Possum Track Chronicles

by Donna Elks

Imagine a time not so far away and yet so long ago . . . It is the 1970s, deep South, rural Eastern North Carolina, once the world capital of the tobacco farming industry. On the Coastal Plains, nestled along the Pamlico River, is a tiny town called Chocowinity. The characters are original and southern. Donnas father is a haunted artist and gifted carpenter. Her mother, Pam, a full-time mom, with three children by the age of twenty who attempts to keep it together in a poor family where alcohol and substance abuse became the norm. When her fathers alcoholism worsens, Donna begins to resent him. Finally, on a night when violence reached its terrifying worst, the young family is spirited away for protection, and her parents divorced. Soon her fathers demons re-emerge and he falls into depression characterized by more substance abuse. Several times, their loving extended family comes to the rescue. Among the layers and human elements of this story, there lies an ominous secret. Donna has known it as long as she can remember. She keeps it hidden, as this might change everything. What unfolds is a funny, touching story of a Generation X tomboy growing up in 1970s and 1980sbefore car seat belts were required and shoes were still optional in the grocery store. This unique story is autobiographical. Funny, original, and bittersweet, it is full of Southern culture and generational relevance. This is not just one girls story of growing up in a stormy relationship with her father, and their life in poverty. It is a story of coming of age. A must-read for everyone.

388 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 24, 2017

Reviews

[Stella Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

TITLE: It Really Draws you In and then takes you back!
This is a beautifully written book. The characters are relatable, empathetic, and complicated (certainly not without their southern charms, either). This is uniquely written memoir. The author has a way of drawing you into the story as if you are experiencing it for yourself. There are many “old school” cultural references and brands and memories that will pop up as you read it. Things from decades ago that were so much a part of our culture but have changed so much, things you have probably forgotten about! But that is part of its charm. It really draws you in, and then takes you back.

I found it funny and thoughtful, especially when you realize the author has “chronicled” her childhood from her earliest memories all the way into early adulthood. Most priceless though, is the way the many sad, traumatic things that occurred in this girl’s life did not overtake her. Instead, she leaves a lesson in every single chapter, about how each set of events shaped her or how she felt, and how she grew from it. It’s a lovely, unique, funny and emotional memoir and it does not disappoint. There are some really great stories in this book, and they were actually lived out by the writer. There is a lot of love and humor here, and I found it very easy to get interested and stay compelled. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves nostalgia books about childhood, coming of age, or for young adults going through what we all go through as we grow up in an imperfect world with imperfect humans around it. Or to just anyone who loves to read about true lives or relationships and family. So It is really all about growing up, but growing to be a better person, too. There are so many life lessons and wonderful moments here. delightful book, a great read!

[CATHY PENDLETON · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always thought that a good book is one that draws the reader in quickly, pulling you in and making you feel as if you are a part of the story. Possum Track Chronicles does just that!!! It is an amazing collection of true stories that will have you laughing, crying, thinking and learning.

It is an extremely honest, open story, where she shares the pains of a roller coaster childhood and an adolescence that was filled with obstacles. But this book is written in a very sweet way, and has many beautiful moments as well as laughter. There are many poignant, relatable moments of the pains of growing up, life in poverty and also of the sadness of abuse and neglect. But the story is a triumph though: Of the human spirit, of faith, and the beauty of learning to love and forgive!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book. I grew up in eastern North Carolina in the 1960s near this author area. This book drew me in quick and she did not disappoint me at all

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

My own story….