A Truth Worth Tellin' — Toni Teepell; Fresh Fruit

New author Toni Teepell's debut, A Truth Worth Tellin', is a story of unconditional love. It chronicles a family who triumphs in the midst of utter tragedy and a true friendship between two likeminded souls. At twelve-years-old Maggie Wall is on the brink of blooming when she learns how to swallow a spoonful of fate. While she knows that no one can be blamed for her mother's schizophrenia, it is not easy being her daughter. Still, there are a lot worse things than facing crazy and she is certain that the truth really does set folks free. Maggie's father is her anchor and Samantha, Maggie's cigar smoking, candy-stealing friend, is her summer's ultimate challenge. Through Maggie, Samantha is able to be a little more honest as she comes to grips with her own mother, an abusive drunk who is known to take just as many swings as she does swigs. With a prose that is decidedly Delta, this gripping Louisiana tale marks a bold new voice in modern Southern literature.