Who She Is by Diane Byington
Published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform on March 20, 2018
Genres: Historical, Literature & Fiction, Women’s Fiction
Pages: 278
Format: ARC
Goodreads
Buy on Amazon
In the fall of 1967, Faye Smith’s family moves to Florida to work in the orange groves, and she has to start a new school… again. She tries out for the track team, knowing her mother would never approve because of Faye’s epilepsy. When Faye discovers she has a talent for distance running, she and her friend Francie decide to enter the Boston Marathon, even though women aren’t allowed to compete. Desperate to climb out of the rut of poverty, Faye is determined to take part and win a college scholarship. After the school bully tries to run her down with his car, a strange memory surfaces-a scene Faye doesn’t recognize. Her parents insist that it’s a symptom of her epilepsy, but Faye thinks they might be lying, especially when it keeps happening. To get her life on the right path, she’ll need to figure out what her parents are hiding and never lose sight of the finish line.
I know I’ve been reading a lot of books lately and posting reports on them, but I hope you still remember that I’m also a runner. I know I should be running more than I do since it’s officially running season here in Florida, but due to some family issues I’ve been unable to get out as often as I’d like. Even my running pup, Brodie is a bit restless about it. Anyway, when I saw the cover of today’s book, Who She Is by Diane Byington, I was interested. Then, when I read the description of the book I knew it was one I’d love to read. Fortunately, thanks to my book blogging relationship with NetGalley I was provided with an advanced reader digital copy of the book.
Let me start out by saying this: I was blown away with the fact that this is a debut novel. I am impressed with Ms. Byington’s writing and I felt like the book was written by a seasoned author.
Who She Is takes place in 1967 and revolves around Faye Smith, a 16-year old girl and her determination to push against the societal expectations of the times binding her. Her parents, Sue and Bud, kept a very restrictive hold on Faye and didn’t want to allow her to pursue her dreams. Despite this, Faye tries out for the school track team and later learns she has some serious running skills. She and her friend, Francie, decide they are going to run the Boston Marathon. Women weren’t officially allowed to run Boston yet, but there were ways to participate. Faye’s thinking is that she is going to win the race and be awarded a college scholarship to help her escape her family’s poverty. (Side note: I’m pretty sure it was 1967 when Katherine Switzer became the first woman to run the Boston Marathon.)
Faye keeps having nightmares and seems to remember living in a different house being cared for by another woman. Faye cannot determine whether these nightmares are due to her epilepsy or whether her parents could be lying to her. Faye is determined to find out the truth behind the nightmares. I loved how everything comes together at the end of Who She Is. The truth comes to light and at the same time, Faye and Francie are able to reach their full potential.
Interested in a sneak peak of this book? Check out Chapter One HERE!
Diane Byington has been a tenured college professor, yoga teacher, psychotherapist, and executive coach. Also, she raised goats for fiber and once took a job cooking hot dogs for a NASCAR event. She still enjoys spinning and weaving, but she hasn’t eaten a hot dog or watched a car race since.
Besides reading and writing, Diane loves to hike, kayak, and photograph sunsets. She and her husband divide their time between Boulder, Colorado, and the small Central Florida town they discovered while doing research for her novel.
WEBSITE // FACEBOOK // TWITTER // INSTAGRAM
I was provided with a complimentary electronic advanced reader copy through Net Galley in exchange for my post. I was not required to post a positive review, but have chosen to do so because this book was great! Thank you!
It would be great if you would stay connected with me!! You can follow me on Twitter @DebiL1611, like me on Facebook at 2014 and Beyond, circle me on Google+, follow me on Tumblr, Instagram and Bloglovin’, subscribe on YouTube, or connect with me on LinkedIn and Pinterest.
Please make sure to visit my homepage and subscribe to my blog for more great posts on running, fitness and lifestyle topics as well as food, product, music and book reviews, and more!
