The Education of Dixie Dupree

By: Donna Everhart

Narrated by: Amy Melissa Bentley

Length: 9 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

In 1969 Dixie Dupree is 11 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.

©2016 Donna Everhart (P)2016 Tantor

Critic reviews

"With a strong beginning to a powerful story and a strong-minded, spunky central character in Dixie, Everhart's story is one to cherish." (RT Book Reviews)

"Narrator Amy Melissa Bentley is a spunky Dixie Dupree, who is dealing with the head-on collision between her innocence as an 11-year-old and the harsh reality of her life.... Bentley's accents and attitudes are just right as she portrays a bright, hopeful Dixie; her mercurial mother and alcoholic father; her older brother, AJ; and relatives who add to the family's problems rather than help. Gritty writing and a brutally truthful narration make this poignant listening." (AudioFile)

Heartbreaking

A very hard story written beautifully. Dixie Dupree is now my favorite hero! Perfect Performance!

TRIGGER ALERT

This was an interesting story with smooth story line. Story of a young girl growing up. Does have foul language and sexual abuse.

loved it

great book, characters were well developed, even the ones who played a small part. the scene is a very very small part and is not too graphic to make this book unenjoyable.

Wonderful and difficult

Difficult story but characters were well developed. Narration was great, southern accent close to perfect. A difficult story but well told. Dixie, a remarkable young girl. Glad it was recommended to me. Tears fell at times.

Great story!

The other reviews give a skewed view of this authors writing and depiction of events as they unfolded. Where I can appreciate where some had been through similar situations, there was no need to give away the story only hoping their reviews were not read before a new reader had the chance to read it for themselves. That was too self-serving to spoil the unfolding events for others. I simply enjoyed it with no need to pick it apart.

truthful

genre is one of favorites. liked the characters, description and believable. Great atmosphere for storyline

Loved this book

I couldn’t put it down, it held my interest all the way through. This author is a favorite of mine.

Great story’

I love a book where while I am reading think about what is going on and where it is going. This book was like hearing my own story put into words. Although not my mom’s part. Thank you for a good story and a time to look back and forgive.

Sad But True

I’ve seen this sickness my whole life, not from a brother, but other close family members, and friends of the family and just men I know; young and old. It’s passed down from generation to generation. I don’t believe there is a women I’ve come across who has not been sexually assaulted in some manner. Men have been doing heinous acts of violations to women since the Bible days, and I don’t see that ending. It is imperative to educate young girls, unfortunately, as early as 4 or 5 about inappropriate touching, and watch them.
Children are exposed to too much and natural instincts and imitation kicks in.

I could not at all relate to the first persons review and wondered what type of 11 year old they have been around who had less verbal and cognitive skills as Dixie. Everything was very age appropriate for her context and behavior, and how you thought she was just acting out, is beyond me.

I do know that fear, pride and desperation may cause you to make some irrational decisions, especially when your Children’s well being is in jeopardy, but considering all that happened to her, She should not have let Dixie out of her sight. for ONE second. Dixie should have slept with her, bathed with her and went to the bathroom every where she went!

This book is needed for Knowledge and healing.

A Heart Gripping Story

This is my first novel by Donna Everhart, but certainly not my last. Maybe because the main location is in the South that I could relate to the mannerisms and quirky language since I reside in the South and found that the author lives in my home state. The story is so believable that you want to read it in one day. From a truly gifted author.