Red Clay Suzie

Red Clay Suzie by Jeffrey Dale Lofton
Out now from Post Hill Press

A novel inspired by true events. The coming-of-age story of Philbet, a gay, physically-misshapen boy in rural Georgia, who battles bullying, ignorance, and disdain as he makes his way in life as an outsider—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 in the form of a letter from beyond the grave.

“If you let fear make your decisions, you’ll never be what you are meant to be.”
Grandaddy

First of all, I would like to thank the folks at Pride Book Tours for not only inviting me on this tour, but also for contacting me again after I had initially passed on this one due to a full schedule. Because if they hadn’t offered me that second chance, I may never have gotten to experience the joy of reading Red Clay Suzie by Jeffrey Dale Lofton.

OMG this book, y’all. It was simply incredible, a stunning debut. The story, based on the real life experiences of the author, introduces us to Philbet, a boy growing up in the deep south, with a bit of a misshapen body but with a heart that shines so brightly it’s blinding. Bullied for his quirks, desperate to hide his physical difference from the world, and being gay in a conservative place and time, Philbet reminds us that kindness to others costs us nothing.

Lofton’s prose brings to life the rural Georgia landscape. I could practically feel the red clay under my feet, smell the bounty of Granddaddy’s garden, and hear the sound of a ’72 Pontiac GTO pealing off down the street. In these pages we see the beauty of friendships, the wisdom of our elders, the power of love in all its forms, and the strength we all have to be our authentic self and to shine like the chrome on a classic car. I cried through probably the last third of this book, and I really didn’t want it to end. Also, it should be noted that I have re-read the last chapter of the book approximately eleventy-billion times because it is just heartachingly beautiful. Perfect for anyone looking for a beautiful coming of age story, I really hope you will check this one out.

Thank you to Pride Book Tours for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.