A review by williamc
Elsewhere, California by Dana Johnson

emotional funny hopeful reflective slow-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Alternating between the voice of her unaffected youth and that of her established adulthood, collagist Avery explores her identity and long-term desires alongside the demands of both a traditionalist, working class family and the expectations of the white community in which she's immersed. Avery's examinations of class and the childhood friends who challenge her preconceptions make for a genuine and empathetic telling. Whatever the book may miss in ultimate scope, it more than makes up for in sincerity and immediacy of the circle of community it engages us in.