Linda Scott DeRosier

Reviews:

“I keep buying copies of Creeker to give to all my favorite people—what a warm, smart, funny, and enlightening book it is. An unusual combination of fierce intelligence, unstinting honesty, and engaging narrative voice makes this a standout memoir.”—Lee Smith

“This poignant autobiography is a celebration of Appalachia told through the story of one woman.”—Appalachian Quarterly

“This attentive, frank memoir of an ambitious young woman growing up in Martin County, in rural Eastern Kentucky, gives an interesting and useful feel for the region.”—Appalachian Heritage

“Creeker is a learning experience, breaking down stereotypes. For the reader who grew up in the region, Creeker is a nostalgic look back at a proud people who do not need to or want sympathy. . . . A must read for all Kentuckians.”—Kentucky Woman

"Offers a fresh voice from Appalachia. DeRosier generously shares what she has learned from experience, from close observation, and from introspection—all presented with impressive common sense and insight.”—Sandra L. Ballard

“Does what all good biography and autobiography and memoirs should do—it shows the inner spirit and humanity of an individual, complete with frailties and doubts, rather than trumpeting a list of lifelong accomplishments and good deeds. DeRosier has produced an absolute gem.”—Journal of Southern History

"There is nothing typical about this memoir, which is full of not only the language but also the values, humor, and perseverance of DeRosier's family.”—Kirkus Reviews

“A rare gem because it is an astonishing look at life in Appalachia without the ‘spin’ typically put on the portrait by journalists with TV cameras.”—Bourbon Times

“An odyssey laced with tenderness and objectivity.”—Southern Seen

“DeRosier’s memoir is both painful and touching as she recounts the hardships encountered after leaving Two-Mile.”—Kentucky Monthly

“DeRosier makes an irresistible companion as she charts how she became who she is, an improbable journey from Linda Sue to Lee to Linda, through college, graduate school, and a first marriage.”—Booklist

“Quite simply, Creeker is one of the finest autobiographies ever written by a Kentuckian.”—Lexington Herald-Leader

“A frank, in-depth account of mountain mores, the habits and morally binding customs of us mountain people.”—Paintsville Herald

“Creeker more than lives up to the insights one would expect from someone who teaches psychology.”—Ace Magazine

“Effectively blends sociology, memoir, autobiography, coming of age and discovering voice, and probably a whole lot of other things. Most of all, however, it’s a story that tells a tale of our age, and that is priceless for future generations.”—Bowling Green Daily News

“A lively, irreverent memoir.”—Knoxville News-Sentinel

“With an almost magical use of language, DeRosier offers her readers nuggets of wisdom for every little corner of life.”—Bowling Green Daily News

“Meets the harshness and the narrowness with a gentle humor while she displays the bonding of family and that of community in all their glory.”—Mountain Eagle

“A place this reader delights to be taken, and a person it was a pleasure to meet.”—Huntsville Times

“Her narrative is captivating, moving quickly and sensitively, creating a sense of personal connection with the reader.”—Kentucky Libraries

“Both a joy to read and a serious exploration of rural Appalachian culture.”—Journal of Appalachian Studies

“An engaging, entertaining, enjoyable read.”—Now & Then

“A thoughtful, powerful, and realistic perspective on what it meant to grow up female in Appalachia—and the effects on a person long after the mountains have been left behind.”—Register of the Kentucky Historical Society

“I was prepared neither for the power of DeRosier’s prose nor for the fact that much of her story would have me laughing out loud.”—Huntington Herald-Dispatch

“Creeker is must reading if you want to understand Appalachian family values.”—Central Record (Garrard Co., KY)

“Belongs in all Appalachian collections.”—Tennessee Librarian

“Rich in language, values, humor, and detail.”—Ashland Independent