This short story collection is worth having a copy of.

Short story is an art, and few can write a collection where every single piece is great. While McCauley did not hit it of the park with every single piece, but some are very strong. It is evident that McCauley can write, and I am sure that any further works she produces will be even better.

The stories that weren't strong do seem to contain rather flat characters, but when you compare this to some of the more genius pieces (the first story), it makes you want to forgive the lackluster ones.

Go into this collection with an understanding that some stories aren't for everyone, but this being a collection of several increases your odds of finding one that is for you.

Beautiful cover drew me right in.to the emotional moving short stories.Each story full of so much life feelings and raw feelings.Really well written I enjoyed each of the stories an author I will be following.#netgalley #catapult

Thanks to NetGalley and Catapult, Counterpoint Press, and Soft Skull Press, Counterpoint for allowing me to read this early. I am not really a short story reader but when they hover around areas of interest as well as multicultural, I like to give them a chance. These stories were quite good and had a good amount of detail for short stories. The talked about grief, love and love loss, reconciliation and more. Good stories that will keep you reading.

In each of these stories, McCauley tackles the meaning of home, where it can be found, and what it takes to find it. Her characters all struggle with their experiences and existence, questioning their actions, relationships, and characteristics.

Stories that evaluate why we make certain choices, where the true monster resides, our self-serving ideals, and coming to terms with our own worth. Every story had a message and a question, where eventual recognition and acknowledgment of identity played a role in developing not only the story but the characters.

These are the stories I love to read, even if all aren't crafted in the same manner, there is always a lesson there, a speculative reflection, and an awakening awareness.

First, the cover is gorgeous! Second, this was my first real "dive" into short stories, I usually prefer big books. I will say, this was a great book to start with! Each story was about love, loss, reconciliation, dealing with ones troubled past, or poor decisions. I thoroughly enjoyed each story. I will definitely be stocking on my bookstore shelves.

I loved the premise but sadly, the book itself left me feeling flat. I found the characters extremely difficult to relate to.

Thank you to NetGalley, publisher Counterpoint Press, and author Jennifer Maritza McCauley for providing me a free ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

This year, I have really gotten into reading short story collections, and I think this is my current favorite I have read so far. McCauley has such a beautiful writing style, and I loved how she weaved connections between each story. I noticed at the back that each story had been published in different works individually, but I think compiling them all into one collection helps to strengthen each work. The collection features several stand-alone stories, but the majority visits characters that are mentioned previously and explores different connections. Themes of identity, relationships, belonging, place, and the intersection of all of these are found within each story. Each piece examines the experience of Afro-Latinx characters, and as a reader, I valued getting to learn more about this identity. There are lots of complicated relationships throughout, as well as flawed characters, making this a very human read that will connect with lots of readers regardless of background. McCauley doesn't shy away from harder issues, such as racism or sexism, and tackles such matters in a way that is heartbreakingly beautiful and relatable. My personal favorite story in the collection was I Don't Know Where I'm Bound, and I would love to eventually read a full-length novel featuring Mavis and Estelle. My only critiques would be that some of the stories were a bit shorter than I would have liked, and with so many highlighting connected characters, some of the stand-alone pieces felt a bit disjointed. However, this is a strong collection with beautiful writing that I look forward to adding to my personal collection.