Just Fine Thank You: Growing Up with Family Secrets

by Evelyn M. Leite

Born in South Dakota at a time when America was reeling from a dust bowl, depression and a second world war, Evelyn Jones Leite lived with Mamma, Edith Jones, a socialite who marries her Daddy, a broke but charming southerner, Lon Jones. Unbeknown to her the Daddy she adores drinks a little too much, And his Jekyll and Hyde behavior breaks her heart often. At the age of 5, she moves from a log cabin on a hilltop deep in the woods where she hears mountain lions, to a small town where she lives by a Morgue and encounters her first sexual pervert there. The second world war has a huge impact on her family as they experience blackouts, poverty and rations. An often bedridden Mama, is a special challenge that forces Evelyn to help tend her younger brothers. She completely adores her older brother Ted even though he is often mean, she begs for attention in both subtle and overt ways. When she is 6 years old her Daddy gives away her precious dog and moves his family to a farm on orders from her mother’s wealthy father. On the farm, she experiences, neglect, a pedophiliac hired man, mind rape and, yet-there are big family happy times when relatives swarm the farm and bring mountains of food. Evelyn Leite’s true story of growing up in a turbulent family during the 40s and 50s compellingly captures the reader who is captivated by feeling the gamut of confusion and despair, sorrow and tears, then unexplainable hope and optimism.

223 pages, Paperback

Published December 20, 2019

Reviews

[Elaine LaBonte · Rating 4 out of 5]

A child growing up in poor, rural mid-America during the 1940s didn’t have much chance to be a child. Add parental dysfunction into the mix and there will be more pain and sorrow. The despair is only made bearable by the author's stated “desire that you can find hope for yourself or a loved one based on my story of redemption.” I, this reviewer, grew up in much the same time and lifestyle as Evelyn M. Leite, who, with great courage and wisdom told of the process that brought her to the sometimes destructive assumptions and beliefs she held as a young woman.
I enjoyed every painful memory, every moment of joy and laughter I relived, as I shared the growing pains of a young girl called ‘Bubbles’. Well written, perceptive and with a firm grip on my attention, this book is Truly a must read for those who look for serious, realistic drama.

There is one concern I have with it, that takes a star off my rating. This book is actually the first book in a four book series (Blood, Sex, and Tears Series) based on the publication date. However, it was the third of the series to be published. So, don’t be misled by the publication date. Read this one first. Also, I believe that this book doesn’t so much go into her redemption as the later ones where she’s older.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent book keeps you interested from the beginning to the end