This was a highly engaging book that I enjoyed reading, despite the fact that it was long and the characters often behaved in ways that were protective to the point of destructive. I felt that Gonzalez did a wonderful job of illustrating how family conflicts extend outwards and create even more troubles in the wider world. Yet, she ensured each character was written with enough tact that the messages in this book rarely came off as preachy. While the book did feel somewhat melodramatic at times, the reader is prepared with understanding for why the situations the characters are in have become so severe. I would be wary about recommending this book to others since some of the subject matter is distressing. However, I don't regret reading it myself or feeling invested in the characters' lives.