review to come, but man, am i loving this series! 
 okay, time for a real review! 
 it's hard to know where to begin.... 
 this series is all told from the POV of a girl, detailing the events and adventures of her baby-years and before, including the romantic forbidden love between her parents. 
 it was not, however, love at first sight. 
 but it's not all lovey-dovey stuff, nor even lovey-punchy-with-a-rifle stuff. there's also ... this 
 and how much do i love alana? not only for her dry wit 
 but also for her enthusiasm about BOOKS! well, okay, one book in particular. but still, it's adorable, especially because of this familiar scenario where you're talking about a book you love and your excitement gets in the way of your powers of articulation and you get this reaction to your blathering: 
 been there, my friends... 
 but also deep in my heart is lying cat 
 nooooo! no killing lying cat! lying cat is for SNUGGLING! 
 there was much peril for lying cat in this volume. at one point i made an audible squeak. not even embarrassed about it. 
 i want my own lying cat. i also want these things 
 anyway, an excellent second part to a series that is quickly taking over my life and my heartspace. 
 you're welcome, book! so glad to be a part of this journey!