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A Truth Worth Tellin’

Toni Teepell
Ramsay Publishing (2009)
ISBN 9780615308227
Reviewed by Marcy Blesy for Rebeccas Reads (02/10)


I loved “A Truth Worth Tellin.’”  Not since I was a child reading Where the Red Fern Grows have I had such a visceral reaction to a book.   This book touches the heart.  Personally, there are elements of this story that affected me very deeply.  The fact that this is Toni Teepell’s first novel is amazing.  She has a bright career ahead of her as indicated by the talent she has displayed with her writing.

In the story, an eleven year old girl named Maggie, moves to Pearl , Louisiana with her father and mother.  Maggie’s mother is ill, with a sickness that Maggie seeks to hide.   Her embarrassment begins the lies that she tells to protect herself and her family from the gossip of a small town.  Meeting Sam, Maggie develops a friendship that blooms into something very special.  Sam also lies to protect her own family’s secrets.  As the trust between the girls grows, they each become honest and divulge their secrets.  Trying to protect Sam’s secret, Maggie continues to lie to her family while Sam begins to become an important part of Maggie’s family.  The girl’s unique bond over banana moon pies is quite amusing!

The girls develop a special relationship with the neighbor’s kindly cook.  She and Maggie’s father are the safe place the girls can run to in their times of need.  Without wanting to divulge the particulars of this story, be assured that Ms. Teepell’s cast of characters are highly endearing, and even those with less than stellar traits invoke empathy. 

Unfortunately, many children grow up in less than ideal homes.  Yet, even through hardships the power of love can reign supreme and bring a child out on the other side still having a chance to have a good life.  The power of God is called upon by Maggie, as well, and she learns to accept that prayers are not always answered as we desire.  What a hard lesson for a child (or anyone, for that matter)! 

“A Truth Worth Tellin’” is exceptionally written.  The language is beautiful.  I found myself re-reading sentences because they were so nicely written.  The flow is perfect, and the book’s impact lingers.  I cannot wait to recommend this book to my friends, and I look forward to Ms. Teepell’s next book!