(Realistically, a 2.5 or 2.75) This novel explores themes of unconditional love, self-acceptance, grief, and personal growth. It feels clear that this work is a labor of love for Norris and has come from within the heart. The story is easy to pick up, and the author lays it all out for the reader--although I wish there had been more exploration for all the characters involved. There is much left to be desired for every character, almost to the point of them feeling a bit shallow. We learn about these characters, and as a reader, we come to know them, but it feels objective and factually stated. I understand that a character feels a certain way because it was stated, but I don't truly feel what that character feels. This notwithstanding, some beautiful passages throughout the book encapsulate the depth of emotion that I was seeking with these characters. I also thought that a lot of what was explored towards the end of the novel ( Vivenne's gender identity and exploration, specifically, and the realization of her trans-ness) was unsatisfying. There is so much depth and complexity for that topic, and it felt so perfectly wrapped up that it was almost disappointing; the main character has struggled throughout this novel, and for everything to conclude with such ease felt a bit lackadaisical and simplistic. The backstory for the main character and the level of pain and discomfort that they experienced was a significant highlight throughout this novel; it was a throughline for everything the story entailed, and the character and plot development would have benefited from a more complex exploration of that topic.