I initially decided to read this book because it is eligible for the Kindle Readers' Lending Library. I believed it would be a so-so story of a woman trying to find her way in life. I was wrong. "A Lighter Shade of Gray" by Devon Pearse was brilliant. It took you on an emotional whirlwind as the narrator told you about her love for her next-door neighbor's nephew, her mother illness, her best friend's run-in with the law, and her trying to find her way in the world. At times I found myself crying out of sadness and smiling for joy. Although it is a bit long, there is no slow parts in the book and I wanted to devour every word the author wrote. I would suggest this book to anyone and everyone. This is the best book I have read in at least a year, and considering the amount of books I read, that's saying something.