This book moved me in a lot of ways and I think Douglas and I suffer from the same debilitating case of "expectations": what you think a trip, a relationship or raising a kid would be like isn't reality or even realistic. Often times life falls short of expectation. Douglas' expectations did him a disservice in the end. I knocked off a star for the tidy ending - so tidy I thought my e-reader was glitching. That was it? I wanted a more depressing ending but I suppose that wasn't real life for Douglas.

to me, it glossed over a lot. it was more about a broken spine than abuse. it is accurate to call it a survivor story because it's so much about enduring and continuing. the abuse got about 5% of the story.

I'm not sure I've read a more sad book in the last 5 years. Julie speaks eloquently and from the heart. She thinks, always, of her children. She is grateful and reflective and has much to say. It isn't a pitiful book. She presents as very strong and capable, well-intentioned and kind.

I was afraid I didn't like reading anymore, I failed at reading so much in the last 6 weeks, post-grad. This book was everything I love. Focused, unsettling, boding, and oddly immersive for the amount of pages in each story. Loved it!

Lots of "gotchas" overall just okay

Same spooky tone as birdbox, it was okay.

Liked the style, disliked the plot.