Betty Review

Title: Betty
Author: Tiffany McDaniel
Style: Historical Fiction
Rating: 4/5

TW: This book contains episodes of violence, sexual abuse, incest, animal abuse and suicide.

“Don’t let it happen to you, Betty. Don’t ever be afraid to be yourself. You don’t wanna live so long only to realize, you ain’t lived at all”

Betty was born in the 1950’s to a white mother and Cherokee father. This is the heartbreaking but beautiful story of her childhood growing up in poverty, violence and racism. She is resilient and strong. Story is retold by her daughter Tiffany McDaniel.

The storytelling is beautifully written. Theres no doubt in my mind that Tiffany McDaniel can write. I loved the relationship between Betty and her father. It was easy to see that she adored her father. Most of the sibling relationship made me feel nostalgic for the stories my mother has told about growing up with a big family. I also appreciated learning more about the culture of the Cherokee. The story broke my heart several times but I still enjoyed it.