I almost gave up on Like a Bird in the beginning because of weird grammar and copy editing. Strangely, those issues either resolve or I didn't notice them as the book goes on, so if you're a delicate flower as a reader like I am, hang in there!

Taylia is a the younger and darker of two daughters born to a mixed race couple: white Jewish mother and Indian father. She compares negatively to white-appearing, graceful Alysse in everything, but the two of them are close, nonetheless. After a series of very bad things happen, Taylia is on her own. She is naturally withholding, and that trait on top of one of the very bad things damaging her ability to trust, make it hard for her to connect with new people. I have to use the term blessedly here: blessedly, women of color have her back and help her find herself. I appreciate that Taylia's primary love interest is deeply flawed despite being a really nice guy. Love conquers all, but it's familiar, not romantic love that saves Taylia.