I really enjoyed this, but felt the execution was a bit lacking. I felt the writing was a tiny bit clunky in certain chapters and it caused me to struggle to get through them. Overall, I liked the story, just had some technical issues.

I was drawn to this book from the title and cover, both are very beautiful. I love short story collections and although I went into this blind, I had high hopes for it. Unfortunately, the stories were a little bland and boring to where I felt like I was forcing myself to get through them. I really wanted to finish but I had to mark this as a DNF for now. It could be me. I might not be in the right headspace for it. I’ll try to revisit it again later.

Thanks to Netgalley and Tin House Publishers for the arc!

This was an ARC read for me. New author with a debut collection. I like the various historical mini short stories. This was a good change of reading from my norm. I love reading fiction rooted in history. I especially liked the story of the preteen pregnant along side her mom. I would have enjoyed a full novel of that.

Thank you Netgalley and author for the opportunity to read these stories.

Thank you NetGalley for access to this collection prior to its publication! I wholeheartedly loved this book, the perspectives taken, and the lessons learned. This is the first book I have read in while that really brought tears to my eyes throughout the book due to the beautiful craftsmanship & storytelling the author dedicates in each story.

This book is a collection of very different stories told about living in the South. These stories touched on various topics. The stories are told from the point of view of both men and women. This was a new to me author. I look forward to seeing what she does next.

Make Your Way Home is a collection of 11 stories surrounding characters living in the South or who have roots in the South. Each of the stories detailed things that happen to these characters pertaining to their homes.
Some are facing rejection from family members or trying to fit in with people who they don’t really fit in with. I found the stories to be very relatable at times with the themes of belonging and acceptance. These stories definitely made think about my own past and how it has shaped me into the person I am today.

Thank you to Tin House and NetGalley for the ARC. All
opinions are my own!

Make Your Way Home by Carrie R. Moore is one of those quietly powerful books that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page. I picked it up expecting a heartfelt story, and what I got was so much deeper—a beautifully layered exploration of identity, healing, and finding your place in the world.

The main character’s journey felt incredibly real to me. There’s a rawness in how she navigates her past and confronts the pain she thought she had buried. It’s not just about going back to a physical place—it’s about reckoning with who you were, who you’ve become, and who you want to be. Moore writes with such emotional clarity that even the quiet moments felt meaningful.

What I loved most was the balance between vulnerability and strength. The main character isn’t perfect—she makes mistakes, she’s guarded, she doubts herself—but that made her feel all the more human. And the way the relationships in the book unfold, whether it’s with family, friends, or love interests, felt tender and authentic. Nothing felt rushed or overly dramatized. It’s a slow burn, in the best way.

There’s also a strong sense of place in this novel. The setting felt alive and important—almost like a character in its own right. You can feel the weight of returning somewhere that holds both love and loss, and the complicated emotions that come with it.

Overall, Make Your Way Home is a quiet triumph. It doesn’t scream for your attention, but it absolutely earns it. If you enjoy character-driven stories with emotional depth and a strong sense of self-discovery, this book is a gem. It reminded me that sometimes, going home isn’t about the destination—it’s about reclaiming parts of yourself you didn’t know you’d lost.

The story flowed well and the characters were well developed. I recommend this book and look forward to more from this author.


****Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review****

Unbelievably excellent. This writing is so layered, so much, so beautiful. I can’t wait until it’s out in the world and people can read it and love it as much as I do. So incredible.

Thank you to Netgalley for the arc of Make Your Way Home. This book's cover is beautiful and I went in blind with this one. This book was so powerful and beautifully written. It's a collection of stories of black men and women and the lives they have lived. This talks about slavery, pregnant teenagers, a family curse, and more.

“Make Your Way Home” is the debut collection of short stories by Carrie R. Moore, showcasing a rich tapestry of life set against the backdrop of the Southern United States. Each story delves deep into the lives of characters grappling with their complex emotions while striving to find love and a sense of belonging in the modern world.

Moore's writing elegantly captures the intricacies of human relationships, highlighting the profound impact of past traumas on present lives. The characters navigate their histories with a blend of nostalgia and heartache, illustrating the universal longing for connection and a place to call home. Through vivid imagery and heartfelt narrative, the stories evoke a resilient spirit, revealing how the echoes of one’s past can both challenge and nurture the pursuit of intimacy and understanding in the present. With nuance, compassion, and grace, Moore invites readers to reflect on their own journeys of healing and the power of love in overcoming the shadows of yesterday.

Thank you to Tin House and NetGalley for the ARC.