Happy Birthday "Leaving Gee's Bend"

Irene Latham's dedut novel,
Leaving Gee's Bend
hit the selves of bookstores today!
Here are a few of the reviews:

"stunning debut"
First Draft Magazine



"Ludelphia Bennett reaffirms the human spirit and defines survival in this beautifully stitched quilt of a novel."
- Richard Peck, A SEASONS OF GIFTS


"LEAVING GEE'S BEND is beautifully written and Ms. Latham's use of the Southern vernacular of the era is flawless. The story is compelling and the strong-willed heroine, Ludelphia, stole my heart. Though dirt-poor, the residents of this smaller than small Alabama town are drenched in dignity and faith. I couldn't put it down."
- Brenda Woods,
Coretta Scott King Honor-winning RED ROSE BOX