"Secret Life" is a coming-of-age story, set in North
Carolina. A girl's mom dies in a mysterious accident,
and the dad is abusive. One day, her black housekeeper
goes to jail for insulting some white men, and she
breaks her out of jail. They travel to a small town
where her mother supposedly once lived. It is a book
about faith, redemption, hope and the struggles of
just keepin' on in life. I enjoyed reading it, but I
there were some unsatisfying bits.

people who like to read coming-of-age stories.

the main character, Lily. I felt so bad for her, almost wishing she were my daughter...

some of the stereotypical portrayals of some of the characters. I feel the author must have cut out some description.

go back and reread the last few chapters, because I didn't like how it was tied up.

it was a quick read, and I liked the description of the Black Madonna.