This is a quick read. She does a good job of portraying the daily ins and outs of regular people's lives. Most of the book I felt like I was reading a 1950's version of my home life growing up in the 90's. With that said, and perhaps this is the true reality of life, the book was a bit depressing. I got to the end and thought, "Boy, I sure how this isn't how I feel in my 50's", but in a way I already do feel the way the characters do. I especially thought the party scene at the end of the book was poignant--it made me think this author must have had some similar experiences to write them so well. All in all, my feelings are jumbled about this book--whether that's because it struck so close to home or didn't have a happily ever after ending I don't know. The book is a jumble of emotions, family complexities, and personal realities. A good read, but not an escapism choice.