This was a lovely read, and it tackled a number of important topics: the way we process deep grief, especially when our culture or even family does not understand. It also takes an unflinching, well documented journey into the depths of prolonged depression and even phobia. And it examines the contrast between extreme privilege and entitlement vs. the struggles of those who have to scrabble out a living.

And yet! Ms. Colgan always manages to keep the tone gentle yet true; sympathetic, but never maudlin or cloying. Her skill at weaving together love, death, humor, and the shadows of isolation never descend into a dismal experience for the reader.

Marissa (the protagonist) is so very, very human, and Ms. Colgan's skill at the telling detail makes this a gentle, but never, ever shallow story.