This was a short and quick memoir that was required reading for my College Writing course this semester. While I can say that it is honestly not something that I would have picked up on my own to read, I ended up really enjoying it! 

Jakiela writes in such a way that is captivating and from the very beginning, I was drawn into her world - experiencing everything right alongside with her. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, I was even more enthralled with her story because it related to me. I also related when she spoke of working at Bingo with her Grandmother, as I grew up the child of parents that were members of the local Fire Dept. and Ladies' Auxiliary and spent many Friday nights in the same 'cloud of cigarette smoke', making food for old ladies who tipped you 10 cents for a 'job well done'. 

The storytelling is powerful and immersive. Whether recounting moments of joy, hardship, or self-discovery, each chapter had vivid details that as a reader we could relate. She spoke on her time as a Flight Attendant and the wild world of jerks she was exposed to in that capacity. Her first author's signing event a local Sam's Club after the publishing of her first book that went wrong..and so much more! 

Honestly, it's a story that lingers in your thoughts for a bit even after you've finished it. I was very glad that this required reading didn't seem like a chore.

If you're from Pittsburgh and you're looking for a quick read about someone local that you might find some relevance too, I highly recommend!