So I feel like I can't fairly rate this. On the one hand, I read it in one day. Started it this morning and just put it down five minutes ago. That in and of itself means that it was essentially a good book. It kept my interest, it made me laugh and it made me sad. But at the same time, it wasn't anything special. The conversations and interactions were a little juvenile and stilted. The letters to Ellen were annoying. I didn't really FEEL anything for the characters beyond what I was being told to feel. I'm glad that it was written, though, and I'm glad so many have read it, because I do think it's a topic that needs discussing. So I wouldn't tell people NOT to read it, but it also won't be at the top of my recommendation list. All in all, I'm glad I read it, if only because I was given a small glimpse into a life that I thankfully will never have to personally experience, and that gives me a sense of sympathy without the empathy. 
 ***edited to add, I think there's a huge mental issue that needs to be discussed when talking about abuse. And not the victims'- the abuser's. why is it that Ryle (and Colleen's father) did what they did? Not that their actions are excusable, but just that it's not sane to physically hurt the person you love that much. Putting Ryle's past aside, because let's face it- it isn't always that cut and dry (trauma= mentally unstable) why do we hear so often of domestic abuse and automatically assume it's an anger issue or a police issue? THere's gotta be so much more at play in the minds of those people.