Dollbaby (McNeal)

Book Reviews
Don't be surprised if you see McNeal's book in a lot of beach totes along the Gulf Coast this summer.
New Orleans Times Picayune
 

When someone asks you for a great book to read, usually you pause and think about genre and authors and then give a few options. But every now and then there’s a book you tell everyone to read, because it is that good. Dollbaby by Laura Lane McNeal is that book.
Durham Herald-Sun


(Starred review.) Ibby Bell is dumped by her mother on her grandmother's doorstep, holding an urn with the ashes of her recently deceased father.... Bursting with believable conflict and lovable characters, along with a lush and evocative portrait of the Crescent City during the civil rights era, this debut novel marks the arrival of an original and assured writer. —Julia M. Reffner, Fairport, NY
Library Journalb


A touching coming-of-age story that is sincere and poignant.
Booklist


[A] touching coming-of-age tale brings to life Civil Rights–era New Orleans.... McNeal’s portrait of a time and place is rich enough to mitigate the flaws. Slowly, a picture of Fannie’s past emerges...final secrets are revealed—truths that will tug a tear from the hardest of hearts. Rich characterization makes McNeal’s debut a lovely summer read.
Kirkus Reviews