Kinfolk

Written 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

• Language: English
• Publisher: Harper Muse
• Release date: Nov 14, 2023
• ISBN: 9781400235650

Sean Dietrich

Sean Dietrich is a columnist, podcaster, stand-up storyteller, and novelist known for his commentary on life in the American South. His work has appeared in Southern Living, Good Grit, South magazine, and other publications, and he has authored fourteen books. Follow Sean’s daily writing at seandietrich.com or @seanofthesouth on Instagram.

Reviews for Kinfolk

[Lisa Young Miller · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have fallen in love with the books written by this author. His voice, tone, sound effects and the entire story lines make the story come alive. I hated for this book to end. The content is rich and the characters become people you can easily envision. This is the 2nd book I have loved by this author.

[Wendy Turner · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Absolutely superb. Sean Dietrich never disappoints. I wish I could give this book 10 stars.

[Andrew P · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

My Gawd!!!! You, Sir, are amazing!!! I loved your book, 'Kinfolk'! You have an exquisite talent for describing everything in the story with such talent that I caught myself laughing out loud, nearly shedding tears and inwardly gasping as some things occurred in the story line as to make my poor Golden Retriever come over to check on me!!! (I'm old so he wants to make sure I'm not dying, I suppose! The same reason that he follows me closely if I'm cooking or eating....his thought process is, "She's old, she'll drop something!") THIS was the BEST book I've listened to for the past year! I read and listen to a hell of a lot of books. You are a gifted narrator too. Thank you so very much!!! Most enjoyable!
Deanna Peterson

[Jackie Fielding · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved Stars of Alabama, so I gave Kinfolk a listen and was not disappointed. Sean Dietrich's book is a must-read; his writing skills are exceptional.

[Emily Lassiter Branch · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Y'all! This book! To start, let me just say that I went into listening to this book with a wee bit of trepidation. I had high expectations - fueled by my love for Sean Dietrich's writing, both his novels and his entries on Facebook, and his podcast. I know what this man is capable of and I was hoping I wouldn't be disappointed.
Happily, I was not. Not one weensy bit.
This is indeed about kinfolk - the ones we're born with, and the ones we find along the way and incorporate into our life. And it's about second chances, and how it's never to late to get something right. When Nub, a 65-year-old self-professed screwup, comes across Minnie, a 15-year-old dropout and Waffle House cook, he sees a fellow wounded soul who needs help. His help. And while he still doesn't get everything right, bless his heart, his good heart does shine through. Set in Alabama in the 70s, this book is Southern to the bone. It's chock full of eccentrics who anyone from the Deep South (including myself) will recognize. And can Sean Dietrich deliver a wonderful narration? Well, of course he can. Not only that, he sings at appropriate moments, and it's a delight, as is this book. Just read it, y'all.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Harper Muse for providing a copy for an unbiased review.