I picked this audiobook up on Netgalley. I love the cover, first off. That is what grabbed my attention. I don't know this author nor what this story is about.

This story is written in verse. If you liked Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo, I think you'll enjoy this one. I would go a step further and say it is written with a more mature tone than Acevedo.

From the very first sentence, you feel like the only person this story is being told to. The narrators are engaging. Both the male and female narrators were superb.

This compelling story is about a multigenerational family dealing with life, poverty, war, etc. I have not read many books, in recent times, that cover a declining auto industry in Detroit and the Depression era that forced many middle class families into poverty. There also is a love story in the mix that doesn't feel out of place.

In a subtle yet direct way, Colby Cedar Smith brings up social issues like gender politics and class differences, and societal judgments without making you--as the reader--feel uncomfortable or like she is preaching to you or being condescending.

This story is so many stories in one. It's like if you lived in a multigenerational household, you would get stories from your grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and then your parents too. And every one has interesting tales. It's not like you're waiting for the one who knows how to tell a good story. They all weave and blend together seamlessly. You are sitting up, at the edge of your seat, anticipating the next story. Definitely worth the read.

“Call me Athena, the girl that should have been born a boy.” From call me Athena

4 stars

At first, it was hard for me to get into the slower verse style of this writing. As the stories began to unfold, I was hanging on, eagerly waiting for the next lyrical prose to unfold. I really enjoyed Athena, she was such a strong character. Different stories had different narrators, easily enabling you to tell them apart. I only wished it was longer!

I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book was gorgeous beginning to end, I had chills more then once as I listened to this book.

It's written in Verse, and tells two amazing love stories. As well as stories about women persevering regardless of what would be considered normal during that time.

I loved this book SO MUCH!

An excellent novel in verse from multiple POVs. Was so complex that I was enthralled yet entertained at the same time! Great!

I picked this audiobook up from Netgalley on a whim, because it was auto-approved and I needed something new to listen to. And whew am I glad I did. This story was beautifully written, impactful, and held so much heart. Smith depicts family dynamics, life as an immigrant, gender roles, and finding love from three dual perspectives during war-time and the Great Depression. Each of these characters stories held so much love, heart, and ache. You will root for the three main characters as they come of age during conflicts, famine, and economic disarray. The narrators do a fantastic job bringing the story to life, as well as helping with setting and character confirmation as all 3 of the characters sound very different, making the book easier to understand in some portions. This novel is written in verse, so it's a quicker read; however if you're not a fan of in-verse novels, the audiobook reads as a typical book, just with more flowery, beautiful language. Definitely come pick up a copy from Netgalley, both formats are currently "Read Now."

I started out reading this book as the ebook and couldn't connect well with the characters. But, once I got into the audiobook I felt like I could connect more with the characters and could follow the storyline a lot better. I really did enjoy following this family and seeing the characters grow as people. My heart was full and broken within these pages. This book was definitely eye opening to see different cultures and how they immigrated over to the US to have a better life for themselves. Also, I felt like this book had lgbtq+ vibes in a certain section but, it isn't clear if that was the case or not depending on how you interpret the writing.