4.5+ stars 
 This book left me emotionally wrung out. It is so different than anything else Sawyer has written. I wasn't sure what to think as I started the book. The group therapy sessions and Christopher's stand-off nature made it difficult to start. I even had one point early on where I wasn't sure I wanted to keep going. But I'm so glad I did. 
 Each of the characters is dealing with his or her own pain, in his or her own way. They are all attending group therapy for their own reasons. Though the idea to take a road trip together is a bit unorthodox, the reason behind the trip gives it extra meaning and adds to the emotions during the trip. 
 There is a lot going on in this book. Though Christopher is the narrator, he begins to see things about his companions that he wouldn't have noticed if they had kept to their regular therapy schedule. But the bond they forge must withstand a lot as they each continue to battle with the reasons they need each other in the first place. 
 There is a bit of a romance angle. With Christopher finally letting people in, it only makes sense that there is a romantic interest as well. Even before he was letting his walls down, he acknowledges that he thinks Jillian is good looking and though it grates on his negative outlook, he likes the way she always sees the bright side. She sees his injuries, but they don't detract from what she sees behind his pain. 
 Barb and Connor each bring their own perspectives about life as well. One not sure if she wants to live, and the other facing his impending death. It was interesting to watch as Barb and Christopher went from antagonizing Jillian and Connor for their positivity to understanding their need for hope. 
 While there was a point I wasn't sure I could keep reading I am so glad I did. This was a heavy book, but one that left me thinking about each character: their actions, their motivations, their journeys. And in the end, the heavy emotions have light in sight and there is hope. Ultimately, each character has to learn to face the hard truth of about sunshine. The way they deal with that truth is what sets each of these characters apart. 
 I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.