Loss and grief are common themes of Nina LaCour's works, and Watch Over Me seems to continue the trend with Mila, a recent graduate of the foster care system who must leave behind the only "family" she knows to live on a mysterious farm. Unlike LaCour's other works, her latest novel dabbles in magical realism as (literal, not metaphorical) ghosts make an appearance early in the story. In Watch Over Me, Nina LaCour writes with a simplicity that feels both elegant and relatable. Her ability to capture certain human emotions and reactions makes the story and characters come to life. I enjoyed this excerpt and very much look forward to reading the rest of the novel.