I cried....... it's so beautifully written. This is a coming-of-age story about Samira a Sudanese teen in New York who is struggling and rebelling against the strict cultural expectations as well as attempting to heal the fractures in her relationship with her mother.

She finds herself in poetry, unfortunately an opportunistic older man uses her new interest as a means to groom her, use her, take advantage of the fact that she is desperately seeking validation and love.

Every part of me felt connected to this story. Highly Recommend for those of us who have ever felt alone in a crowded room, prejudged, or was ever blinded by sweet words and a devious smile.