What I liked: It's a story about generations. There are a couple of geriatric protagonists and a few other geriatric characters each of which the author blesses with a unique personality and role to play. Some of the settings, hospitals, nursing homes, elderly traveling among the young are presented in a thoughtful way that attempts to explore the world from a geriatric point of view and create sympathy in a younger reader. I am not sure how these scenes read for older readers? Do they feel shallow? Does the depiction of aging here feel true? I liked that the author attempted to realize old age and allow aged characters central roles in the story.

But, overall, this story felt too contrived to satisfy me. The characters sometimes seemed like cardboard cut-outs. Rather than fully realized characters the protagonists were often more like vehicles for dialog and narrative voice. They were sketches of roles rather than fully-cast acted parts in a play.

This story didn't do it for me. It was OK - but didn't feel like the author's best effort. I felt a bit cheated of my time in the end. Your mileage may vary though, because Robinson is a talented writer. Don't hesitate to try this one yourself because of my experience, or give [b:The Gerbil Farmer's Daughter: A Memoir|5333013|The Gerbil Farmer's Daughter A Memoir|Holly Robinson|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1392092095s/5333013.jpg|5400499] or [b:Beach Plum Island|18114160|Beach Plum Island|Holly Robinson|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1396226901s/18114160.jpg|25441390] a try. I think both of those outstretch this .