Told through the eyes of a witty, outgoing, and curious little girl, Francie beautifully weaves together personal narratives and historical information about the every-present American tragedy known as Appalachia. She peels back layers of her early life while walking us through the patches where coal miners and their families once lived, the impact of surviving in a contaminated environment, and the everyday threat of pollution, addiction, toothlessness, chronic depression, and abuse. An area where drugs and alcohol numb the pain of reality. Francie portrays the mindset and brokenness of the people and the hopelessness that can come from living in isolation and poverty. Her mother would daily herald this mantra, "One day you kids will get out of here." A delightful story that brings the reader to laughter and tears. It showcases an irrepressible drive to escape the grip of Appalachia on its sons and daughters.
This book shows how a resilient spirit, undervalued, abandoned, and betrayed, can be restored.