Unveiling the Truths of Identity and Belonging with "It Looks Like Us" by Alison Ames

From the acclaimed author of "The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina," Alison Ames, comes a powerful and moving novel that delves into the complexities of identity, family, and the search for belonging in a multiracial world.

The Owens family is a tapestry of different hues and cultures. Matriarch Emira, a Black woman from Barbados, and her white husband, David, have built a loving and supportive home for their four children: Kira, the eldest, who identifies as biracial; Aisha, the middle child, who embraces her Black heritage; Mateo, the adopted son from Colombia; and Sebby, the youngest, who is transgender.

As the children grow and face the challenges of adolescence and young adulthood, they must grapple with their own evolving identities and the expectations of the world around them. Kira struggles with feelings of invisibility and the pressure to conform to societal norms. Aisha faces prejudice and discrimination because of her skin color. Mateo wrestles with the complexities of his adoption and his search for his birth parents. And Sebby must navigate the challenges of coming to terms with his gender identity in a society that often refuses to recognize or accept transgender people.

Through their interwoven stories, "It Looks Like Us" explores the ways in which race, culture, and gender shape our lives. It is a story about the complexities of family, the power of love, and the resilience of the human spirit. With vivid prose and a diverse cast of characters, Alison Ames has crafted a novel that will resonate deeply with readers, sparking important conversations about race, culture, and the search for self-acceptance.