This book is a thought-provoking memoir that increased my empathy and shed light on aspects of society that my upbringing didn’t naturally have me cross paths with. There were both relatable moments and moments I learned about those different than myself, which is one of the purposes of a memoir.

Other reviews criticize it for the perspective of writing — the author uses “you” to address her unconceived daughter throughout the book. However, I think it works because it adds depth to her story and emphasizes her dilemma in appreciating her past while being grateful for her socioeconomic growth.
I think criticizing the author for writing the book as intended for her non-existent daughter is equivalent to criticizing her life experience itself. While writing from this perspective isn’t necessarily “my thing,” it works and even adds to the author’s message of reflecting on her personal background/family while realizing she spent her whole life working to avoid reliving the life of her poor ancestors.

This book made me thankful for my upbringing, appreciative of my parents and grandparents, and angry at systemic forces that tell a false narrative about being poor in America and the American Dream.
Highly recommend especially in this “post-Trump” but not post-Trumpism world we are heading into.