Last Summer on State Street is a coming-of-age story, a story of childhood ending through time, displacement, and loss of innocence. Set in Chicago’s Robert Taylor housing projects in the summer of 1999 as 12-year-old Fe Fe and her 3 friends navigate growing violence and the impending demolition of their home.
Last Summer on State Street is an impressive and impactful debut from author Toya Wolfe. Wolfe grew up in the Robert Taylor housing projects and obviously knows the world intimately. I think the overall takeaway of the story is meant to be something along the lines of how some can rise above their experience, true and inspiring, but reading left me feeling heartbroken for how pervasive the systemic impact of things like poverty and racism despite individual resistance.
This little book packs a punch for being just over 200 pages (and a debut novel at that!) These characters and their stories are sure to stay with me. Definitely one to sneak in before summer ends!
That Bookish Life 