​I’ve never read this author before. In fact, I didn’t even realize this was an ongoing story/series of the Logan family until I was almost finished. Which means it stands alone pretty well without having read the earlier books of the series. The reason I discovered there were previous books with this family is because I kept wondering why this was categorized as a “Teen” novel. I’m guessing when the author started the series, the protagonist was a teen. Now she’s in her twenties and thirties. It didn’t feel at all like a book from the Young Adult genre. That being said, it was still an interesting read, even though I was looking for a YA book.

​​This story is heart-wrenching and difficult, yet uplifting between those tough spots. The trials and tribulations endured are hard to read. I wanted to reach into the story and rescue the protagonist, who also is the writer, as this is inspired by the true life of author Echo Brown. I also wanted to lash out at the people who hurt her. At this time of racial pain and awakening in our country, the story is enlightening about the never-ending pain endured by black citizens, and especially black women. I could relate to the teen being unable to verbalize her inner thoughts and advocate for herself, leaving her vulnerable to misunderstandings, and at worst, predators, because I’ve, too, had those times when I couldn’t form the words I needed to speak out for myself.