I wish there were half stars because I give We Never Asked for Wings 3 1/2 stars. I was eager to read this novel, the second work from Vanessa Diffenbaugh, because Language of Flowers was so wonderful. While Language of Flowers was a beautiful sonata, We Never Asked for Wings was a good song.

Having a glimpse into the situations and emotions experienced by immigrants and illegal immigrants relating to what many take for granted in our lives, such as education, was moving. I also liked another message which was the consequence of when parents enable their children and continue to do so into adulthood.

There were bits of the story where I felt that the author's writing talent was shining a la Language of Flowers such as when Letty and Rick were creating drinks and cooking. However, even though there was a shift in Letty's character closer to the end of the story, even then, I didn't care for her too much or feel assured that she had changed and had experienced enough personal growth to be a responsible mother, and a mature, respectful partner.

After reading the Acknowledgements, I realized what a labour of love and tears this novel truly was for the author and I have much respect for her. I can't imagine how profoundly difficult and stressful it is to produce a second novel when the first was so exquisite and so adored. We Never Asked for Wings was decent read but I'm glad I got it from the library instead of purchasing the book for my collection.