One of those stories that is incredibly heartbreaking to read that one (or at least me) has to force oneself to keep reading, not out of boredom but due to blaring, searing TRUTH. 
 Sebold creates a haunting novel narrated by a 14 yr old murder victim watching her family cope with the damage that her devastating death has brought upon them. She watches their hurt as they grow apart, grow up, and subsequently come back together to finally heal as Sebold's young protagonista herself accepts the fact that life must indeed go on without her. 
 So very bittersweet.