Opa! An ultimately celebratory narrative of difference embedded within an epic, ethnic coming-of-age story in which maudlin or melodramatic opportunities abound but are passed over in favor of numerous mini-stories which weave themselves in and out to create a silken fabric of a singular life. Told with incredible humor and grace. 
 Before posting any sort of review, I try to look over recent posts for the title I'm preparing to review. It's heartening to see that this title has fallen into the hands of so many appreciative readers and to know that I've shared, in some way, their reading experience. I even admire the intellectually honest 'I didn't like it' responses to those who have picked up the wrong book (as evidenced by comments like 'I would have preferred...' or 'I wish the author had...') and then blame the author, or worse, the reviewers whose 'don't read it!' comments carry all the intellectual authority of the Tea Party. Kyrie, eleison.