New word alert: coldcock. I made sure to check over my shoulder before searing the definition of this one, that no little eyes were peeking at my screen, just in case the internet served me a platter of some frozen fetish porn as a result. It means to knock something down with force. Synonyms: dump, floor, deck, knock down. Well, alright then.

Another word I had to look up: wellspring. Unfamiliar, perhaps because I'm French? It means an original and bountiful source of something. A type of root, origin, source.

This book exceeded my expectations. You love the characters you're meant to love and absolutely hate the ones you are supposed to hate. Ugh, Brian. Ruth's mom. Pamela's mom, wtf is wrong with you? The Defendant. Carl (insert angry face here). Rebecca (eye roll).

So much thought and detail went into this story. Pamela's relationship with her parents. Ruth's relationship with hers. Tina's heartbreaking backstory. And a glimpse at the Defendant's. Among others, so very important. Often with books like this where the story is offered to you in bits and pieces, you are left with questions at the end. This book felt well-rounded, complete, and smart. I'm not left wondering at the end. I am so very satisfied.