Being a black girl who feels displaced and isolated, Marguerite Johnson faced a lot of arduous experiences during her youth in the southern state of Arkansas. Problems such as racism, sexism, and hate-crimes were common (and disregarded) occurrences throughout her childhood and adolescence. Though distressing, these experiences also helped mold her into an able and enduring woman.

When Marguerite was eight and Bailey was nine, they moved to St. Louis with their mother's family. Their grandmother could be called an underground mob boss and their uncles are known by everyone to be "mean." She begins to have nightmares. In an attempt by her inexperienced mother, Vivian, to calm her nerves, Marguerite is brought to sleep in Vivian and Mr. Freeman's bed. One morning, after Vivian has left for work, Mr. Freeman sexually molests Marguerite. Because Marguerite is only eight-years-old, she mistakes the molestation for paternal love. Mr. Freeman...