Baldwin’s powerful use of words to bring to life the strong characters and at times brutal moments of his protagonist's pentecostal upbringing are terrifying and held me until the very last page. To me, this book is about survival. Survival of one’s upbringing, survival of one’s spirit, survival in white america, survival of one’s choices and survival of fate.

Baldwin’s portrayal of the stepfather’s physical and verbal abuse was given context yet not condoned. The important women in the 14 year old boy's upbringing showed strength and passion yet they were too often held back by their dependency on men and a a lack of alternative opportunities.