This collection of dazzling essays delves into faith, family, and the experience of being a Black woman in America, examining the legacies we inherit and how we reshape our stories for future generations. The author, known for her blog Black Coffee with White Friends, creates a space for discussions on cultural norms, race, faith, and womanhood, encouraging readers to shed misconceptions about God and their identities. In this intimate and lyrical work, she shares personal stories that resonate with a Black audience, reflecting on her upbringing under the guidance of strong matriarchs. The essays transport readers through themes of family, loyalty, ambition, assimilation, self-preservation, and creativity. They illustrate a journey of inheritance and creation, highlighting the burdens we carry and the ways we co-create our lives and communities. Alvis-Walker's writing inspires resilience, urging readers to rejoice even in adversity. She emphasizes the importance of embracing contradictions in our experiences, which ultimately shape the entirety of our lives. This collection invites readers to reflect on their own narratives and the power of storytelling in the face of challenges.
