Betty

A novel

By: Tiffany McDaniel

Narrated by: Dale Dickey

A stunning, lyrical novel set in the rolling foothills of the Appalachians about a young girl and the family truths that will haunt her for the rest of her life.

“A girl comes of age against the knife.”

So begins the story of Betty Carpenter. Born in a bathtub in 1954 to a white mother and a Cherokee father, Betty is the sixth of eight siblings. The world they inhabit in the rural town of Breathed, Ohio, is one of poverty and violence—both from outside the family and, devastatingly, from within. But despite the hardships she faces, Betty is resilient. Her curiosity about the natural world, her fierce love for her sisters, and her father’s brilliant stories are kindling for the fire of her own imagination, and in the face of all to which she bears witness, Betty discovers an escape: she begins to write.

Inspired by generations of her family, Tiffany McDaniel sets out to free the past by delivering this heartbreaking yet magical story—a remarkable novel that establishes her as one of the most important voices in American fiction.

Gorgeous

What a beautiful story. The imagery in this story was breathtaking. I couldn’t stop thinking about this family even when I wasn’t listening.

Wow! Did not expect to love this book as much as I did!

Best book I’ve read this year! Loved every second of it-beautifully written and I was blown away to find out such a young author wrote this! She is so talented:) I highly recommend this book to others!

Great Story

Loved this book. The story was great and the narration was superb.
So sad, but entertaining and humorous too.

Strength

This book is devastatingly beautiful. Or perhaps what I mean to say is beautiful, while being devastating. As coming of age tales tend to do, you see yourself in the narrator. You learn about the condition of being human, even and maybe especially when the narrator’s story is far different from your own. The story of Betty and the Carpenter family takes you on a journey, filling you up with warmth and then suddenly turning course and breaking your heart. Over and over. It’s an arduous journey, but one well worth the destination. One thing remains - Betty’s strength through the literal blood, sweat and tears. I stand by what I said in my review of her debut novel - Tiffany McDaniel is a WORD MAGICIAN - each sentence intricately laced. I loved this novel. Keeping in mind it’s inspired by the real life experience of the author’s mother, it pierced my heart. And will pierce yours too.

Coming of age

A good book that just went on too long. A compelling coming of age with so much sadness and dysfunction. The Indian lore was meaningful. The stories her father told were woven of creativity and meaning. The mother meant well but suffered from mental and alcohol issues.