Cris Burks won widespread acclaim for her engaging first novel SilkyDreamGirl. Burks' second offering follows the life of a determined girl struggling toward adulthood in 1950s Chicago. The devastating discovery that "Daddy" is not her real father opens a great chasm in Neecey's world and leads to Neecey's abusive mother bringing a succession of no-good men into the home. Nevertheless, as she grows into a woman, the resilient Neecey strives to overcome despair and forge a new life for herself.
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"Such a heartwrenching story, what makes it even worse is knowing that little girls and boys are still negelected and abused, by those who should love and cherish them. i love Burks writting style and look forward to more books by her."
— Lola (5 out of 5 stars)
" Very touching book. I cried in public. "
— Rebecca, 10/24/2012" Cris and I were in the same writer's group for years. I was so thrilled to finally see her Neecey story in print. She is a wonderful writer, and someone to watch for in the future. "
— Michele, 9/6/2012" I couldn't put this down. It's a testament to the strength & resilience of children in the face of adversity, as well as a reminder that while people can birth children, they aren't necessarily designed to parent. "
— Marcella, 8/7/2012" Such a good book, very sad that this little girl was forced to grow up so fast but fought to let that hold her back "
— Porcha, 4/6/2012" This was a simple book to read and finish. It was very sad and didn't seem to be getting any better through the whole book. "
— Tracy, 9/16/2011" Loved this story. Wouldn't have mind if it was longer. "
— Messiah, 5/18/2011" Neecey was really strong at some point in this book. At other times I was almost yelling at my book about why she was or wasn't doing something! "
— Jordyn, 6/23/2010" This book was amazing!!! Story about love, heartbreak, abuse, and perseverance!! Neecey was absolutely amazing!! MUST READ!! "
— Tia, 2/8/2010Cris Burks earned her MFA from
Columbia College, where she taught fiction writing for more than seven years. Her
poetry and short stories have appeared in many publications, including the
anthology Gumbo. She considers
herself a Chicagoan although she was born in Mississippi and has lived in
several states, including Ohio and South Dakota. She currently resides in
Sacramento, California.
Susan Spain has appeared on stages in New York City, across the United States, and in Europe. Performances includes roles in an international production of The Best of Broadway and a staging of Little Shop of Horrors at the Smithsonian Institute’s Folklife Festival in Washington, DC. She has also appeared in Hair.