Where does Salt of the Earth rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
In the true crime category, one of the top books. I cried several times while listening to this book, especially towards the end when Brenda was found. This story will stick with you. I could hardly stop listening to the narration for any reason.
What other book might you compare Salt of the Earth to and why?
Perhaps In Cold Blood–not that the crimes were identical or even close in nature, but the writing in both is superb.
What does Kevin Pierce bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
Matter of fact tone and perfect pacing.
If you could give Salt of the Earth a new subtitle, what would it be?
Justice for a missing girl, and for her predator.
Any additional comments?
Along with covering the facts of the case, the author did an excellent job of researching the personalities and families involved, somehow avoiding the “redundancy of details” trap that so many true crime authors fall into. While listening to Brenda’s story, I marveled that I ever felt OK about letting my kids walk home from school or anywhere else by themselves. Truly, child or adult, we are all terribly vulnerable to predators. I appreciated the insights into Brenda’s family and even more so the family of her killer. One thing stood out: both families had members with major problems, supported by co-dependents whose compliance and denial exascerbated the mental states of their impaired loved ones. Sometimes sticking with the one you love is a mistake, and is of no help to anyone. That said, Brenda’s mother was a rock of strength. She never gave up on Brenda. She never stopped believing that the man who took her daughter would someday be put in jail for life. She created a family life of love and security for her remaining children. Admirable.