The following version of this book was used to create the guide: Coster, Naima. What's Mine and Yours. Grand Central Publishing, 2021.

Naima Coster's novel What's Mine and Yours is written from the third person point of view and in the past tense. The novel spans 38 years, shifting frequently between scenes from the narrative past and present. The novel's unconventional narrative structure also braids the primary characters' storylines one with another, conveying the ways in which their stories are emotionally linked. The following summary relies upon the present tense and a linear mode of explanation.

Ever since Jade and Ray met, their lives have changed for the better. Ray not only loves Jade, but is devoted to her young son Nelson, whom he nicknames Gee. After opening a coffee and doughnut shop, Superfine, with his friend, Linette, Ray has begun hoping for an even better future for his family. He wants to marry Jade and give them a stable home life. However, when he tries defending Jade amidst an altercation about money, an unknown man pulls out a gun and murders him.

In the wake of Ray's death, Jade is unsure how to return to her life. She had begun relying upon Ray for everything. Realizing that her grief will hurt Gee even more, she decides to change on her son's behalf. She goes to Linette for help.

Over the years, Linette becomes like a grandmother to Gee. Gee loves both Linette and Jade, but is often frustrated with their protectiveness. He wishes they would stop telling him how hard it is to be a black man in America. All Gee wants is to disappear.

Meanwhile, Lacey May has been struggling to provide for her daughters, Noelle, Margarita, and Diane, ever since her husband Robbie was imprisoned. She decides that she cannot wait around for Robbie to collect himself. Instead, she moves in with her childhood friend, Hank. Eventually they decide to marry. Hank has become a good stepfather to Lacey's daughters, and has never let Lacey down.

Over the years, Noelle becomes increasingly frustrated with her family. Her relationship with her mother is particularly volatile. When she becomes involved with the school play, she meets and befriends Gee. The production brings them closer together. Although they often feel alienated, in the context of their relationship, they feel seen and understood.

Noelle and Gee stay together for years to come. They get married, move to the suburbs, and try to start a family. Noelle's miscarriage hurts both of them. Gee flees to Paris for work, desperate for an escape. Noelle feels alone and lost. When Diane calls to say that Lacey is sick, Noelle reluctantly travels back to their North Carolina hometown.

Soon, Noelle, Diane, and Margarita are back in the same space. The sisters feel constantly frustrated with and hurt by one another. Unresolved conflicts from their pasts consistently resurface. It is not until they begin discussing these dynamics and practicing honesty with one another that they can begin reinventing their relationship.

Noelle decides to leave Gee. She is hurt that he is cheating on her, and knows that she wants a family. She gets pregnant and builds a new life on her own. Diane eventually marries her partner, Alma. The family joins together for the wedding, finding peace and reconciliation.