Starchild

by Camille Acker, Joniece Abbott-Pratt (Narrator), Karen Chilton (Narrator)

In this evocative short piece, Candace worries that her mother, Annie, has reached an emotional breaking point. When her best friend loses her battle with cancer, Annie is acting in uncharacteristic ways, seemingly less concerned than ever about what her friends and neighbors think of her—a troubling development in her daughter’s eyes. But while Candace may think she knows her mother better than anyone, something deeper lingers beneath the surface, and times of hardship have a way of bringing us closer together than ever.

A perfect next listen for fans of Tayari Jones and Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney, Starchild is a moving story from a striking literary voice. A poignant mother-daughter story about the complex inner lives of women by the critically acclaimed author of Training School for Negro Girls.

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction, Audiobook, Contemporary, African American, Adult Fiction

1 pages, Audible Audio

First published October 7, 2021

About the author

Camille Acker grew up in Washington, DC and is the author of the short story collection, Training School for Negro Girls, published by Feminist Press in 2018. She holds a B.A. in English from Howard University and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from New Mexico State University. Her writing has received support from the Djerassi Resident Artists Program, Voices of Our Nations Arts, and Millay Colony for the Arts, among others. She was a fiction co-editor for Dismantle: An Anthology from the VONA/Voices Workshop (Thread Makes Blanket Press, 2014). She has taught at New Mexico State University, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago Writers Studio, and Blue Stoop. Her writing has appeared in a number of outlets including The New York Time Book Review, LitHub, Publishers Weekly, Electric Literature, VICE, and DAME Magazine.

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, I listened to “Starchild” twice. Why? Because I wanted to listen even more closely a second time. I’m a huge fan of mother/daughter stories. Adult children never really know their parents; there is a moment when adult children finally see the fragilities that have been hidden.

This is only 55 minutes in length, but it shows the emotional divide of a mother and her daughter. Candace begins to suspect there could be an emotional/mental issue with her mother when her momma shows up at the wake of her momma’s best friend wearing a gold lame’ cocktail dress (it’s mid-thigh if not shorter, highlighting all her curvy features). The Deacon enjoyed his lingering gaze, while the pastor did his best to ignore. The dress is fun, but it’s Annie’s impassioned speech at the lectern that is something I’m still chuckling about. The dress and the speech aren’t all, her mother, Annie, also begins to enjoy her ganja again. What’s a daughter of this formally religious/modest woman to do??

A chance encounter at the grocery store allows Candace to see her mother in a new light. This is a beautiful story of a daughter seeing her momma as a strong, vital woman.

This is an audible original, narrated by Joniece Abbott-Prat and Karen Chilton. It is written by Camille Acker.

You will want to listen to it again.

[Nina (ninjasbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written short story :)

[Kameel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute Short Story and an aging mother and her relationship with her adult daughter....and living life

[Wee Lassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was an experience, a fascinating step into the mind of two women dealing with loss and the change it brings. It didn’t actually seem to have a plot but as it was more of a character study I think that would have just bogged the whole thing down.

[Tianna ❀ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Candace worries about her mom Annie who is behaving uncharacteristically as a response to her best friend’s death to cancer. We see strain between them as Candace fails to understand what’s happening with her mother and then ultimately clarity and even support.

I think it’s beautiful how Candace is able to acknowledge that her way of grieving loss is different from her mom’s and that’s okay. Also not everyone who’s inquisitive actually has your well-being at heart.

This was really lovely. If you have Audible (or a free trial like I did 😂) then definitely give this one a listen.

[TL *Humaning the Best She Can* · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Audible audio *

[Michelle Boyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Candace has always seen her mother in one light, and so when Annie starts doing odd things (wearing a short dress to church, for example) she wonders about her mother's fragile emotional state. Annie has, after all, just lost her best friend to cancer. But Candace continues to worry and wonders if perhaps something else is going on with her mother.

This is a wonderful short story about perspective, strong relationships, and the bonds that bring people together. Absolutely loved every moment of this short story.

[Christina Rothfusz · Rating 3 out of 5]

A beautiful short listen on audible about the complexity of our emotions through our live tragedies.

[ReadingTilTheBreakOfDawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. A very short audio, coming in at just short of an hour, we get to hear about the complexities of a mother-daughter relationship and the fact that they have unknowingly gone through similar situations.
This short story jumps right in and we get to see not only a mother-daughter relationship, but that of strong female relationships and the loyalty that lies within.
The narrators voices were soothing and perfect for both characters. I felt like the story just ended and I would've been happy to get more. Definitely will give it another listen.

[Liisi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very interesting story. As an audiobook I loved the various voices that were true to the culture of the story being shared in this original book. Super fast read. I really enjoyed the imagery and the humor. I felt like it was ended without closure and that’s been hard to swallow.

[Hali Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short story about death, the acceptance of life, seen through the perspective of a mother and her adult daughter.

[Amy Cobb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this short 🎧. An unconventional look at grief for all of us that love 🎶 and 💃.

[Lanie J. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Although the writer did a really good job and I loved the writing style this book just made me super uncomfortable and I did not like a lot of the topics that were discussed. ://

[Sheree Murphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish this was a full novel. 2022 makes a decade since I lost my Mother, and this story really drew me in. The relationship between mother and daughter I found endearing and so reminiscent of my own relationship with my mom. I took away from this story just how precious and fleeting life really is.- and to make sure I’m “showing up” for myself and in my best self. Time is too finite to wait or delay certain things in life. What I have agency over, I will take the helm! No waiting to eat off “special” dishes or waiting to wear certain clothes. I told my own daughter I’m wear sequin to the grocery store hunny! Lol. Beautiful really, why not? If I like you you can love it or mind the business that pays you (which ain’t mine so step on 💁🏾‍♀️)
I wanted to learn so much more about these characters! Really get into their backgrounds and storylines. Overall a moving story, just wish it wasn’t a short story.

[Helena · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very touching tale
really enjoyed it

[Liz | anotherreaderaccount · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful short story to listen to from the perspectives from an uneasy mother-daughter relationship. A perfect listen just under an hour long, you won’t forget these inner thoughts and lives of these women after suffering a loss and learning what tragedies may end up bringing them both closer together and farther apart. Emotional, intense, vivid, this short story gives an honest view on the complex and secret complications of the mother-daughter relationship.

[Samantha]

We have preconceived notions about our mothers and vice versa.

[Katrina Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and heartfelt mother and daughter story of love, unknowing, and learning about seeing each other as adults.

[Lisa Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet little short story. I found myself wanting it to continue to get to know these characters more.

[Sky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful! I couldn't stop listening.

[RONI FIELDS-OWEN · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Starchild: A Short Story”

Written by: Camille Acker
Narrated by: Joniece Abbott-Pratt
and
Karen Chilton

Camille Acker, in my opinion, did an COMPELLING and very MOVING work in writing “Starchild: A Short Story.” It had reminded me so much of the relationship between my own mother and myself. The book had captured probably the relationship between most mothers and daughters.

There was the suspense and mystery, and let’s not forget the question that lingered throughout the book. It was on my mind for sure what the answer would be.

The narrators, Joniece Abbott-Pratt and Karen Chilton, were (Top Notch) all the way through the chapters. Their portrayal of the two main characters was so real, so authentic that I felt I was right there with them.

I don’t like spoiling any books for future readers/listeners by “spilling the tea,” so I won’t say anymore.

I will just say this: I definitely recommend “Starchild.” It’s a 5-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#imronigirl

[Kry Tiger · Rating 4 out of 5]

We all worry about our parents when they reach a certain age. We have fears for them we spend most of our lives avoiding. And as parents, we sometimes feel we’ve reached the age where life is meant for us only. We’ve raised our kids. We loved and lost and grown. This story portrays that beautifully.
We cannot control everything and everyone. Sometimes when someone we love is going through something deep, we try to help by telling them what to do or how to feel, but in reality, we just need to BE THERE for them. Let them figure it out, but be there as constant support so if they fall, we can catch them.

[Big Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a shame that these days there are parameters and certain expected norms on the way a person is allowed to live or grieve. The eulogy was cringe worthy but was it enough to question Annie's sanity? I liked that this short story provoked my friends and me into a heated debate about aging and dancing to the beat of your own drum and how it's perceived by others. Great story.

[Angela M. Artis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story of a daughter, Candace, being able to see her mother, Annie, as a STRONG woman. While going through the death of her best friend, Annie continues to enjoy her life an experience things from her past. Candace sees her mother differently due to a chance encounter at the grocery store.

Throughly enjoyed this short story !!!

[Grace Boone · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love these little audible exclusives! For me it feels like cheating when I listen to audio books, but when it's an audible exclusive I sometimes oblige! This one was bizarre. Laugh out loud funny at parts; pushed the women empowerment narrative in an odd sort of way, it felt incomplete. I'm glad I listened to it, but I wish there had been more to it.

[Black Fantasy Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

The kind of short story that I would have read in college. something interesting and I'm sure there's a depth to be analyzed more here.

But I like things to be more fleshed out, personally. Pretty sure I understand the moral, I just... wanted...more

[Ashlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short read really shows you that you don’t always know your mother as well as you might think you do. I really loved getting a little of both sides of their relationship. I’m so glad I picked this up on a whim. Definitely recommend!

[Arthur Boslar · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short story about an elderly woman and her daughter learning to process grief in a way that is healthiest for them, despite or in spite of societal judgement.
I would normally rate this higher, but the abrupt almost slapdash ending was off putting to me.

[Hannah Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one, what a great look into a mother and daughter's relationship, definitely recommend only a short one at under an hour!

[sneha · Rating 3 out of 5]

the voices for both the characters with so well written. star child feels like a blanket of empathy