National Network for Equitable Library Service

The Center for Fiction First Novel Prize Longlist, Georgia Author of the Year for First Novel, Indie Next List Pick—American Booksellers Association, Seven Hills Literary Prize for Fiction, Foreword Indies Silver Book of the Year—LGBTQ+ Fiction, Book of the Year: International Pulpwood Queens and Timber Guys Book Club, Lambda Literary Most Anticipated LGBTQIA+ Book, Southern Literary Review Read of the Month, and Southern Literary Review's 2023 top ten books. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Red Clay Suzie go to support the important work of The Trevor Project and the Born This Way Foundation. A novel inspired by true events. The coming-of-age story of Philbet, gay and living with a disability, battles bullying, ignorance, and disdain as he makes his way in life as an outsider in the Deep South—before finding acceptance in unlikely places. Fueled by tomato sandwiches and green milkshakes, and obsessed with cars, Philbet struggles with life and love as a gay boy in rural Georgia. He's happiest when helping Grandaddy dig potatoes from the vegetable garden that connects their houses. But Philbet's world is shattered and his resilience shaken by events that crush his innocence and sense of security; expose his misshapen chest skillfully hidden behind shirts Mama makes at home; and convince him that he's not fit to be loved by Knox, the older boy he idolizes to distraction. Over time, Philbet finds refuge in unexpected places and inner strength in unexpected ways, leading to a resolution from beyond the grave.