Here are books similar to Betty by Tiffany McDaniel, featuring lyrical prose, coming-of-age narratives, and explorations of trauma, family dynamics, and resilience.

Literary Fiction with Appalachian/Southern Settings

• Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
  A modern retelling of David Copperfield set in the Appalachian region, following a boy born into poverty as he navigates addiction, hopelessness, and the struggle to survive in rural America. Kingsolver's prose expertly portrays the heartbreak and hope of Appalachian life.
• Bastard Out of Carolina by Dorothy Allison
  A powerful novel set in the rural South, narrated by a young girl named Bone who endures abuse, poverty, and dysfunctional family dynamics. The writing is rich and vivid, offering a poignant portrayal of resilience and survival amidst trauma.
• The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy
  A novel that delves into the complex dynamics of the Wingo family, focusing on siblings Tom and Savannah as they reckon with their troubled past, mental illness, abuse, and the dark secrets that have shaped their lives.

Other Works by Tiffany McDaniel

• The Summer That Melted Everything by Tiffany McDaniel
  A Southern Gothic novel set in small-town Ohio during the summer of 1984, when the Bliss family's father invites the devil to town. McDaniel's poetic prose explores bigotry, abuse, racism, and the fragility of life through morally challenging themes.
• On the Savage Side by Tiffany McDaniel
  A raw and haunting narrative following twin sisters Arcade and Daffodil growing up in poverty and addiction, seeking love and security in a world plagued by neglect and violence. The writing is stunning, eerie, and poetic, portraying generational trauma and devastating impacts of addiction.

Coming-of-Age Stories with Dark Themes

• Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart
  A heart-wrenching novel set in impoverished 1980s Glasgow, following young Shuggie as he navigates life with his alcoholic mother, Agnes. The book delves into themes of addiction, poverty, courage, and love with raw emotional power.
• White Oleander by Janet Fitch
  Follows the tumultuous life of Astrid, a young girl thrown into foster care after her mother is imprisoned for murder. Through vivid descriptions and poetic writing, the novel explores the complexities of the mother-daughter relationship, survival, and identity.
• She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb
  A compelling coming-of-age story following Dolores Price from childhood to adulthood as she faces trauma, loss, and self-discovery. The narrative skillfully captures raw emotions and struggles with body image, relationships, and the quest for self-acceptance.
• My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
  A chilling and unsettling novel exploring the story of 15-year-old Vanessa who falls under the spell of her much older English teacher. An unflinching exploration of trauma, consent, victimhood, and the lasting effects of abuse.

Sweeping Family Sagas

• Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead
  Interweaves multiple narratives, with the main story focused on Marian, a girl in the early 20th century who desperately wants to become a pilot and must overcome external and internal struggles. The prose is lyrical and comparable to McDaniel's writing style.