Not long before Leslie embarks on her freshman year at the University of Michigan, her mom dies of cancer. As she dives into the chaos of college life-making friends, dealing with frenemies, and stumbling through the awkwardness of dating-unresolved questions about her mom keep creeping in.

If her mom never loved her, why should anybody else?

Leslie hides behind layers of prickly sarcasm, closing herself to her bumbling dad, her sweet and complicated boyfriend, and her dynamic roommate whose perfect mother is still alive.

When Leslie discovers a wild plot of land that feels as out of place as she is, it quickly becomes her refuge. But when that sanctuary is threatened by developers, Leslie enters a fight she can't win unless she's willing to let others in.