In 'Son of Elsewhere: A Memoir in Pieces,' Elamin Abdelmahmoud shares a poignant and humorous journey of self-discovery, told through candid essays that explore the intersections of Blackness, faith, and pop culture. Abdelmahmoud recounts his emigration from Sudan to Canada at the age of twelve, where he is abruptly confronted with the complexities of his new racial identity. Growing up in the predominantly homogenous city of Kingston, Ontario, he embarks on a quest to find himself amid societal expectations and cultural assumptions. Each essay serves as a vignette, capturing lessons learned from unexpected sources—ranging from the fictitious suburbs of 'The O.C.' to the grandiose theatrics of professional wrestling, and the ramifications of being a Muslim post-9/11. Abdelmahmoud's debut is a mosaic of memories that piece together who he is, reflecting the unending process of personal evolution and the impact our experiences have in shaping us.