I feel like I would have absolutely adored this if I was the right kind of reader for this kind of story.

I am quite intolerant when it comes to drug use, perhaps because I've never been around it, so I found myself lacking any sort of patience or understanding for Leo's character, who plays a rather significant role. The narration is third person, so I wonder why the author didn't utilise that to give the reader some insight into Leo's thoughts, his rationale behind his decisions, or any indication to show what he was feeling. Because the entire narration follows Gia, I feel like there is a missed opportunity for the reader to empathise with Leo, which is what I personally needed.

That being said, I was really into the world building and how the writing paints a rather interesting picture of Queens in the 1960's. I had no idea it used to be marshes, so I enjoyed seeing a different side of NYC and reading about Gia's connection to the environment around her.

I have no doubt that many readers will find this story to be touching but, for me, my heart just wasn't completely invested.

A well-written novel about family and growing up. Gia makes you remember what it's like to be thirteen. I enjoyed the epilogue and seeing where life takes her.

Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Okay first of all, I want to thank you for the publisher and Netgalley for letting me read the arc! I am absolutely honored to be one of the people who could read the book before it’s published.
This book makes me feel things on so many level and I cannot put them all into words. To be honest, at the beginning to like 55% of the book, I didn’t know what was happening. It feels like everything and nothing going on at the same time, and I was pretty confused because the time goes by so quickly in this book.
I love Gia, and I love her and Lorraine’s friendship, but I feel like the ‘real’ spotlight in this book was Leo. The story revolves around Gia and her perspective, yes, but it always has Leo in it. Once Leo’s problem are known by everyone in the family, things went pretty messed up since then, his relationship with his family was getting worse, especially with Gia, who was only thirteen years old herself.
The writing is good and the book is very easy to read, and in my opinion this book has so much potential on making it big. It tells me about how the world works in the past, how women are always expected to do things that are ‘ladylike’. This book entertains me yet somehow also educate me at the same time. Maybe a little more details here and there, and it’s good to go!

This novel is one of the best I’ve read this year! The characters are so dynamic yet relatable. I loved the flow of the story. It held my attention the whole time.