i read this book solely because of its author, and i was tempted to give it four stars just because of the author but it was only an okay read. some parts of the book really shined, others struggled, and yet others were straight out problematic. i wouldn't read it again, nor would i particularly recommend it to anyone, but i'm glad i did read it. felt like my curiosity was quenched at least.

general impression - there was more sex in this book than i anticipated and it was not enjoyable to me. a lot of it seemed overdone and unnecessary. i wanted more mob boss, detective novel action, less horniness.

Steinbeck writes life itself. It’s painful, heartbreaking, joyful, triumphant all at once. He sees the beauty in the trial of being human and that’s his unique magic. This book is the ultimate expression of that. It’s a journey through lifetimes of love and loss. Incredible, emotional, meant to be injected slowly.