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About the Book
"In 1969 Alabama, eleven-year-old Dixie Dupree learns that the family she once believed was happy has deep fractures and records everything in her diary in this coming-of-age story about mothers and daughters, the guilt and pain that pass between generations, and the truths that are impossible to hide, especially from ourselves"--Book Synopsis
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 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.Review Quotes
ADVANCE PRAISE FOR THE EDUCATION OF DIXIE DUPREE "Please open your heart to Dixie Dupree. With unflinching honesty and a voice that rings with authenticity, she survives the unthinkable. Her story celebrates the resiliency of the human spirit and the triumph of the imagination. An important novel, beautifully written, this is a story to cherish."--Susan Wiggs, # 1 New York Times bestselling author "A searingly honest coming of age story with a heroine unlike any other I've met in a long time. I read this book through from start to finish in one sitting, simply unable and unwilling to put it down. Here's to another beautiful novel from Donna Everhart.--Holly Chamberlin, author of Seashell Season "Secrets, lies, peach cobbler, grits, a hot Alabama sun, and a girl named Dixie Dupree who shows courage in the face of betrayal, strength when all falls down around her, and shining hope in the darkness. This is a story you'll read well into the night."--Cathy Lamb, author of The Language of Sisters "A poignant coming of age novel as gritty as red Alabama dirt. Dixie Dupree will stay with you long after you've turned the last page."--Colleen Faulkner, author of Julia's DaughtersAbout The Author
Donna Everhart grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina, and has lived close to her hometown for most of her life. For several years she worked for high tech companies, specializing in project management and product introduction. She carries a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. She lives in Dunn, North Carolina, with her husband, and a tiny, heart stealing Yorkshire terrier, named Mister. Readers can visit her website at www.donnaeverhart.com.