“I wanted to write a book that was real. One that was inspiring and that shed some light on the fact that growing up is hard, and that, contrary to what people try to tell you all the time, there is no such thing as a perfect life.”

I didn’t know what to expect upon picking this memoir up on the 1 year anniversary of Naya’s tragic passing. I used to watch her on Family Matters as a kid. (We were born the same year.) Who would’ve thought that timid little girl who smiled a lot at little Richie would grow up to be a funny, sarcastic, blunt person whose personality is lathered all through these pages? My kind of person.

I laughed out loud a number of times while reading along with the audiobook. It’s so sad that Naya’s no longer here to continue to blossom in all stages of life. I actually could’ve pictured her writing more books and even a comedic coming-of-age screenplay. She had the fitting humor.

Rest in paradise, Naya and thank you for sharing these intimate moments of your life with this memorable ass book. Feels like I knew you. Def will be rereading it.