“Everhart writes about the tension between mother and daughter with bravery and wit, unearthing the little things that can seesaw a relationship between trust and resentment. And I’m sure I won’t be the only one who sees glimpses of Harper Lee’s young Scout in Dixie’s stubbornness and naiveté. Like To Kill a Mockingbird, The Education of Dixie Dupree delves into subjects too powerful to allow the book to be labeled as charming. But there is a wistful magic in seeing the world again through a child’s viewpoint, even if that world is not as shiny and innocent as one would hope.” — The Amazon Book Review

“A harrowing story of domestic drama, with a Southern Gothic flair.” – Washington Independent Review of Books (read the full review here)

“This Indie Next Pick is a difficult read at times — there’s one scene in particular that I struggled with — but I applaud the author for tackling the darkest, most heinous corner of family life: the sexual abuse of a child. The novel brims with Southern charm and introduces the captivating voice of 11-year-old Ms. Dixie Dupree. Read it for her. She has a story that begs to be heard.” – BookBub

“This is a dark, haunting book that will linger with you for days, but despite the heaviness of the book, Dixie is a witty, charismatic burst of energy and sunshine who readers will want to rescue themselves. A remarkable story of the triumph of will, and a great coming-of-age novel.” – Historical Novels Review

“[A] harrowing coming-of-age novel set in Alabama…Readers will be drawn to Dixie, who is full of spunk and grit.”– Booklist

“With gravitas and heart…Donna Everhart does a deft job of writing about innocence lost.” – Business Insider, Insider Pick

“Everhart’s debut novel is a beautiful coming-of-age story, poignant in its content and description and written in brutally honest language. The author creates a compelling narrative that will grip readers as it leave an indelible mark on them, thanks to flawed, genuine characters and strong tensions. 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, 4.5 Stars Top Pick

“Young Dixie Dupree is an indomitable spirit in this coming-of-age novel that is a heartbreaking and honest witness to the resilience of human nature and the fighting spirit and courage residing in all of us, and for those who have lived in the underbelly of betrayal and child abuse. A triumphant debut novel which can transform a brokenness, bring forth a wholeness, The Education of Dixie Dupree would make a wonderful resource and academic book as well.” – The Huffington Post (Kim Michele Richardson)

“This debut novel is a page-turner from the very beginning. In a story of a family filled with pain, deceit, lies, and dark secrets across generations, Everhart allows readers to feel everything her young narrator, Dixie, must endure. For me, the mark of a good book is that I find myself thinking about it after I have finished reading, and The Education of Dixie Dupree will be with me for a long while.” – Mary O’Malley, Anderson’s Bookshop, Naperville IL

“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

“In a powerful coming-of-age story that pitches southern charm against dark family secrets, the voice of 11-year-old Dixie Dupree captivates from the first page to the last.” —Barbara Claypole White, bestselling author of The Perfect Son.

“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

“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 Daughters

“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