Wow! What a debut novel. This is easily my favorite book so far this year.

Maddie "Maame" Wright is a 25-year-old woman living in London who is the daughter of Ghanian immigrants. Accommodating, unassuming, and self-deprecating, she lives up to the traditional African name her mother calls her: "Maame." Meaning "the mother" or "the responsible one," this name has become Maddie's whole identity. She's so responsible and so used to taking on the duties of others that she's been living at home taking care of her father who has Parkinson's and paying for much of her family's bills--all while her mother lives in Ghana every other year and her brother lives his life, not helping at all.

The story follows Maddie's coming-of-age as she deals with family and work struggles, her first real foray into dating and sex, surviving the guilt of tragedy, and the ups and downs of finding her true self and voice--outside of the personality pressed upon her by her nickname. Author George switches easily between deep, emotionally resonant scenes and humor as Maddie relies on "Google" to give her help with everything from "What is it like to date a bisexual?" to "How do you know if you're depressed?" There are a few key scenes, too, that deal with Maddie finally recognizing and speaking out against the racial microaggressions she experiences--I really loved her friends' frank discussion about why some white men really date Black women.

Although I'm a middle-aged white woman, I loved this book. It's relatable, beautiful, funny, and heartwarming. You will cheer (I literally did numerous fist-bumps) as Maddie sheds her nickname, speaks up for herself, and starts to live life on her terms. READ THIS BOOK!

Much thanks to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the gifted copy in exchange for a review. This one is out TODAY (and might a @bookofthemonth choice, from the clue I'm seeing one my app!). It would be a great choice. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!