Powerful and emotional. Westover’s voice comes through in many ways, and will make you think about the lives of those you may overlook, the ones who pass you on the street. Those you may think different or odd or simply other. 

Much of an individual’s world is dependent upon environment, and coming from someone who spent years trying to please a family who couldn’t be satisfied with anything but obedience, this hits a little too close to home. I didn’t grow up religious, but I did grow up poor, taught things I still have to listen to being preached about when I visit certain parts of my family. Sometimes, it’s hard not to revert back to the girl who sat quietly and only questioned things in my head. 

That last chapter especially, the closing three paragraphs sent chills down my spine. 

The world changes when you learn things you fight to ignore, to pretend don’t make a difference, to never bring to light because it’s never seen anything but darkness. This story, I believe, speaks to so many kinds of people, in similar and different situations with family.