Kalico Jones candidly recounts trials, tribulations, obstacles, pitfalls and personal growth, in her novel, When Gucci Came First (True tales of a t.r.a.m.p). From the first page she connects with the reader by using inviting dialogue that flows smoothly, laying the foundation for a wild journey with a surprise ending that will make you rejoice with her and breathe a sigh of much needed relief. You will almost feel as though you are snooping in a private journal that is kept under lock and key and hidden in a bottom dresser drawer. Her fresh delivery remains consistent, until you turn the last page. At that point, you miss her and want to know more about the woman behind the story. When she is obviously in pain, you root for her to recover. And when she is off track, you feel like admonishing her for losing her way, almost wanting to shout, Stop the madness Kalico! Not again! This emotional battle continues and often increases in intensity, just when you thought nothing more could shake you up. The characters innermost thoughts are frank, uncensored, and truly telling of how she is thinking in any and all circumstances. Her delivery is laced with honesty that many wish we could have, but will probably never manage to have the courage to expose. The types of secrets she tells are the type which most of us will take to our grave - deep, hurtful, frightening tales that will bring you to tears and add to your understanding of human frailty. If you feel tempted to judge her behavior, you will regret it and ultimately feel ashamed for rushing to judgment. By the end of her work, her strength and determination to win a war is so evident, it stands up on its own and looks you in the face.