A review by jaylinsoto
Mama: A Queer Black Woman's Story of a Family Lost and Found by Nikkya Hargrove

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

Thank you to Algonquin Books via NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Mama by Nikkya Hargrove! I was captivated by this book from the start. The book’s exploration of motherhood, spirituality, and resilience was really refreshing and impactful. Nikkya’s queer journey and her experiences in a mixed-race, queer relationship resonated deeply with me and the portrayal of her wife and the handling of their cultural differences were beautifully done. I was especially touched by the depiction of Dinushka and the couple's determination to make their relationship work despite numerous challenges. I admired Nikkya's vulnerability in sharing her financial struggles and her difficulty in setting boundaries with her son's birth father. I also thought the larger discussion on Child Protective Services, the brokenness of that system, the challenges of finding affordable childcare, and the stigma associated with government assistance was particularly impactful. This story is one of resilience and unconditional love. This memoir is fantastic and will stay with me for a long time. I'm honored to have had the opportunity to read it. Thank you again!