Kinfolk

A Novel

By: Sean Dietrich

Narrated by: Sean Dietrich

Read by the author.

Sometimes it’s the most unlikely meetings that give us life’s greatest gifts.

1970s, Southern Alabama. Sixty-two-year-old Jeremiah Lewis Taylor, or “Nub,” has spent his whole life listening to those he loves tell him he’s no good—first his ex-wife, now his always-disapproving daughter. Sure, his escapades have made him, along with his cousin and perennial sidekick, Benny, just a smidge too familiar with small-town law enforcement, but he’s never harmed anyone—except perhaps himself.

Nub never meant to change his ways, but when he and fifteen-year-old Waffle House waitress Minnie form an unlikely friendship, he realizes for the first time that there may be some good in him after all. Six-foot-five Minnie has been dealt a full deck of bad luck—her father is a convicted murderer serving a life sentence, her mother is dead and buried, and she has a Grand Ole Opry–worthy singing voice with no place to perform. Oh, and there’s the small fact that she’s unexpectedly pregnant, courtesy of a no-good high-school boy.

Gradually, Nub realizes the gift he’s been given: a second chance to make a difference.

Beloved Southern writer Sean Dietrich, also known as Sean of the South, once again brings people and places to life in this lyrical song-turned-story about found family, second chances, country music, and the poignant power of love and forgiveness.

• Heartwarming Southern fiction from Sean of the South
• Stand-alone novel
• Also by Sean Dietrich: The Incredible Winston Browne, Stars of Alabama, and You Are My Sunshine

©2023 Sean Dietrich (P)2023 Harper Muse

great story

loved all of it
great book I would highly recommend it. This is the fourth book of Sean's I've listened to and loved each one

a very good story, and wow Sean Dietrich can sing!

There is something unique and special about the way this author writes. You kind of have to embrace the "white trash joy" of the writing, which for some inexplicable reason, I find endearing. There are some unlikely events in this book, but you end up believing and rooting for Sugar, Minnie, Nub, Emily, and Leanne, and even for Deputy Burke. It's just a good story. The fact that the author is telling us about an autobiographical event (his father's suicide), made me like the telling even more. I can honestly say that Sean Dietrich is one of the only authors who should be reading his own books, if only so we can hear him sing, which is pretty amazing. I highly recommend this book.

Redemptive and real. Engaging and entertaining.

From the very first sentence to the last, Sean grabs the reader and vividly pulls them into the lives of the people of small town “PAPK.” A true-to-life novel for everyone, Kinfolk is a rollercoaster of surprising joys interwoven into the harder realities that are life. Sean’s descriptions are clever and creative. After listening to his telling of the story, the delighted reader feels like they know and are known by the author. As a Southerner myself, I loved both the subtle and outright Southern bits of the culture of both yesteryear and the present included in these pages. Lastly, the review wouldn’t be complete without mentioning that I shared my headphones forcing my hubby listen to a few sentences just so he could appreciate the gift that is Sean’s uniquely deep and gruff slow southern drawl. Gonna miss these kinfolk now that the story has ended.

Narrator and story is awesome

Funny. Heartwarming. Reminders of sweet time gone by. Totally recommend this book. Mystery and you don’t know the ending…. til the end.

Great story!

I really enjoyed this story and found it hard to stop listening. I really enjoy stories about people and their interactions with each other. This was a real winner!

Sean’s Narration

A beautiful story from beginning to end, especially since the story was autobiographical. This is my favorite of Sean Dietrich’s books.

Just a great book. Great narration & characters!

Really a beautiful book. This is the third book by Sean Dietrich that I have listened to. Everyone has been beautiful. I was initially hesitant about this one as it is narrated by the author. That's usually a deal breaker for me. But not this time. The author did an amazing job with the narration. Each character was so well developed. Definitely recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of great southern literature.

Such a wonderful story!

Such a wonderful story, with lovely, rich characters.
As with Mr. Dietrich’s other books I have had the privilege of reading, I did not want this one to end.
He is an incredible storyteller and I’m so grateful to have listened to the book.
Highly recommend!

Sweet Home Alabama!

I've loved everything I've read, or listened to by Sean Dietrich, but this one was special. It's from the part of Alabama where I grew up. I feel like my family and friends are the characters. I would have gladly gone on listening to their stories for the rest of my life. I also enjoyed the note from Sean to the audience at the end. Sean, I love you too! Please keep up the good work, brother.

Sean at his best

The book draws you in from the very first chapter. There is sadness. There is laughter. It’s heartwarming and frustrating all at the same time.  It is Sean and his finest. I laughed. I cried. I was disappointed when it ended because it was over. As you can tell, I highly recommend this book.