely art imitating life. Kudos to a work well done!" Read more

"...What a beautiful novel; it actually reminded me of Toni Morrison's Jazz and any novelist who can conjure up images of Toni Morrison with only her..." Read more

"...book three times now and it never disappoints, this is one of the most endearing, heartfelt, loving, and inspiring books I've ever read...." Read more

4 customers mention "Memories"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's ability to evoke childhood memories, with one customer noting its inspiring nature.

"...this is one of the most endearing, heartfelt, loving, and inspiring books I've ever read...." Read more

"I enjoyed this story. It took me back to my growing up. Everyone had a past in this story." Read more

"I loved this story. It was different, had some lessons and kept me entertained...." Read more

"Memorable, believable characters, brought back memories of my childhood and the Black community i grew up in." Read more

Excellent African American Historical Fiction
5 out of 5 stars
Excellent African American Historical Fiction
This was recommended by a member of my book club. I listened to the audio version and when I was finished, had to buy the book for my collection! I have since bought other books by this author! She is a gem!!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • spackie03
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very well written
    Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This is a great book full of beautiful imagery, well developed characters and a captivating plot. I really could imagine all of the characters and see every detail that was described so well. I related to the themes easily.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Lynn
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great novel.
    Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I loved this read. It was a bookclub selection. The author is a fantastic storyteller. Highly entertaining. "Tumbling" held my attention from the beginning to the end.
    Helpful
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  • Readergirl
    4.0 out of 5 stars Stepping back in time....
    Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This was a story that made me feel like I had stepped back in time and was watching the daily life of my relatives and their struggles and triumphs. The church was the cornerstone of the black community unlike today but that is a different conversation. A husband and wife still stayed married to each other even through some very tough situations. The thought processes and personal belief systems were so different from how people are today. The pastor was considered to be a leader in the community and his opinion mattered more than what we see today. I liked the book and the way the story was told. I really would like to see what happened with Liz. She had a serious problem and I would like to know if she got help for it
    7 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • deal shopper
    5.0 out of 5 stars wonderful
    Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I love this book. It was well written, it draw me in from the beginning. I fell in love with the characters and felt their pain. Highly recommend this book, it will not disappoint.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • TreDB
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent African American Historical Fiction
    Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This was recommended by a member of my book club. I listened to the audio version and when I was finished, had to buy the book for my collection! I have since bought other books by this author! She is a gem!!
    Customer image
    TreDB
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Excellent African American Historical Fiction

    Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2024
    This was recommended by a member of my book club. I listened to the audio version and when I was finished, had to buy the book for my collection! I have since bought other books by this author! She is a gem!!
    Images in this review
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    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Remarkable!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    This is an unforgettable story that takes the reader right into the lives of each character major or otherwise. You could smell the aromas brewing, taste the atmosphere, and feel the emotions on every page. Diane never fails to bring her pages to life. However, she may have outdid herself in Tumbling. This was absolute genius in my opinion. The story was spiritual, metaphorical, intellectual, and at times humorous. This was definitely art imitating life. Kudos to a work well done!
    8 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars BRILLIANT!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2008
    Verified Purchase
    This was the first novel I've read by McKinney-Whetstone but it certainly won't be my last. What a beautiful novel; it actually reminded me of Toni Morrison's Jazz and any novelist who can conjure up images of Toni Morrison with only her FIRST attempt has got to be some kind of genius. Noon and Herbie love each other but have never been able to consummate their marriage due to a horrible secret in Noon's past. Within a span of five years they find not one, but two children sitting on their doorstep and they create a surrogate family for themselves. With love, courage and strength this family is able to stand up to outsiders who threaten to destroy their community, and heal themselves and their family in the process. You will fall in love with this beautiful novel!
    Helpful
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  • Natasha
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good
    Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed this book, the plot and character build up was amazing. I love got the author portrayed a sense of community.
    Helpful
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