My Monticello is an eye opener. It is emotional, shocking and at times upsetting. I didn't know what to expect when I got it (book recommendation I didn't read up on much). It is 5 short stories and 1 novella-My Monticello. All about searching for your place in life and belonging to something. I liked the last and the first. The ones in between didn't hold my interest much, too abstract. But I do like the author has several different writing styles showcased amongst the stories.

Control Negro was unique, and artistic and real. The ACM was a hilarious term but so true in what people think. At least for me. It made me think about my own life, trying to live up to the same standards, but always not being good enough (black AA female here).

My Monticello was awesome and the reason I gave this book 5 stars. Amazing portrait of feeling some type of way about your heritage and the modern world you live in. I like the minority bonding. That seems to be when we get it together the most unfortunately. I learned a lot about TJ, his home, and Salley Hemmings. I liked the quote about the house "rooms are kept pristine, while the homes in town are treated like kindling." Yep...people want to preserve historical items and keep the clean/spotless, which the present is dirty and tainted, destructive.

SO definitely worth checking out. Great book