This is what was posed to C. Nicole Mason, and it kicks off her striking memoir, Born Bright: A Young Girl’s Journey From Nothing to Something in America (St. Martin’s Press, $26.99).

PORTSMOUTH — Lisa (Dashnaw) Mason, 38, died Monday ... Lynn Hollins of Franklin and Nicole Hollins of Franklin; one brother, John Dashnaw; nieces and nephews; and cousins.