The Schooling of Claybird Catts

by Janis Owens

To be perfectly honest, the day my father died really wasn't the worst day of my life. When his beloved father, Michael, dies, Claybird Catts finds solace in the company of his close-knit family -- his mysterious and beautiful mother, Myra; his lovable, know-it-all sister, Missy; his newly grown-up brother, Simon; and his devoted grandmother, Cissie. Devastated by his loss, but secure in their love, Claybird feels as though life could almost go on as usual in their small, sleepy Southern hometown. Until Uncle Gabe comes back. A stranger to Claybird, Uncle Gabe is a brilliant academic who disappeared twenty years ago. Despite the deep mystery that surrounds him, Gabe's humor and intellect shine, and he quickly positions himself in the role of the Catts family's patriarch, filling the role of Claybird's dead father. Gabe and Claybird become coconspirators and best friends, until a slip of the tongue unveils the real history of their relationship, a heart-wrenching revelation that turns Claybird's world upside down.

Genres: Fiction, Southern, Coming Of Age

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Melissa Crytzer Fry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unintentionally, I’ve picked up a series of stories recently with pre-teen narrators – and this one, like the others, did not disappoint. I absolutely loved this story of family secrets and the coming-of-age of the main character, Claybird. His voice is so original, and despite the very serious nature of the storyline, he had me laughing out loud more times than I can count. What a wonderful mix of humor and deeply felt emotion.

I read this book on my Kindle on the treadmill, and zipped right through it (sure made the workout less painful!). It is character-driven fiction at its best: an introduction to a southern Florida family struck by truly devastating loss that, in the end, results in so much personal growth. We meet Claybird; siblings Sim and Missy; parents Myra and Michael; and Uncle Gabe, Aunt Candace and Grannie (and a few others). We learn their southern traditions, can nearly taste their mouthwatering southern cooking – and we see the influence of religious traditions on moral decisions.

This is ultimately a story of the power of forgiveness and the strength of love. Wonderful, wonderful southern storytelling!

[Sheli Ellsworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

The coming-of-age story line is remarkably well written. The only problem I had was that the POV seemed to be that of a female (probably because it was written by a female?) so I had a hard time staying in the main character's head. He would say and do things that seemed unlikely for an adolescent/teenage boy. But hey, I had two brothers and have a teenage son maybe I'm a little jaded. Can you say, "Where's my jeans?"

[Cynthia Kauffmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an interesting read. Family with issues.

[Mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved all 3 of these books by Janis that told a story from 3 different peoples perspective. My favorite one was Myra Sims; I think it grabbed my emotions so deeply. They are all worth your time reading though.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up

I really liked the main character, Clay, is the narrator of his story. It gives a fascinating perspective on life as a 11year old, until age 14. His self-esteem is vital to the story, and I was engrossed in how he changed and his contribution and development in the family My favorite characters in addition to Clay were Granny and Missy, who were key in the story and his growth. Interesting book, sometimes it made me laugh. Where the storyline was going was not always predictable.

[Jacqui H. Travis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yet another perspective on the story of Myra and the Catts brothers, this time told by Myra's youngest son, Clayton. While this version gives yet another piece of the story and expands the understanding of their lives a little further, I grew weary of the already twice-told tale halfway through this book.
Janis Owens is a gifted writer, and I would love to read more of her works other than the saga of the Sims-Owens-Catts families.

[Vivian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting coming of age story set in the small town south. The young character is entertaining as he maneuvers through life as he sees it. He is dealt some tough blows but eventually comes to realize that others in his family have not had it easy either. He is charmingly awkward but actually pretty intelligent.

[Cindy · Rating 2 out of 5]

No matter how hard I tried, I could not believe that 1987 was supposed to be when this story took Place. It felt more like the early 1960’s to me. It kept me engaged, but the characters were weird and I wasn’t clear on why they did the things they did. There wasn’t enough background information on their individual stories to explain anything.

[Jennifer Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much and especially the way the author wove the story between the adult Claybird and his memories of growing up. The book really brought home the concept of the value of character -especially in these "hill people" who had access to very little education and who lived in complete poverty, but still embodied such strength of character and high moral values.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars. (I really considered giving it a 5!). I loved this Southern coming of age story set in the 80’s in Northern Florida. I’m only sorry to realize that it is the third book in a trilogy! I have the other 2 in my library, but they had gotten separated.
This is totally a stand alone book, and it didn’t matter at all that I hadn’t read the other 2, but I will be reading them!

[Eileen Mackin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the colorful southern expressions in this book and found it surprisingly humorous. But I was confused by the mixed voice of the storyteller, it was supposedly a male voice but felt female. I had to keep reminding myself that Claybird was a boy, which took away from the storyline flow.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The timing was tricky to follow, but I thoroughly enjoyed following Clayton through some crazy times on his journey. The characters are all so well developed and relatable. I see that there are two other books out there about the same Catts family. I’ll seek them out for some familiar faces.

[Korin Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very likeable main character. It seemed like a true story and I loved the way they talked to each other. The chapter about the first kiss, etc. was hilarious.

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little slow to begin with. Enjoyed the last half of the book.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Lindajk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked this story!! Very good book

[Megan Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love

I would recommend this book to all. Deep characters. I finished it in one sitting. The author takes you to heart of the story as if you are in it’

[Dixie Baucom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Southern writing!! Really a good read.

Ms. Owens nailed the South and all its idiosyncrasies. I enjoyed watching Clay grow up painfully and slowly.
A very good book to get lost in.

[Barbara Marak]

on hold, misplaced book

[Sue Helveston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this Southern Novel

Excellent coming of age story in the South. It reminded me of characters I’ve encountered in my past life. Would make a good movie.

[Kim Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four rather than five stars because I read this one last and knew there wasn't any more. Great trilogy.

[Joanne Van · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can’t believe I saw this book to the end. I don’ recommend it.

[Joyce Eggebeen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read about a pre-teen boy and finding his true identity.

[Susie Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with Claybird. A wonderful read.

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, well written. Dragged a bit at the end but good book.

[Trish Slyter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clay loses his father at a young age and consequently learns family secrets that could change everything. A very well written coming of age story.

[Nancy Ledbetter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous. I love the Panhandle of Florida area and she captures it with this story from a young mans viewpoint. Poignant and funny!

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! The writing is fantastic and spot on when it comes to writing about the South (and the Florida South, at that). Because this story is told from the viewpoint of Clay during the age of 10-14 years old, the story is more heartbreaking in the sad parts and hilariously funny in the heartwarming parts. While observing the world through Clay's eyes, I could see everything he couldn't because he's simply too young to understand what's right in front of him. I loved his coming-of-age story and how he handled his grief and got over his learning disability with the help of his uncle Gabe. I loved reading about his battles with his siblings, his triumphs in school, and his complicated relationship with his mother, while navigating through adolescence and his grief over losing his father. The only reason I wouldn't give this story five stars is that it could use more dialogue in the areas where there are pages and pages of backstory. More dialogue could break that up a little and help with the flow of the story. Other than that, I'm actually surprised this author hasn't received more recognition. This is one of the best southern stories I've ever read.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about a boy named Clayton loses his father, Michael because he was dead. Then all of a sudden Uncle Gabe comes back. Clayton didn't know him at all because he disappeared twenty years ago when he was going up north. Uncle Gabe was so hilarious that it makes Clayton hanging out with him. It makes his world turn upside down because he was spending time with him that he don't spend time with his family. I pick this book as a three stars for rating because this book sometimes make me don't understand what it is going on since it have a lot of southern accents. I think cowboys would understand this book better. Anyway, this book is all about family relationships that happens in everyday lives.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another coming of age tale--another southern coming of age tale. This one told from the perspective of a preteen boy. Clayton "Claybird" Catts' finds the remedy for grief following the loss of his father in a hopeless history project--a project that has Claybird gathering family stories. He learns how his father and mother met, how his father persevered to overcome poverty and rise to millionaire status. But some family mysteries remain. Questions circle his brain and eventually some stories lead to clues to those family secrets. An explosive secret totally changes Claybird's life and begins a new round of questions...questions about his own identity.