This was the second time I read Casual Vacancy, and it struck the same deep chords it struck the first time. It is gritty, it is real, and it is multi-faceted. This book should be REQUIRED reading for all social workers. The depth and characterization is incredible, and this book shows all people act from an array of different motives and circumstances. Very little is what it seems on face value. Casual Vacancy shows the shades of grey of every person. It is tragic, but there is beauty in the darkness.