Manipulation, Moonshine, and Murder: The Tragic Teenage Years of Bethel Veanes during the Great Depression Paperback – February 7, 2023

So well written! I kept forgetting that these “characters” were real people. A tragic story of a family and American history woven into a great novel-like read.

I purchased the Kindle copy, and used the Alexa reading feature so we could listen to it on our drive. It was absolutely captivating - we couldn't stop listening! To follow Bethel Veanes through incredible heartbreak, poverty and redemption was deeply moving. The fact that it was all TRUE made it all the more poignant. Although I had heard about the depression from my parents, their experiences, as difficult as they were, paled in comparison to the ordeals described in this amazing true-life account. Like every really good read, it left me wanting more. (This would make a great movie!)

This book was well written and described the hard times in the St Louis area. What people did to survive when times were tough. Hope there is more writings coming from this author

I was hooked on this book from the first page. It is hard to believe the cruelties, indignities and hardships Bethel experienced after her mother died. To think that women had to be sterilized in order to be treated in an “insane asylum” is unimaginable. Her treatment with antipsychotic drugs, ECT, hot/cold hydrotherapy and sterilization drugs for someone who didn’t need any of these things is truly “insane”! It’s a wonder she survived. Her determination to be reunited with her son is amazing. On a positive note, the gooseberry moonshine had to be wonderful! Thanks for writing this creative and heartwarming story!

Manipulation, Moonshine and Murder tells a family’s secret kept for generations. Valerie Veanes Upson unravels her Grandmother’s difficult beginnings and shines a light on the many difficulties her Grandma endured during the Depression era such as overwhelming poverty, lack of education, and a dependence upon others for shelter and care. A deeper dive is taken into a world not built for women but rather one that breeds dependence on others for survival. Not only is Bethel and her various situations a product of the time, so is Dolly, her disenfranchised aunt. Both women approach the limitations put on them by society and family very differently. Valerie brought to life her Grandmothers struggles in a historically accurate backdrop. This was an easy read and really brought to life for me what it was like for women trying to survive during the Great Depression.

I couldn’t put this book down when I started reading, it’s an amazing story of life during the Great Depression and the struggle to survive and find bits of happiness while suffering great personal tragedies. Wow covers my response to this book! So great a read for a first book, I’m so glad you shared your great grandmothers story for the world to read, Valerie Veanes Upton! Thank you.

This book made me smile and cry. It’s about a young girl’s naive life and her strong love that got her through the toughest times. It kept me wanting to read more. Quick and easy read.

I had the pleasure to meet the author at a lacrosse game. She is delightful person with an interesting story to share…a recommended read. This story would make a great movie!