Josie’s dilemmas

So many books have the main character raised in difficult to outright intolerable conditions, but they are able to rise above those conditions and resist turning out just like those who raised them.  I always wonder what is it that makes the difference.  I wonder that too when I read true accounts of these stories.

I think Josie recognized her mother’s flaws and disliked them enough to not want to repeat them.  She also had adults in her corner to support her such as Willie, Cokie, and Charlie.  Both of these things seem critical to having the strength and resolve to resist the easy money.