Ashley Ford’s childhood was spent trying to escape her home while remaining tethered to the people there. With her father in prison and her mother both fiercely protective and quick to anger, Love in Ashley’s home looks a little different. Whether it’s a move to her grandmother’s, hovering around the school after hours, or going to college, she tries to find herself outside of her family, only to realize it’s her family that defines her.
Based on the cover flap, I anticipated this book would focus on Ashley’s personal development as a result of her father’s incarceration and, yes, that does bookend the story; however, it is centered more around the most present relationship in her life – the one with her mother. Ashley’s mother is a unique character (though I imagine more familiar than many realize) who simultaneously yearns fit her children to be nearby and pushes them away. It is this push and pull that burrows into Ashley’s mind and impacts her relationships, education, and career. Because before we’re anyone’s wife, friend, or boss, we’re somebody’s daughter.
5 out of 5 stars.
Pair with: A glass of merlot
Peaches to Apples 