When I saw this was a coming of age story set in NYC in the 80’s that’s all I needed to know, that combination just sounded so appealing to me and it was! It follows Nina the summer before she leaves for college and the author really captured that new adult feeling and all the anxieties and immaturities that are a part of that period in one’s life. Nina is a mess but a relatable one, she’s insecure and awkward and just trying to find her place in a world that is not kind to women and especially to Jewish women. Her home life is fragile too, her mother struggles with mental illness and she’s always walking on eggshells. The author covered so many topics from mental health and addiction to womanhood and privilege this was thought provoking and would make a wonderful book club choice. Next time you’re in the mood for a literary style coming of age story try this, I found it compelling and well written.