Family of Earth

“A haunting and exquisite book, not to mention a rare exception to the rule that no one so young should write a memoir. Even without much life experience, Dykeman has a great deal to say about life.”—New York Times Book Review

“A captivating, poetic, difficult-to-categorize book that abundantly showcases the author’s talent for making words dance. Anyone who has lived in the countryside, or wished they had, will enjoy Dykeman’s celebration of nature.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Explores the bonds of family, and a child’s place in this great big world. . . . An ode to the captivating rhythms of nature.”—Our State

“We are fortunate to have this remarkable beginning to a distinguished literary career, and an endearing addition to an ever-growing array of richly revealing Appalachian life stories.—Appalachian Journal

“The writing is pungent, earthy and raw yet at the same time elegant. . . . A quick read that will leave you wishing Dykeman had written more.”—Carolina Mountain Life

“A gift to lovers of Appalachian lore.”—Wilmington Star-News

“A fortunate find. . . . This memoir from a North Carolina treasure will keep you busy. There is much to think about and ponder in these pages.”—Herald-Sun

“It’s a gift that UNC Press has put the story that showcases the mind of a young author and Appalachian native into print.”—Mountain Times

“A wonderful introduction to Dykeman’s works . . . for first-time readers and a welcome addition for fans.”—Library Journal

“Dykeman’s writing is. . . poignant and poetic and she leaves her reader with a deeper understanding of what it was like to grow up in the mountains of North Carolina during the Depression era.”—Tennessee Libraries