Review Detail

I knew going in, that this would be a tough book to read but I wasn't prepared for the strong emotions it would evoke. It's well written and moving, with complex characters that will tug at your heartstrings.

Matt is a guy who is dealing with his grief over the loss of his brother, T.J., and fighting a daily battle just to survive in his own home. (To say his Dad is "abusive" is putting it lightly.) Matt's pain and anger comes through loud and clear in his voice and my heart went out to him right from the start. He struggles with how to put one foot in front of the other, and when he discovers the truth about T.J., my heart broke right along with his. There's a twist in this story that, like Matt, I did not see coming, but he faces it head-on with courage and strength.

Shauna was another character I enjoyed. I found her selflessness and unconditional love refreshing. I liked T.J. too, even if I didn't agree with all of the choices he made, but it was obvious that he had the best intentions where Matt was concerned.

All of these characters made an impression on me in one way or another, and I'm glad I read it. I think an Epilogue would've been a nice addition, just to see where Matt (and a few others) were a year or so down the road.