This book was riveting. It painted a picture of post-Katrina New Orleans that was at first hopeful, and then absolutely horrifying. I've read other Katrina horror stories, and I know that things were bad after Katrina, but this is a reminder of just how bad. I think that's something we should never forget in the hopes that it never happen again. 
 The book was also a fascinating look at the Zeitouns, a modern Muslim-American family. (view spoiler)[In the book they seem close-knit and very loving, and I'm very sorry to hear that the Zeitouns marriage has since dissolved due to violence. (hide spoiler)]