This book's central themes are grief, depression, and lost love. I tend to be historically resistant to books on grief, probably because I am unfortunately over-skilled at compartmentalizing my own emotions. This book came very highly recommended to me, but I was a bit wary about starting it, because I was worried I wouldn't like it. However, it had some surprises in it (including a queer relationship) that I ended up really appreciating. The main character is Marin, a college freshman, who suffered a severe and shattering loss just before leaving her home in San Francisco for her first semester of college in New York. The book opens on the first day of winter break. She has only just begun to regain her emotional equilibrium, but is fearful that a visit from her high school best friend will bring back a tide of unbearable memories. The author weaves together scenes of the visit with pieces of the girl's last year of high school, filling in the background of their families and their friendship. It's a somewhat simple story, but I don't think that's a bad thing. I hope all the readers who need this book find it.