I liked this book a lot. It invites the reader to get beyond the quick, culture based assessments we're tempted to make about people's actions in navigating racial interactions. The "secret daughter," who authored the book makes sure issues like the times the she grew up in, the particular environment the mother and the family who adopted her grew up in, the relationship between her mother and the father are shown to contribute to why her mother made her a "secret daughter." ( )

The story of June Cross, a little girl born to a white mother and black father. June's mother dotes on her but unfortunately just before June turns 4, she's sent to live with a black family as June can no longer 'pass' as white. Although June is well looked after by Peggy and Paul, she often lacks a sense of identity. Her mother visits her and sends for her to visit her but after her mother marries, she starts introducing June as her adopted niece and asks June to stop calling her mommie. Peggy and Paul although the love June are also just her 'aunt and uncle.' They have diffrent views about how to raise her that her mother doesn't agree with. This continues and June seeks to find herself and identity and learn more about her family, why her mother gave her away and build relationships.
An informative read. 4/5 ( )

It took me a little while to get into this book, but once I did I became fully engrossed in it. By the end of the book I was in tears. It's the story of a mixed race girl struggling for an identity and love and acceptance from her biological mother. This was an excellent book and I highly recommend it. ( )

This book is so well written that I think almost anyone would enjoy the story. In spite of her difficult childhood and upbringing, this young lady managed to remain true to herself and not let it destroy her future. This one will remain among my most favorite books ( )

A successful (biracial) journalist reflects on the relationship with her white mother who turned her over to be raised by a black family.