Wow. This book gutted me. I am not okay, but I mean that in the best possible way.
I am not a big crier when it comes to books. But this one packed a serious punch. I ended up tears-eyed 10 times and full-on crying another 4 times. This book is beautiful and powerful.

I don’t have any personal experience with adoption, but something about this story just grabbed me and wouldn’t let go, and I didn’t want it to. I read it in one sitting and I have no regrets, except I wish the book had just kept going.

What I liked:

1. The characters. This book is all about these characters. And they are far from perfect. We are talking seriously flawed individuals who were in turns humorous and heartbreaking, uplifting and devastating. I loved them all, even when they did things that drove me crazy. They are so real, so authentic and layered and complex. I just can’t properly express my love for them. My heart ached when they were in pain. It must be the mother in me but I just wanted to fight all their battles and wrap them up and protect them. These characters are so well-written.
Also, I loved the adult characters, from the parents to the therapists. Even when they aren’t perfect, you know that they all want what is best for these young people and you never doubt their love, even when the kids do.

2. The story. It’s simple and straightforward, yet beautiful. It’s not a plot-heavy book. It just deals with family, both the family we choose and the family we’re born with. It’s about the secrets we keep and finding the courage to face them. It’s about being honest with yourself as well as the people who love you, and trusting that love enough to not always be perfect.

3. The sibling dynamic. I love Grace, Maya, and Joaquin. I love how they support each other, and stick together. It reminds me of my relationship with my siblings. It’s real. It can be messy, but it’s true.
When Joaquin reveals his secrets to his sisters and they accept him and stand by him, ugh. It’s everything.

4. Love interests. I liked the fact that this book is NOT a romance. That being said, each of our protagonists have romantic relationships they are attempting to navigate, some with more success than others. I think my personal favorite is Rafe. I loved his character, and I’m so glad that his relationship with Grace was secondary to the rest of the book. I love that they start out as friends and really stay that way through the majority of the book.

I could probably gush for another thousand words about this book, but I won’t. I will just say that after reading Emmy and Oliver and now this book, Robin Benway is an auto-read author for me. I love the care and thought that she puts into crafting beautiful stories with flawed characters dealing with real issues. It’s only January, but I guarantee this will be one of my favorite books of the year.