American Street

From the Publishers:
American Street is an evocative and powerful coming-of-age story perfect for fans of Everything, Everything; Bone Gap; and All American Boys.

In this stunning debut novel, Pushcart-nominated author Ibi Zoboi draws on her own experience as a young Haitian immigrant, infusing this lyrical exploration of America with magical realism and vodou culture.

On the corner of American Street and Joy Road, Fabiola Toussaint thought she would finally find une belle vie—a good life.

But after they leave Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Fabiola’s mother is detained by U.S. immigration, leaving Fabiola to navigate her loud American cousins, Chantal, Donna, and Princess; the grittiness of Detroit’s west side; a new school; and a surprising romance, all on her own.

Just as she finds her footing in this strange new world, a dangerous proposition presents itself, and Fabiola soon realizes that freedom comes at a cost. Trapped at the crossroads of an impossible choice, will she pay the price for the American dream?

My thoughts:

I don't think the description really captures the magic and pain of this book, nor does it fully capture the clash of Fabiola's identity and values with the identity of her aunt and cousins who seem to have been severed from their Haitian identity and float aimlessly, unaware that they are shadows, and not fully formed. This book just ends before I was ready for it to end, but I think that is what makes it so memorable. 

I hope there are more accolades for this writer and this immigrant from Haiti. It is well deserved.