Betty by Tiffany McDaniel
This novel is a poignant coming-of-age story set in the rural town of Breathed, Ohio, during the mid-20th century. It follows the life of a young girl of mixed white and Cherokee heritage, who grows up in a large, impoverished family plagued by dark secrets and personal tragedies. Through her eyes, we experience the harsh realities of racism, sexism, and the struggles of her family against the backdrop of Appalachian folklore and the deep connection to nature. The narrative is a tapestry of the protagonist's resilience, the power of storytelling, and the unbreakable bond she shares with her father, who instills in her the importance of her heritage and the strength found in one's roots.