Pride and prejudice meet Black/Afro-latinx America meets gentrification is real. Best way I can describe this book. I completely understood Zuri’s feelings on the changes in her neighborhood and what they meant for her world and family. I really loved following Zuri on her journey and I got a kick out of the descriptions of DC because that’s where I’m from. Reading about Bus Boys and Poets, Georgia Ave, and Ben’s Chili Bowl was hilarious for me.

SPOILERS:

I do wish some things hadn’t been so glossed over, like Warren’s interactions with two girls who are way too young and/or Darius’s perception of Ainsley and his motives behind telling his brother to leave her alone (which we can guess, but still). And it may be small, but I feel like Darius’s actions at the party and how uncomfortable Zuri was didn’t even really get resolved or acknowledged fully. It’s like because he got into a fight for her and her sister all should be forgiven by the reader. Ummmm nah, let’s talk about it please because I need a real apology and clarity.

SPOILERS OVER:

Even so, I still loved this book and I’m so glad I’ve added it to my collection.