4.5/5 stars

Description: Kiara just wants to keep those she loves above water. Her brother Marcus wants to start a rap career and Kiara wants to support him. The nine year old across the way has an absent mother and Kiara wants to keep him fed. She also has to look after herself. However, she's only 17 and can't get a job due to her age. After trying every avenue she can, she ends up in a dangerous situation where people in positions of authority take physical advantage of Kiara for money. When a scandal comes to light, Kiara is at the center of it. How will she come out on the other side?

The good:
- While writing about such heavy topics, the writing (to me) was absolutely gorgeous. I am thoroughly impressed as I don't usually resonate with beautiful writing.
- I think Kiara's character was consistent throughout everything that happened to her. She just has such a big heart and I felt for her the entire book.
- The reality the book drives home felt extremely real (I know, repetitive) but it didn't feel like a fiction book, which definitely made me sad.
- The storyline kept me on my toes and engaged the entire time while listening.

The loss of half a star: the beginning world building in the real world part was a bit slow for me, but that's it.

Overall: If you want to get into more literary fiction, this should be your first read.