A review by courtneyfalling
Ordinary Light: A Memoir by Tracy K. Smith

4.0

This book began slowly, and I actually almost chose to DNF it. I'm so glad I didn't. This is an incredible memoir about growing up, perhaps one of the best I've read in the genre. Smith fully opens her childhood thoughts, fears, and motivations to us while still reflecting on what she's learned since and what she might have done differently. Especially when discussing her love and grief for her mother, her complicated relationship with religion, and her awareness of racial identity, Smith's writing beautifully and powerfully resonates.