Clovis

by Annie Dike

"A vivid, unflinching, and tender exploration of family trauma." - Kirkus Reviews
 
In Clovis, New Mexico, dirt is more than just clay and dust - It's memory. It's trauma. It's the foundation where love and loss collide, where family ties strangle as much as they save.
 
Calliope "Callie" Potts has always been caught between a tender little sister shadowing her gifted brother Jude, a daughter forever scarred by a mother's rage and a father's failings, a woman who learns early that survival is built on silence, quick wit, and scars that make their own stories.
 
From dirt castles and My Little Ponies in a broken sandbox to the jagged truths of addiction, betrayal, and grief, Clovis is a searing coming-of-age story that refuses to look away. Told in Callie's fierce, unsparing voice, this novel peels back the layers of a fractured family and a girl growing into a woman who must reconcile the violence of her past with the possibility of joy.
 
This is not a story that's been polished for comfort. It's gritty, unapologetic, and laced with dark humor, the kind of book that makes you laugh even as it cracks your chest wide open. Annie Dike writes with a brutal lyricism, spinning childhood memories, hospital confessions, and adult reckonings into a narrative as raw and unrelenting as the New Mexico sun.
 
Clovis is for readers who crave stories that sting, who understand that family is never simple, and who know that sometimes the most beautiful truths rise up from the ugliest dirt.
 
If you've ever loved someone who both saved and broke you, this book will find you. And it won't let you go.

388 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2025

About the author

Annie Dike writes raw, relatable fiction, based loosely on her life and adventures. While she has written numerous legal treatises, multiple Amazon best-selling Sailing Books, and articles for SAIL Magazine and her travel blog—www.havewindwilltravel.com—Clovis is her debut literary fiction novel. Annie grew up in Clovis, New Mexico and is an attorney by profession. She works remotely and has spent the last decade cruising the east coast of the United States and the eastern Caribbean with her partner, Phillip, on their 46-foot sailboat.

Reviews

[Brianna Greenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clovis is an emotionally compelling story set in New Mexica about a woman, Callie, who confronts her traumatic past and begins to piece together who she is. With a childhood full of grief, betrayal, pain, and abuse, reconciling her past is an emotional journey that highlights Callie’s resilience. One of the great strengths of this novel is its dialogue, which weaves dark humor and vulnerability making the characters real and allows the reader to connect with the characters. While not ever readers’ own stories are the same, the themes of grabbing with one’s complicated familial roots is something many can understand. A great read for the introspective reader looking for a story with emotional depth.

[Valerie Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clovis was a very easy book to read. It took me back to my childhood of growing up in the 1990s in Arizona, which is close to NM. The hairstyles, the clothes, the games they played all brought back memories. This book grabbed my attention from the very first chapter. The back and forth between past and present helped paint the picture of Callie's life. Against all odds, she flourished in school and succeeded in college. A powerful story of a girl's determination to be a better person despite her family circumstances. This book is real and raw and delves into complex family relationships. It left me wanting to know more about Callie's future and where it will lead her.

[Kelly Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clovis by Annie Dike is a gut-wrenching yet stunning coming-of-age tale that traces Callie’s journey through growing pains, heartbreak, and the messy beauty of adulthood, captured with raw, unfiltered honesty in how she carries herself.

The characters in this novel are gloriously imperfect, yet their complexities weave seamlessly into a plot that circles back, threading past and present until every piece clicks into place. No threads are left dangling. This isn’t a story of romantic love, but a deeper kind—the love you find for yourself, your friends, and your family, and the unexpected gift of second chances when you’re convinced you’ve run out of them.

Overall, this breathtaking read with stellar writing is a must read. It’s painful, heartwarming, and simply unforgettable. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone craving an emotional rollercoaster. As Bill perfectly put it, “we can’t know joy without pain.”

[Kerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clovis is raw, honest, and really well written. It’s a story about family, growing up, and how childhood experiences stick with you. As a mom and teacher, it made me think about how much kids absorb from the adults around them. Not a light read, but a meaningful one that stayed with me. Definitely recommend.

[Juliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clovis is a touching story about love, regret, and finding yourself again. The author writes in a very real and honest way that makes you feel close to the characters. You can sense their pain and confusion as they deal with their past. The story moves slowly but keeps you thinking about life and choices. The conversations sound real, like things real people would say. What makes the book special is how it mixes sadness with hope. By the end, it feels like you’ve gone on a journey with the characters, not just read about them. Clovis shows that forgiveness and healing take time, but they’re always worth it.

[Megan Reiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annie Dike’s Clovis is a powerful and captivating novel that explores themes of mystery, strength, and self-discovery. Through rich and expressive writing, Dike brings the story to life, allowing readers to connect deeply with Clovis and the challenges he faces. The book balances emotion and adventure beautifully, offering both excitement and moments of quiet reflection. With its intriguing plot and memorable characters, Clovis is a thought-provoking story that lingers in the reader’s mind well after the last page.

[Heather Cassida · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently finished reading the book Clovis and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I especially liked how different characters share their viewpoints on various situations, which made the reading experience even more engaging and allowed me to see the story unfold from different angles. The main character, Callie, is a hard worker who is determined to break free from her small town and build a better life for herself. Her journey is inspiring, and beneath her toughness lies a heartfelt longing for a stable, loving family unit. This emotional depth adds layers to the story.
I would definitely recommend Clovis. It's a book that keeps you thinking long after you've turned the last page!

[Barbara Vance]

Wonderful writing! It’s like you are right there with the characters. Please write some more!

[Karen Singsheim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Childhood memories, pain, anger, family, perseverance. All in one story. A very poignant read. Annie Dike puts it all out there, no holds barred. From Callie, Jude, and Jay's younger years to adulthood, Annie takes you through their painful childhood, breaking away from Clovis, and into adulthood. Callie finally lets down her barriers and falls in love with Brayden. Jude finally comes out and admits he is gay. He and Levi find love. Then disaster strikes. This book is very raw with lots of twists and wonderful characters.

[Kayla Iavarone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captured my attention from the first chapter, as the slow burn plot unfolded. The author does an incredible job developing characters who feel real, flawed, and easy to connect with. The sense of setting in this book is so vivid. Dusty roads, a quaint community, and small town tension. The plot unfolds at a steady, thoughtful pace, revealing layers that support the book’s deeper themes of identity, secrets, and the cost of truth. You empathize with Callie as she unravels her own past. Her trauma is raw and comes to life through her narration. This book goes quite deep into human nature and deep emotions, I felt as though I was right there with Callie. By the end I was left appreciating how thoughtfully everything came together and how well the themes resonate.

[Leslie Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wow! This novel is so raw and revealing that I felt like I was a part of the story. I found myself thinking about how mature Callie was and how quickly she must have had to grow up because of her family situation. The novel becomes more interesting the deeper you get into the chapters, as it quietly shifts your understanding of why we are going down memory lane. I truly sympathized with Callie because, in order to heal, you first need to remember. In fact, I thought about how hard it must be when you have no choice but to remember—even when remembering comes with its own trauma. This is a great read! I absolutely loved that I didn’t have to guess what was happening, as the writer left no stone unturned when describing each scenario.

[Heather Landau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book! Clovis is a quiet but gripping ride. It's part identity quest, part gut-check on what really matters. At its core, this is a story about a woman chasing freedom and self-definition, pulling you through small-town stakes and big-heart choices with a sprinkle of coastal, salt-air vibe. Annie Dike has a true strength for creating an easy and lived-in voice and authentic characters (the dialogue feels natural and the setting feels very tactile). If I had to give any critical feedback, it would be the fact that there are a few sections that linger longer than needed.

[Alissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clovis is a gentle, easy-to-read story about a person figuring out life and relationships. The author writes in a clear, honest way that makes you care about the characters and the small moments that shape them.
I can only connect with books when they have believable characters. Like most of us, the characters in Clovis worry about making the wrong move, compare themselves to others, and learn slowly from small mistakes. The story moves at a calm pace that lets you sink into it.

If you are someone who likes quiet, emotional stories and books about growing up and choices, then this may be a good pick for you. This is not a fast thriller, but instead, a thoughtful read.

[Phillip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unforgettable characters, unforgettable journeys. Looking for a book that will make you feel everything? This is it. The timeless clash of nature versus nurture unfolds through the lives of characters so real, they’ll stay with you long after you turn the last page. You’ll laugh, cry, and cheer them on as they stumble, grow, and find their way. Powerful, moving, and impossible to put down — this is the kind of story that sticks with you, reminding us how our choices and experiences shape who we are.

[Rachel Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I would say this author has done it again.... but, instead they did something different. I have read this author's others books including Keys to the Kingdom and A Civil Affair. This one is my favorite. We all have a past and most of the parts that define us are never told. Annie uses her amazing story-telling abilities and travels back in time to examine how her past evolved into the present and "life lessons" we make up along the way to survive until we find an easier way. Sometimes the back roads are the only way to get there. Highly recommend. Great book to get lost and found in.

[Beth Healy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clovis tells the painful, yet hopeful - and ultimately triumphant - story of family and friends learning to live and love despite numerous challenges. Although the book is long and detailed, the author’s writing is consistently strong, and my attention was held throughout. The characters are all well-developed and although Callie tells most of the story, each person gets their own chapter to enhance our understanding of their character even more. This book helped me develop more empathy for lives lived differently than mine.

[Spandana Nallapati · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read. I've already started my second read through to pick up all the little details I missed the first time! As someone who usually reads authors like Brandon Sanderson, I was surprised how much this book pulled me into a genre that doesn't usually appeal to me. The characters are multi faceted, the setting so familiar yet so foreign in terms of experiences and the plot goes in ways that I never expected it to. Fantastic buy for yourself and an awesome Christmas or birthday gift.

[Sabrina Parrino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clovis is a beautiful story about letting go of the past and finding peace. The author writes in a way that makes you think about your own life and choices. The main character’s story is simple but powerful, showing that happiness can be found in unexpected ways. It inspired me to look at life differently and appreciate small moments. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants an inspiring and thoughtful read.

[Ray Giustini · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes readers on a journey filled with discovery and courage. Clovis shows how one person’s adventure can change the way they see life. I loved the settings and the sense of freedom that came with each new place. Her writing makes you feel like you’re right there with the character. It’s a great read for people who enjoy stories about travel and self-growth.

[Caterina Parrino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clovis is a touching story about finding strength and purpose after loss. The main character goes through heartbreak and change but learns to keep moving forward. I liked how the story showed real feelings and tough choices. It made me think about how people can heal and grow. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys emotional stories about starting over.

[Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story feels so real it almost hurts. The characters are messy, flawed, and full of heart, and the writing brings every moment to life. It captures how love and pain can exist side by side and how growing up sometimes means learning to forgive the people who shaped you. I couldn’t put it down and haven’t stopped thinking about it since.

[Lily Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story pulled me in from the first page. Annie Dike captures what it feels like to grow up in a complicated family with writing that is raw, emotional, and full of heart. Callie’s voice feels so real. I laughed at moments I didn’t expect and felt deeply moved by others. It’s not an easy story, but it’s one that stays with you long after you finish reading.

[Dana Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Clovis by Annie Dike and really liked it. The characters feel so real — a little messy, a little flawed, but totally believable. Dike’s writing has this easy flow that pulls you right in, like you’re sitting next to her characters instead of just reading about them. It’s one of those stories that sticks with you after you’re done.

[Chris S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Very interesting coming of age story told in the unique voice of Annie Dike (if you've read her other books you'll know).

[Stephen Leathers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great coming-of-age story about a gal with a lot of heart and determination.

[Megan Stodard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A full of heart (both warming and wrenching) coming of age adventure as Callie from Clovis learns the most important truths about herself, her people, and what matters most.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her latest book, Annie Dike takes on a journey through the not so easy life of Callie Potts. I found myself unable to put the book down. I laughed, I cried, and truly felt so invested in the people of Clovis that I couldn’t wait for the next chapter.