Coming of Age

The novel spans years in the life of Bridgett Davis, the youngest daughter of Fannie and John T. Davis. Naturally, Bridgett changes and matures over the years as she ages, but there are also many examples of how life experiences push her into changes. As Bridgett wrote the memoir years after the events took place, she was also able to look back with an even greater maturity that allowed her to evaluate some of the specific coming of age moments and events in her life.

In some cases, Bridgett can remember those defining moments but cannot recall if her response was appropriate. When she turned 16, her mother threw her a birthday party. Bridgett invited John T., but he declined to attend. Later, he seemed surprised that the newspaper article about the party listed him as Bridgett's father. That was a clear sign that he needed reassurance...