I simultaneously loved this book and wanted to hurl it at the wall. Quindlen evoked emotion from the first MINUTE and had me hooked from go- I was riveted to this book. It was heartbreaking to read, and I cried in several places. This isn't so much a book as it is an experience. The only reason I gave it a 4 rather than a 5 is because I wasn't happy with the book's resolution- when your heroine goes through that much total crap, you want more for her at the end (could be that's just me- the book supported the end Quindlen gave just fine). Be forewarned- the book is very tough to stomach emotionally. NOT a light read. But superbly done.