Soooo my final thoughts... in probably too few words. 
I felt completely like I wasn't getting the goals of this book overall so have spent some time reading a few blog posts about this one in order to settle in on my feelings. 
I definitely don't know enough about the historical and current situations happening in Georgia, and that only became more apparent to me as the book went on, but then set in concrete when I read about the authors intent and general motivations with their writing. While I see the importance of literature like this I didn't get why the length of this. I love a chunky book, but so many readers that would benefit from experiencing these stories are instantly excluded due to the length. I don't feel it justified in this instance. 
Things I really loved was the change in pace and style here and there was pretty well done and used effectively. Downside is that the sections (prologue and part 4 or 5... memory doesn't serve me well here) led to me disconnecting with the characters because I didn't vibe with the change up. With this largely being a series of character study style narrative it wasn't a choice I think every author would make. 
Interestingly... I nearly always have a favourite character.. whether because I loved them or loved to hate on them... I don't with this one. All of the characters (except the male we didn't like the way he manipulated Kitty.. I have forgotten his name.. Alex maybe...), I had very visceral but varying responses to throughout and while I think this adds to the realistic nature of humans... in this case it didn't feel like they ever truly were who they were... more that they were characters that were who they were supposed to be depending on the moment and the happenings along the way. Other than stubbornness, there didn't seem to be any consistent personality traits. Maybe I am being too harsh here.
I absolutely loved the hot chocolate though. It kept me intrigued in the parts that I lost interest... I needed to know whatever we were going to find out about this dang hot chocolate! I have really enjoyed reading knowing I had a buddy with this one. I did have a couple of moments that I thought I might dnf... I am glad that I didn't!!! 
Finally... this was a depressing and intense read... but ultimately worth it in my opinion. I recommend reading this with a buddy!!