First In The Family is a memoir that truly held my attention with its deeply personal and resonant moments. Reading it felt like sitting down with a friend who’s catching you up on everything, offering both updates and backstory, and leaving you captivated by every detail. Having the audiobook narrated by the author added to that feeling; there are moments when you can hear the pain and ache in her voice, something only she could capture.

This memoir dives into family ties, addiction, grief, sacrifice, racism, and so much more. Hoppe’s ability to revisit these raw moments, not just those that affected her but also her family, shows a level of vulnerability I deeply appreciate. Some memoirs walk a fine line between sharing too much and too little, but Hoppe finds a balance that kept me engaged. We see different versions of Hoppe, each layered in a way that holds your interest.

I could understand if some readers found the narrative structure a bit out of order, but for me, it worked well. It felt more like a conversation, which made it easier to connect with Hoppe on both the bright and dark experiences of her life. I especially enjoyed the specifics of her experiences growing up as a Central American woman and dealing with a condition rarely acknowledged or discussed. She highlights the cultural disbelief that often surrounds mental health struggles in communities of color, sharing her story with an honesty and transparency that draws you in.

After finishing it, I felt even more grateful to have a signed copy of this memoir. Huge thanks to Flatiron Books & Jessica for this giveaway copy.