Much like a tightly packed bowl, Home Baked by Alia Volz had a slow burn. I followed the recommended dose of a Sticky Fingers brownie in my reading - a quarter at a time of the book at a time. From haughty Buxbaum, to sly Sheriff Hongisto, from Barb to Cheryl, from Donald to Doug, Meridy's journey into marijuana-laced motherhood was as tasteful as I imagine the brownies they baked were. The secret ingredient in Volz's writing was her ability to depict a scene - even before her conception - with a transcending realism. Volz manages to depict her mother's life and the politics surrounding it in a manner that allows you to truly be there. As someone born in 2002, Home Baked was written in such a way that I could envision Mer's life in the 70's as if I were there the whole time, perhaps spiritually alongside her. You can hear the clattering of her I Ching coins, every outfit and drag queen is able to be pictured perfectly in your mind. Every emotion is palpable through Volz's words. Overall, Home Baked is a captivating memoir that offers a glimpse into a unique and vibrant subculture while exploring universal themes of family, love, and resilience. Volz's poignant narrative and engaging writing style make this book a must-read for anyone looking for a heartfelt and compelling story. This biography was a welcome change of pace from my usual reading endeavors, and I'm glad I savored the flavor of every chapter.