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Lyla
Lyla unerringly evokes the life of a troubled family, and the love that grows in it. Quinn must learn how to exist in his mother's troubled world, without being consumed by her selfishness. Written with fervor and affection for a wounded past, Lyla is an intense and personal epic about a restless woman, and the children caught in her spurring draft.
Set during the Great Depression, on the upper coast of Florida, this touching story is about growing up in an achingly anguished household, and finding a way to survive. A stirring memoir that delivers the reader to a sepia-tinted world that is heartbreaking, at times shocking, and triumphant.
Set during the Great Depression, on the upper coast of Florida, this touching story is about growing up in an achingly anguished household, and finding a way to survive. A stirring memoir that delivers the reader to a sepia-tinted world that is heartbreaking, at times shocking, and triumphant.
- GenresFiction
221 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 4, 2015
137 people are currently reading
482 people want to read
About the author
Sean Dietrich
7 books220 followersSean Dietrich is a writer, humorist, and novelist, known for his commentary on life in the American South.
Dietrich’s humor and short fiction have appeared in various publications throughout the Southeast, including South Magazine, Tallahassee Democrat, Wired Magazine, and he is a member of the NWU. His first short story was published during his childhood, in a hometown journal newspaper. Since then, he pursues his literary interests authoring four novels, writing humor, and short stories.
Dietrich’s humor and short fiction have appeared in various publications throughout the Southeast, including South Magazine, Tallahassee Democrat, Wired Magazine, and he is a member of the NWU. His first short story was published during his childhood, in a hometown journal newspaper. Since then, he pursues his literary interests authoring four novels, writing humor, and short stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 20, 2021
What a writer! Unbelievable. Emotion, love and humor. What more can you want? You are transported to backwaters and poverty with waves of personal hope and growth without relying on bible thumping religion, but rather through family, friends and love. The metaphors are mindboggling and so creative.
"The water was as smooth as a bookkeeper's rump"....
"He had the personality of a two week old chicken salad"...
"That boy was beginning to annoy me worse than room temperature beer"...
"They were like pearls given to pigs"...
Who writes like this? I loved it! Plus, I adored Quinn. He made me laugh even through some very rough patches. He always kept his sense of humor. Lots of life lessons on forgiveness in this book as well.
"The water was as smooth as a bookkeeper's rump"....
"He had the personality of a two week old chicken salad"...
"That boy was beginning to annoy me worse than room temperature beer"...
"They were like pearls given to pigs"...
Who writes like this? I loved it! Plus, I adored Quinn. He made me laugh even through some very rough patches. He always kept his sense of humor. Lots of life lessons on forgiveness in this book as well.
January 5, 2018
Brilliant writing as always by Sean Dietrich. This novel based in the South shares the story of a poor family who manage to scrape by in a less than desirable way. Somehow they muddle through and exist in a time and place when life was difficult. Sean Dietrich is a master wordsmith and while I have read his non fiction work this was the first piece of fiction I have read by him. I was not disappointed. His words are descriptive and with each page turn I found myself more in love with the characters. Hats off for fine writing -- I am a huge fan.
October 9, 2022
Choppy read
The digital version of this book has misspellings, incomplete sentences, and bad grammar that is not part of the southern dialect. The writing was choppy and the reader never really learns anything about Lyla, the mother. The characters are somewhat compelling, but it was like the author never gave them any depth. Other books of his were better.
The digital version of this book has misspellings, incomplete sentences, and bad grammar that is not part of the southern dialect. The writing was choppy and the reader never really learns anything about Lyla, the mother. The characters are somewhat compelling, but it was like the author never gave them any depth. Other books of his were better.
March 23, 2019
I didn’t find it very compelling.
March 9, 2024
(My 3+ stars is probably your 4.) I am suddenly tuned in to Sean D., so after reading a newer book of his I decided to backtrack and work through them all if possible. This 2014 novel about a "cracker" family (set during the Great Depression on the upper coast of Florida) was different from anything I've ever read. Lyla is the narrator's mother, in a family wildly different from my own. There are twists and turns, coming-of-age, humor, shock, death and birth, very colorful characters, and lyrical passages that make you want to go there (except, that humidity!).
May 25, 2025
Quite a story
This book was a difficult one to read. I still found it hard to put down once I started. The cast of characters carried such hardships through their lives. The fight between Quinn and another character was brutal. Claire was quite a unique character. I don't see how she survived her life. This story was disturbing to read but still worth it. I am glad this author chose to have this story published.
This book was a difficult one to read. I still found it hard to put down once I started. The cast of characters carried such hardships through their lives. The fight between Quinn and another character was brutal. Claire was quite a unique character. I don't see how she survived her life. This story was disturbing to read but still worth it. I am glad this author chose to have this story published.
April 4, 2020
One of the best I have read in a while.
This story was a wonderfully written account of a poor young man's relationship with his beautiful, immature mother, and how her often reckless choices shaped his life . I like a book like this one, that sums up the story, but is so well written that it leaves you hungry for more.
This story was a wonderfully written account of a poor young man's relationship with his beautiful, immature mother, and how her often reckless choices shaped his life . I like a book like this one, that sums up the story, but is so well written that it leaves you hungry for more.
May 11, 2020
A southern journey
Be aware that the typographical editing is terrible. The story is deeply rooted in the southern tradition which I like. However, the characters lack depth and it is difficult to care or relate to them. As a woman who grew up and love the south, I was hoping for more. Check out this author's book Stars of Alabama. A true gem.
Be aware that the typographical editing is terrible. The story is deeply rooted in the southern tradition which I like. However, the characters lack depth and it is difficult to care or relate to them. As a woman who grew up and love the south, I was hoping for more. Check out this author's book Stars of Alabama. A true gem.
October 23, 2021
Sean Dietrich is one of the absolute best writers of first person narrative I've ever read. His characters are completely real and human and totally believable. This story has a lot of sad and painful moments, but there's an underlying current of determination and love that can't be extinguished. Highly recommended.
June 8, 2022
Heart and Soul
A treasure of heart and soul, truth and questions, heart break and love, forgiveness and loyalty. The setting in the Florida panhandle is a strong, beautiful supporting character. Each human character is so vibrant and soulful that it is hard to imagine them not in the world. Bravo, Sean!
A treasure of heart and soul, truth and questions, heart break and love, forgiveness and loyalty. The setting in the Florida panhandle is a strong, beautiful supporting character. Each human character is so vibrant and soulful that it is hard to imagine them not in the world. Bravo, Sean!
February 6, 2024
I’m a big fan of Sean Dietrich, however this was not one of my favorites…I believe he’s grown a lot as a writer, storyteller and creator since this book was published. He has an amazing talent for descriptive writing - and that is evident in Lyla. I’d give this book 3 1/2 stars if I could. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ for Lyla
July 2, 2025
Every book by Sean Dietrich is worth your time!
I am a big fan of Mr. Dietrich and have read several of his books. I didn't find this one to be as interesting as his others; his trademark wit and sense of humor were lacking a bit in Lyla, plus the editing was disappointing. Also, many of his similes were not his best. That being said, he is still one of my favorite authors.
I am a big fan of Mr. Dietrich and have read several of his books. I didn't find this one to be as interesting as his others; his trademark wit and sense of humor were lacking a bit in Lyla, plus the editing was disappointing. Also, many of his similes were not his best. That being said, he is still one of my favorite authors.
January 28, 2021
Easy reading
This book is so well written. I enjoyed every word, could not willingly put it down. Sean District h is a really good writer and my husband and I both like his books very much.
This book is so well written. I enjoyed every word, could not willingly put it down. Sean District h is a really good writer and my husband and I both like his books very much.
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June 30, 2022Coulda been
Couda been a good book. Could have been a really good book. But.., I guess they just could not afford a proofreader, much less an editor. Despite going to fifth grade, he couldn't read or write, but yet spoke like a Catholic school grad. Coulda been a good book.
Couda been a good book. Could have been a really good book. But.., I guess they just could not afford a proofreader, much less an editor. Despite going to fifth grade, he couldn't read or write, but yet spoke like a Catholic school grad. Coulda been a good book.
April 23, 2024
disappointed after Sean’s other books
I really like the story but had to just stop about 50% through. I will not read books with curse words. Very offensive. Especially taking Gods name in vane. So sorry. Never have understood the need for that.
I really like the story but had to just stop about 50% through. I will not read books with curse words. Very offensive. Especially taking Gods name in vane. So sorry. Never have understood the need for that.
February 23, 2025
Sean Dietrich has such a way with words, this book made me feel all kinds of strong emotions and the character descriptions are amazing, at the end of the book I felt related to Quinn’s family. Excellent read!
August 2, 2022
Another great read by Sean of the South.
October 19, 2022
Beautifully written. Just simple folks, living in the South. Crackers.
August 23, 2023
I love most of his writing, this one not as much.
January 22, 2024
southern goodness
I loved the way the author described even the smallest details. He made you feel as though you were right there.
I loved the way the author described even the smallest details. He made you feel as though you were right there.
February 4, 2024
Not one of my favorite. Sean’s writing has come a long way since this book.
April 15, 2025
families
Families sure aren’t perfect! Sean Dietrich builds this family with all their difficulties into one of deep love, remarkable resilience really! Great storytelling!
Families sure aren’t perfect! Sean Dietrich builds this family with all their difficulties into one of deep love, remarkable resilience really! Great storytelling!
May 27, 2025
Great characters and plot. Self-published, so some errors are expected.
October 2, 2025
Sean Dietrich has become a sure thing author for me. He does not miss the mark. If you enjoy warm, country tales, he will absolutely deliver.
October 28, 2025
the ultimate example of forgiveness.
September 1, 2015
Fantastic!!
This was a book that spoke to me in a language I understand well. A language of love and hate, of poverty and the effects of it. Most importantly, the love of family and how it can grow and change and the varied dynamics of them. All wrapped up and told with an unmistakable Southern accent. I loved this book!!
This was a book that spoke to me in a language I understand well. A language of love and hate, of poverty and the effects of it. Most importantly, the love of family and how it can grow and change and the varied dynamics of them. All wrapped up and told with an unmistakable Southern accent. I loved this book!!
June 7, 2017
A true southern yarn.
Really colorful, though I wish he hadn't used God's name so much. Really enjoyed the writing style otherwise. It felt like I had met the characters and I shall miss them.
Really colorful, though I wish he hadn't used God's name so much. Really enjoyed the writing style otherwise. It felt like I had met the characters and I shall miss them.
January 30, 2016
Wonderful!!!! The writing is like water flowing.
February 13, 2016
Good read.
Remembering hardships of growing up without today's distractions. Simple life good and bad. Would recommend to anyone who loves a good old fashioned "porch story".
Remembering hardships of growing up without today's distractions. Simple life good and bad. Would recommend to anyone who loves a good old fashioned "porch story".
April 19, 2016
Good home grown story line
I liked the characters for their forgiving nature (when it came to Lyla). A good read which kept me intrigued.
I liked the characters for their forgiving nature (when it came to Lyla). A good read which kept me intrigued.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews