Parts of this book were so sad, it was almost unbearable. But that's partly because it was so realistic, a strength for sure. I enjoyed Fern's quirky family and their relationships, and the handling of Holden's situation. I think the fun cover is a bit misleading, but for those who read the jacket flap (unlike me) and choose to read it with the knowledge that an event wrenches the family apart, they'll be rewarded with a solid, real-life story.