The Tree in the Front Yard, by Kimberly Biller – A Review

The Tree in the Front Yard by Kimberly Biller

This is a delightful little tale! Sissy, the narrator, tells us how she’s always caught up in her parent’s drama. She’s spunky and maybe a little rambunctious, and a little Southern tomboy right down to the bone.

Her father drinks to excess, which leads to arguments in the house. Both parents attempt to pull her into the arguments and bully her into taking sides. But, Sissy has an escape; a big tree out front of the house from which she can observe the comings and goings of the entire neighborhood. One neighborhood character becomes a target for Sissy’s revenge. It’s interesting to see how it all plays out as we learn whether Sissy’s plans work or go awry.

There’s a great deal of humor in this story, but there’s also a great deal of pain just under the surface. Thanks to her environment, Sissy seems to be somewhat hardened and no-nonsense, well beyond her youthful eleven years. I really enjoyed reading this story and I particularly liked how Biller told it using the local dialect. Despite the bad grammar, or perhaps because of it, she has written a very endearing story. I was actually disappointed to reach the end. I’d really like to hear more of Sissy’s adventures! I recommend this story very highly!

I received a copy of The Tree in the Front yard from the author for review purposes.

You can find Kimberly and The Tree in the Front Yard here:

About Ol' Big Jim

Jim L. Wright is a storyteller with a lifetime of experiences as colorful as the characters he creates. Born and raised in Piedmont, Alabama, Jim’s connection to the land, history, and people of the region runs deep. His debut novel New Yesterdays is set in his hometown, where he grew up listening to stories of the past—stories that sparked his imagination and curiosity for history. Today, Jim lives in Leeds, Alabama, with his husband Zeek, a tour operator who shares his passion for adventure and discovery. Known affectionately as “Ol’ Big Jim,” he has had a diverse career that includes time as a storekeeper, an embalmer, a hospital orderly, and a medical coder. There are even whispers—unconfirmed, of course—that he once played piano in a house of ill repute. No matter the job, one thing has remained constant: Jim is a teller of tales. His stories—sometimes humorous, sometimes thought-provoking—are often inspired by his unique life experiences. Many of these tales can be found on his popular blog, Ol’ Big Jim, where he continues to share his musings with a loyal readership. Jim’s adventures have taken him far beyond Alabama. For seven years, he lived in Amman, Jordan, the world’s oldest continuously inhabited city. His time there, spent in smoky coffee shops, enjoying a hookah and a cup of tea while scribbling in his ever-present notebook, deeply influenced his worldview and his writing. When Jim isn’t writing, he’s thinking about writing. His stories, whether tall tales from his past or imaginative reimagining is of historical events should read from his past or imaginative reimaginings of historical events, reflect a life lived fully and authentically. With New Yesterdays, Jim brings readers a rich tapestry of history, fantasy, and human connection. Visit his blog at www.olbigjim.com to read more of his stories, or follow him on social media to keep up with his latest musings and projects, one of which is a series that follows Bonita McCauley, an amateur detective who gets into some very sticky situations. His book, New Yesterdays, can be found at Amazon US, Amazon UK, Smashwords, and Barnes and Noble.

View all posts by Ol' Big Jim →