This is such an interesting mixture of book. Non-traditional memoirs, add a layer of story-telling to something that is reality based to create a new take on human life and interactions. This memoir mixed in magic realism in a way that was functional to the story, but I understand could be confusing for some readers. Echo Brown's story itself is insipring and dealing with all the challenges that come from being a first-generation student is something that many others will be able to relate to.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this. 1.5/5 stars.

I really, really, really wanted to like this. I like the higher concepts of blackness, discussions on racism, family trauma, mental illness, etc., but it felt out of place in a novel touted as magical realism. The whole keeper/chosen plot line was confusing, and over half the time I couldn't follow what I was reading. I was even beginning to wonder if I was reading something similar to challenger deep where the character was having schizophrenic episodes that interrupted the story.

I think the story and ideas at the core are good, but I was expecting a solid plot and magical realism element. I really considered DNFing this at 25%, 50%, and even at 80% through the book. I'm sure this book will resonate with others since I'm not a first gen nor POC, but I didn't feel like this was a window either.

This book wasn’t for me—I think that as a women’s college student, I’m way too far removed from Dartmouth to understand what’s going on—and because I only write positive reviews, I won’t be posting a review of this book to The Wellesley News. Thank you to the publisher for the chance to review it!