The Schooling of Claybird Catts

Janis Owens goes to the heart of teenage vulnerabilities and self doubts in telling the Catts-Sims story from a young boy's point of view. That she does this is admirable, that she does it so well is truly miraculous. Claybird's painful, self-imposed estrangement from his family eventually heals, through their loving patience and his bittersweet maturation. More than just a coming of age tale, the gentle, honest portrayal of the heartaches and wonders of a dyslexic child provide insight and encouragement of this little understood reading difficulty. Ms. Owens' writing style is enchanted and her characters are so real the reader will know them personally, but perhaps that insight and encouragement is the ultimate compliment of this story.

Had no idea what to expect when I picked up this novel - and was hooked by the end of the first chapter. A marvelous tale, and told so well - Janis Owens is a wonderful fresh voice, another great Southern writer who has the kind of story-telling ability that draws the reader in without guile or the predictable plot twists and turns that have become the norm these days. Such a satisfying read, one that left me wanting more. A great book. Looking forward to reading her other books, and the next one she comes out with.

I've read all of this author's books and her writing has matured with this latest. It's my favorite of all three. Highly recommended. I loved it.

I've read and loved all of Janise Owen's books, My Brother Michael, Myra Sims and The Schooling of Claybird Catts. However, this third book hit a Southern Cord with me. Looking through the eyes of a child, the eyes of innocence facing some grown-up issues, makes this story extremely honest and real. It was wonderful; a must read for eveyone, even if you're not from the South.

Few writers have captured so much of the true Southern experience as Janis Owens. She has the discerning eye and sensitive spirit to do so not just once, but again and again with her trilogy of the Catts family. In her most recent edition to "the family", The Schooling of Claybird Catts, Ms. Owens portrays the innocence of the main character, Clay and the betrayal he feels when that innocence is abruptly lost to unraveling skeletons hiding in secret family closets. Claybird (as the family calls him) brings us into the flesh of his flesh as we experience the loss he feels over the death of his father, his longing to belong, his desire to know the truth behind the perpetual whispers of his existence, and like all of us, his need to be loved and accepted for who he truly is.Ms. Owens writing reflects the richness of detail from stories that have been passed down from one generation to the next. And, of someone that has heard numerous versions of the same stories. Each novel portrays the truth as it is revealed through the eyes of its lead character resulting in layers of various depths and dimensions of this family's history. As any true Southerner would agree, it takes a multitude of voices to tell one story and thankfully, the Catts family has members that are willing to talk. In the fullness of their "telling," the complicated intricacies of their sins are revealed and, in due time, the saving grace that sustains them till the end. Janis Owens perfectly captures her characters and brings them to life, incorporating them into our collective memory and making them our own. It is refreshing to read the words of a true Southern author with her ear open to the voices of the past while her characters determinedly, keep moving forward. Delightedly, we are able to take each new step with them. I highly recommend that readers enjoy each of the Catts family books, buy them in triplicate, and read them back-to-back, but that they begin their journey with The Schooling of Claybird Catts. Clay is the perfect person to open the door to this simple yet complicated family, their powerful faith, quiet desperation and eventual victories.