IndieNext Pick In 1969, Dixie Dupree is eleven years old and already an expert liar. Sometimes the lies are for her mama, Evie’s sake—to explain away a bruise brought on by her quick-as-lightning temper. And sometimes the lies are to spite Evie, who longs to leave her unhappy marriage in Perry County, Alabama, and return to her beloved New Hampshire. But for Dixie and her brother, Alabama … brother, Alabama is home, a place of pine-scented breezes and hot, languid afternoons.
Though Dixie is learning that the family she once believed was happy has deep fractures, even her vivid imagination couldn’t concoct the events about to unfold. Dixie records everything in her diary—her parents’ fights, her father’s drinking and his unexplained departure, and the arrival of Uncle Ray. Only when Dixie desperately needs help and is met with disbelief does she realize how much damage her past lies have done. But she has courage and a spirit that may yet prevail, forcing secrets into the open and allowing her to forgive and become whole again.
Narrated by her young heroine in a voice as sure and resonant as The Secret Life of Bees’ Lily or Bastard Out of Carolina’s Bone, Donna Everhart’s remarkable debut is a story about mothers and daughters, the guilt and pain that pass between generations, and the truths that are impossible to hide, especially from ourselves.
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This coming of age book was a difficult “read.” It was beautifully written, but the issues, which are presented, are hard to handle. Dixie Dupree is a liar…and she will learn the hard way how the lies have created an environment in which she needs to share a very disturbing situation, but no one will believe her. It’s like the boy who cried wolf. She’s lied so many times that no one believes she can actually tell the truth.
Dixie and her family (mother, father, and brother) suffer through various issues. Dixie’s parents fight, her mother has moments of extreme anger (emotions that are taken out on Dixie), and some of the family members may not be who they present themself to be. What Dixie endures is traumatic and your heart will just ache for her. But in a moment, you are sitting there cheering her on as she shows a strength that few 11-year-old children demonstrate. Her courage and spirit may flicker and threaten to die completely, but she finds the strength to persevere and to speak up for herself.
This is not a feel-good story. But it is one that you should take the time to absorb. It will reach into your depths and wrench your heart out. The author has written a book that will touch you deeply and make you want to take Dixie out of her family situation and help her learn that love does exist and she can be adored and appreciated.
First let me say that I love the way this author writes. From page one I felt as if I was experiencing Dixie’s life rather than just reading about it. I was sucked in from the very first line “My diary was my best friend until I gave it up as key evidence against Uncle Ray”. Dixie is a smart, spunky, resilient little girl that I couldn’t help but fall in love with. At times the subject matter is quite difficult but Dixie’s strength got me through it. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
Dixie Dupree is a precocious 11-year old, reminiscent of Scout Finch, in that she is smart and sassy, has an older brother that she adores, and lives in Alabama. Dixie is forced to grow up much too soon when a terrible accident seriously injures her father, which caused her Uncle Ray to come visit the family. Uncle Ray is Dixie’s mother’s (Evie) older brother.
Dixie doesn’t have a good feeling about Uncle Ray from the start, and her feelings are justified.
I loved Dixie, but I knew exactly what was going to happen from the very beginning, when she handed over her diary, and I also knew the truth about AJ, Dixie’s older brother, early on. The big surprise to me was the identity of Mrs. Suggs, and how she fit in the story. I would have liked to understand a little more of what went wrong between the parents, as I felt that was glossed over.
I will look for more from this author, as I enjoyed her writing style.
#TheEducationOfDixieDupree #DonnaEverhart
New Hampshire vs Alabama. A past, a future. A loss of self, an intelligent, inquisitive child proving at times too much for a vanquished soul. A boy with so much love for his mother, his unwavering loyalty refuses to believe she is anything but innocent. The harshness of the don’t ask don’t tell because it is none of their business frame of mind, breaking the family unit beyond repair, in the sixties no less. Fabulous read.
Most think of childhood as a fun and carefree time in life where you learn lessons that prepare you for adulthood. Sometimes the adulthood situations have to be dealt with much too soon.
I enjoy most books with settings in the south. This one did not disappoint. The subject matter of rape was not expected but not shocking unfortunately.
I loved the main character, Dixie. Her ordeal was haunting. Her reaction was realistic. The events were unsettlingly graphic.
Loved this book, its a must read for anyone who likes good writing!