**Re-read 2021** Wow, was this book stilted and exhausting. It’s also crazy what the lens of life experience does to your perspective on a book. I don’t know that Lori Wick is for me at this stage of my life. I’m a little afraid to reread any more of her books I used to enjoy since this is my second time to be let down. I still can’t believe they expected a 3 year old to never get frustrated or concerned or even frown. There was so much that bothered me. 2 stars for nostalgia’s sake. And for Wang Ho. He was my favorite character.
**Re-read**(2017) 4 stars
Loved this book as much as the first time! Just a nice, sweet, vanilla read before diving into Always Watching after reading Making Bombs for Hitler.
**Original Review from July 2013**4 stars
I really liked this story. A friend recommended it to me because of the scene at the dining room table, where Lily uses the word "perspicacity." I LOVE words, and am always using and discovering interesting ones. Perspicacity is my favorite word, and I am always looking for places to use it. The funny thing is, she didn't remember what the word was, and when I found that it WAS "perspicacity", I nearly fell off the couch!
I thought the story was very sweet, and I enjoyed getting to know Lily as she came out of her shell and realized that she had to address to her father that what he was doing was wrong. I enjoyed the Hawaiian scenery, and that Peter & Celia (the kids) were actually pretty big figures in the story. Most kids in adult books are there for a poignant moment or point, but for most of the story are shuffled to their friends'/relatives' houses and out-of-sight-out-of-mind. I liked that the kids were actually part of the story, and for the WHOLE story, not just one moment.