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

Best book I have read - okay, listened to - in 15 or more years

If I said I read "Kinfolk", I'd be lying. And my father would whoop my behind if he caught me lying, even at our respective ages. So I won't. I had the sheer pleasure of listening to the author read the book.

I grew up in North Florida, which at the time does not sound like it was a whole lot different than the Alabama described in this novel. The importance of family reminded me of days gone by, days which I am reminded when I speak with or visit my 101-year old Great Aunt.

I was also fortunate enough to see Roy Acuff and Minnie Pearl in the Grand Ole Opry when we took my grandmother for her 60th birthday.

The way this book affected me is probably not the same as it will affect you. Nor should it. One of the major themes of the book affected my family when I was seven years old. I found myself nodding along as I listened, laughing a lot - the author is quite witty, cringing some, and had more than one tear in my eye. The characters are rich and real. It's an easy listen and really flows well. I can only imagine that reading the book is the same.

But, and I will wrap this soon since I am not writing a book, listening to the author's notes after the story ends really brought it all home.

And one more thing, this is not the usual kind of book I read. I do not know what led me to it, I do not believe some divine spirit made me do it. Whatever it was, thank you.

A coming of age story for an old lovable drunk.

You will love this old drunk even with all his shenanigans and you cry for this forlorn girl who just needs love. Kinfolk doesn't have to mean blood kinfolf in this book means kinderd spirits in my opinion and a love that outweighs blood ties. This story encompasses loss, suicide, death and mostly love. If you grew up in the south and you love soulful folk tellers this book and it's author are for you. I give it 10 out of 10 stars.

Believable characters; poignant story

Sean's characters are familiar to anyone who grew up in a small town and his voice is warm and comforting.

Heartwarming

A hopeful story in a time of angst and uncertainty. Heartwarming, humorous, and happy. It’s worth the listen.

Wholesome book with rich, realistic characters

I love this author. I love his stories that feel like 100 people you know because they are complicated and multi dimensional and rich. This book and his other book The Incredible Winston Browne are top 10 greatest hits for me, and I read/listen to a LOT of books.
Keep it up! Love it. Highly recommend

Kinfolk, your tribe

I love the characters that Mr. Dietrich describes so well! I feel like I knew these people when I grew up. Back in better days, when life was simpler and more fun. Back when relationships meant something besides how many likes you get on Facebook. His reading of the book makes it that much more enjoyable because you can tell, he knows these people! This is my 4th Sean Dietrich book and I cannot wait to hear another one!

Heart Gripping!

The story was so moving, and the author was the perfect narrator. I felt like I was there, right in Ash County Alabama.

Family. The story, the Voice, the characters.

I laughed. I cried. I leaned in to the excitement. Held my attention throughout. outstanding performace; awesome story. Thank you!

So close to home!!

This was such a beautifully written and narrated story! Sean is so talented and has a wonderful singing voice as you will hear in the book! I've downloaded his songs on Apple iTunes now too, plus putting in my wish list all of his other books! I can't wait to listen! My husband ( whose last name is Bice) is from Prattville and he just finished a bicycle ride in the Allegheny mountains so we can't wait to listen to You Are My Sunshine.

Loved this book!

Such a good book. Recommending to everyone I know. Will be reading more from this author. This was 16 words.