I read this book in a week which is a fast read for me. I have to admit when friends asked how I liked it...my reply was it's just OK. I gave it three stars before I finished it but after finishing it decided it was a four star read. The last five chapters made the book worth it and I cried non-stop. This only means I'm a huge sap for ths kind of story. This wasn't an easy read because it kept me anxious and unsettled through the whole thing waiting for the next bad thing that was going to happen. I did enjoy the references to the music, fashion, and news events that took place during this time period. I think it was realistic in describing the life of a stay at home Mom...and the trials of raising teenagers, especially girls. Dialogue was clever. If you have lost someone to cancer it makes it difficult to read knowing the ultimate ending. If you have someone who has cancer...it makes it equally difficult to read. It was about life...which is often full of anxiety, but I was glad when it was over and I could move on to something that entertained me.