This might have been better as a print book due to inner thoughts of the characters while within a conversation. Rooney’s writing is achingly beautiful and while this could be her happiest work, it still puts the reader through an emotional wringer. I liked these characters and still wanted to know more about Naomi and Sylvia, but overall I enjoyed listening to how the characters connected and grew in the storyline.

Audiobook version. I enjoyed this book and loved the characters. I think this book would be great for middle grade/school kids who can do a bit more information gathering to better understand the 1980’s and part of the storyline that may be difficult to understand. Beautiful book about found families, the difficult relationships we can have with our biological families, and being true to one’s identity, in spite of others’ prejudice and fear.

So. Much. Pining. 
Emotionally abusive and stunted object of one’s pining. I would have liked a little more emotional growth and exploration of the characters. It would have moved the needle for me from OK to great.