This story is one which touches our heart. It’s beautifully written about Sam who is an ordinary girl trying to make it through hardships in her life. It starts when she is 7 years old, the beginning of making goals for herself. She lives with her mother, Courtney, and brother, Noah, who is 5 years younger. They have different fathers who show up from time to time. Sam’s father, Mitchell, talks about the challenge of climbing walls. He told her when she turns 15 or 16, she could climb Red Rocks. She makes this her goal which is much like her life. She wanted to be the best trying to find her footings; racing to the top with competitions. This book represents aspects of growing up independently, creating challenges, overcoming depressing moments and feeling good about accomplishments. The dialogue keeps the story moving at a fast pace with lots of distractions: car trouble, money trouble, and hair-raising relationships with fathers. Every character is believable and easy to visualize. I felt like I was in the audience cheering for her to get to the top of the wall all along. I didn’t want this book to end. My thanks to Allegra Goodman, The Dial Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read this advanced copy with the expected release date of January 3, 2023. (read less)

This story is one which touches our heart. It’s beautifully written about Sam who is an ordinary girl trying to make it through hardships in her life. It starts when she is 7 years old, the beginning of making goals for herself. She lives with her mother, Courtney, and brother, Noah, who is 5 years younger. They have different fathers who show up from time to time. Sam’s father, Mitchell, (read more)

Rather bleak coming-of-age tale.