Nothing happens, and yet so much happens. This is a beautiful coming of age novel.

Many of Smith's images are breathtaking in this incredible book - I will carry her image of snow on brick "like fairy lace" in my heart.

All of the characters are endearing - of course, I identified deeply with Francie when her dad died. I think people who have experienced death write about it much differently than those who haven't. I wish I had read this when I was younger.

And any time an author ties the ending with the beginning as well as Smith did...really amazing writing.