This book was a gift. It was an actual gift as well as a spiritual gift. I thought I was going to read another book about the properties of crystals and the mystical powers they hold that can unlock my life struggles and loves through the pursuit of owning shining rocks. I love them by the way, crystals, and my friend felt the book was in the right hands when he saw my collection smattered around the living room. Jaya's book surprised me from the moment I began reading. It is deep and cuts across platforms of life, love, gender, race, history, philosophy, legend, and uninhibited truths from the author's life growing up in New York. This is an enlightening and refreshing read. Get it!!!!