This book was hard and dark and uncomfortable at times. But I loved it and flew through it. The characters are strong and unique and Wavy intrigued me right away. As we life story unfolds I found myself in shock many times as we learn a little bit about why she is the way she is.

There's no doubt the story line is tough. But I tried to look at each situation through each character's POV.

Spoiler

At first I thought Kellen and Wavy's friendship was a little weird, until I realized they both needed someone to take care of AND someone to take care of them. Wavy's family barely cared she existed and her mother has forced her not to talk to people and not to even eat in front of people. She thinks she is dirty and will just make others dirty. Kellen's family also abused him until he was able to escape. He can't escape his anger at the world though and at some times I think inside he is still the little boy trying to survive.

When they started dating (or were engaged) I was determined to look at it as the couple did. They truly loved each other and needed each other. They looked out for each other and would protect each through anything. Is that not love? Yes the sexual stuff did make me uncomfortable, but mostly because it made Kellen uncomfortable too.

I'm not saying I support this type of relationship, I'm saying that I am trying not to judge people based on outsider knowledge.

I was rooting for them to be together because I just wanted them to be happy and maybe be able to form a safe and caring family unit. I got so mad at Brenda for hating Kellen so much. Could she not see how important this relationship was to Wavy and how it wasn't just some sick pervert trying to take advantage of Wavy? But then I also tried to see it though Brenda's eyes. Her sister didn't take care of Wavy at all. They were dead and here was some man seducing her 13 year old niece. In her situation I think I would be just as outraged and upset.

These situations are all about perspective. Yes I wanted Kellen and Wavy to be happy, but I felt like I knew them and their background and what made them happy. Brenda knew what she knew and wanted to protect Wavy also.

I think what sums up this book is when Wavy tells the judge," Your family is real, but mine isn't? .....I'm as real as you are". I tried to look at the whole book from Wavy's eyes and not those of an outsider looking in.