This story will grip at your heart-strings, make you gasp in horror, and will prevent you from putting the book down (unless it becomes too much). Right from the very beginning, McDaniel hits the ground running with the background and history of Betty, the protagonist. She recounts her mother's and father's story, she reveals her passion for writing, and she shares some of the acts of disturbing violence that she has witnessed. It's not, however, all bad as she recalls the moments with and stories from her father. This book will force readers to truly gain a deeper perspective for life in America, especially for Native Americans during that time. It is a lengthy book, but it can be read quickly.

2.5 for the writing

I struggled with this novel. It is beautifully written nd the first part of it is captivating, but when pets start being killed and plot ramps up to include incest, I was done.

The characters are vivid, especially Landon Carpenter, Betty's father. My concern that something awful was going to happen to him or that we were going to find out something vile about him was one of the reasons I put the book down.

Thanks to Netgalley and Knopf for the nod to read and review "Betty."

~~Candace Siegle, Greedy Reader