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Red Clay Suzie
Published by Post Hill Press
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
Table of Contents
About The Book
The Center for Fiction First Novel Prize Longlist
Georgia Author of the Year for First Novel
Indie Next List Pick—American Booksellers Association
Seven Hills Literary Prize for Fiction
Foreword INDIES Silver Book of the Year—LGBTQ+ Fiction
Book of the Year: International Pulpwood Queens and Timber Guys Book Club
Lambda Literary Most Anticipated LGBTQIA+ Book
Southern Literary Review Read of the Month
Southern Literary Review’s 2023 TOP TEN BOOKS
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Red Clay Suzie go to support the important work of The Trevor Project and the Born This Way Foundation.
A novel inspired by true events
The coming-of-age story of Philbet, gay and living with a disability, battles bullying, ignorance, and disdain as he makes his way in life as an outsider in the Deep South—before finding acceptance in unlikely places.
Fueled by tomato sandwiches and green milkshakes, and obsessed with cars, Philbet struggles with life and love as a gay boy in rural Georgia. He’s happiest when helping Grandaddy dig potatoes from the vegetable garden that connects their houses. But Philbet’s world is shattered and his resilience shaken by events that crush his innocence and sense of security; expose his misshapen chest skillfully hidden behind shirts Mama makes at home; and convince him that he’s not fit to be loved by Knox, the older boy he idolizes to distraction. Over time, Philbet finds refuge in unexpected places and inner strength in unexpected ways, leading to a resolution from beyond the grave.
Georgia Author of the Year for First Novel
Indie Next List Pick—American Booksellers Association
Seven Hills Literary Prize for Fiction
Foreword INDIES Silver Book of the Year—LGBTQ+ Fiction
Book of the Year: International Pulpwood Queens and Timber Guys Book Club
Lambda Literary Most Anticipated LGBTQIA+ Book
Southern Literary Review Read of the Month
Southern Literary Review’s 2023 TOP TEN BOOKS
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Red Clay Suzie go to support the important work of The Trevor Project and the Born This Way Foundation.
A novel inspired by true events
The coming-of-age story of Philbet, gay and living with a disability, battles bullying, ignorance, and disdain as he makes his way in life as an outsider in the Deep South—before finding acceptance in unlikely places.
Fueled by tomato sandwiches and green milkshakes, and obsessed with cars, Philbet struggles with life and love as a gay boy in rural Georgia. He’s happiest when helping Grandaddy dig potatoes from the vegetable garden that connects their houses. But Philbet’s world is shattered and his resilience shaken by events that crush his innocence and sense of security; expose his misshapen chest skillfully hidden behind shirts Mama makes at home; and convince him that he’s not fit to be loved by Knox, the older boy he idolizes to distraction. Over time, Philbet finds refuge in unexpected places and inner strength in unexpected ways, leading to a resolution from beyond the grave.
Product Details
- Publisher: Post Hill Press (May 15, 2024)
- Length: 352 pages
- ISBN13: 9798888455289
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Raves and Reviews
“Arresting debut…a vivid depiction of a unique childhood that feels universal in its longing.”
– Christopher Castellani, author of Leading Men
“A fabulous and heart-wrenching debut novel.”
– Rasheed Newson, author of My Government Means to Kill Me
“It’s so important that marginalized people have access to this book.”
– Neema Avashia, author of Another Appalachia: Coming up Queer in and Indian in a Mountain Place
“This fantastic novel is striking. You won’t be able to put it down.”
– Morgan Talty, author of Night of the Living Rez and Fire Exit
“I was sad to reach the end of Philbet’s story, but will undoubtedly return again. A true hero.”
– Laura Warrell, author of Sweet, Soft, Plenty Rhythm
“An intimate exploration of people, place, and identity, Red Clay Suzie opens up the idea of the South into one that is more inclusive and real.”
– W. Ralph Eubanks, author of A Place Like Mississippi: A Journey Through a Real and Imagined Literary Landscape
"If eleven-year-old me had had a book like this to read, what a joy that would have been. It’s beautiful. It’s important. It’s F@#%ing magic."
– Pete Cross, Audie and Earphones Award-Winning Audiobook Narrator and Producer
“From a new, pitch-perfect, Southern voice, a story so close to the heart you can almost hear it beating.”
– James Hart, author of Lucky Jim’
“Jeffrey Dale Lofton is a writer’s writer, whose strong, authorial voice captures your imagination with an unshakable grip.”
– Willee Lewis, PEN/Faulkner board member, editor of Snakes: An Anthology of Serpent Tales
“A deeply moving story by a unique new voice in Southern literature, Red Clay Suzie belongs in the high school English syllabus.”
– Elaine Greenstone, educator, former International Baccalaureate examiner in English, curriculum specialist
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): Red Clay Suzie Trade Paperback 9798888455289
