2021: A beautiful, raw memoir that does not hold back from any feeling or any topic

Jaouad is a gorgeous writer, and as much as I hate books with too much grey area, she does an incredible job of navigating it. From diving into what it means to be a first generation daughter of immigrant parents to being halfway in between the world of the well and the world of the sick, Jaouad's voice is clear and sure no matter the grey.

The book really took off for me when Jaouad started on her road trip (which makes sense, because I am a big road trip fan). She navigated her journey, both physically and metaphorically, from her home across the country visiting all of the people who wrote to her with care and ease. I would have loved more of the anecdotes from traveling across the US, but she certainly amazing ones to share. Kudos to her and her editor for making that trip so tangible on the page.

Jaouad also does top notch work tackling impossible questions (how does one best support one of your best friends who is dying? what would you choose to do if you only have one month left to live?) in a way that I had to pause the audiobook multiple times because I was so consumed with my own thoughts and reflections. It is a gift, not only that Jaouad survived her incredible odds and horrible ordeal, but that she chose to share her vulnerable experience with the world.

Also, giving myself a pat on the back for calling that the Jon referenced was actually Jon Batiste before making it to the end of the book and then getting on Instagram to confirm it.