Have you ever felt adrift? Author Nicole Buntgen, an international closed adoptee who grew up in a rural, predominantly white town, has plenty to say. Everyone has faced labels in their life. For Buntgen, some of hers include the whitest Asian, well-spoken, dramatic, mature, lazy, and professional. Although she has struggled with how they have shaped her self-image, Buntgen presents her memoir, Onward and Upward, to untangle these titles and go anywhere but backward. Buntgen's journey covers topics and narratives including: - Challenges of closed adoption - Diagnosing a rare illness - Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues "Onward and Upward" is a vulnerable deep dive that addresses diverse, complex experiences and serves as a guide for empathy toward ourselves and others. Readers will see facets of themselves in Buntgen's experiences and hopefully recognize they can tackle their personal struggles. When life has you down, remember that things can get better.