Make Your Way Home by Carrie R. Moore is one of those quietly powerful books that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page. I picked it up expecting a heartfelt story, and what I got was so much deeper—a beautifully layered exploration of identity, healing, and finding your place in the world.

The main character’s journey felt incredibly real to me. There’s a rawness in how she navigates her past and confronts the pain she thought she had buried. It’s not just about going back to a physical place—it’s about reckoning with who you were, who you’ve become, and who you want to be. Moore writes with such emotional clarity that even the quiet moments felt meaningful.

What I loved most was the balance between vulnerability and strength. The main character isn’t perfect—she makes mistakes, she’s guarded, she doubts herself—but that made her feel all the more human. And the way the relationships in the book unfold, whether it’s with family, friends, or love interests, felt tender and authentic. Nothing felt rushed or overly dramatized. It’s a slow burn, in the best way.

There’s also a strong sense of place in this novel. The setting felt alive and important—almost like a character in its own right. You can feel the weight of returning somewhere that holds both love and loss, and the complicated emotions that come with it.

Overall, Make Your Way Home is a quiet triumph. It doesn’t scream for your attention, but it absolutely earns it. If you enjoy character-driven stories with emotional depth and a strong sense of self-discovery, this book is a gem. It reminded me that sometimes, going home isn’t about the destination—it’s about reclaiming parts of yourself you didn’t know you’d lost.

The story flowed well and the characters were well developed. I recommend this book and look forward to more from this author.


****Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review****

Unbelievably excellent. This writing is so layered, so much, so beautiful. I can’t wait until it’s out in the world and people can read it and love it as much as I do. So incredible.

Thank you to Netgalley for the arc of Make Your Way Home. This book's cover is beautiful and I went in blind with this one. This book was so powerful and beautifully written. It's a collection of stories of black men and women and the lives they have lived. This talks about slavery, pregnant teenagers, a family curse, and more.

“Make Your Way Home” is the debut collection of short stories by Carrie R. Moore, showcasing a rich tapestry of life set against the backdrop of the Southern United States. Each story delves deep into the lives of characters grappling with their complex emotions while striving to find love and a sense of belonging in the modern world.

Moore's writing elegantly captures the intricacies of human relationships, highlighting the profound impact of past traumas on present lives. The characters navigate their histories with a blend of nostalgia and heartache, illustrating the universal longing for connection and a place to call home. Through vivid imagery and heartfelt narrative, the stories evoke a resilient spirit, revealing how the echoes of one’s past can both challenge and nurture the pursuit of intimacy and understanding in the present. With nuance, compassion, and grace, Moore invites readers to reflect on their own journeys of healing and the power of love in overcoming the shadows of yesterday.

Thank you to Tin House and NetGalley for the ARC.