I read this powerhouse of a book in four days, and this might be one of the worst book hangovers I've ever felt. I probably shouldn't have read it so fast, but I had to. I absolutely had to see it through to the end, and now here I am. This book was ... wow. I'm almost at a loss for words, but I'll try. 
 Like I said to a bookclub friend, I don't know if I can recommend this book on a blanket basis to everyone. Do I think everyone should read this? Kind of, yeah, but I know a lot of people wouldn't enjoy or appreciate it, and that's fine. This was hard to read. I feel like the first page should have a short questionnaire: "Are you okay with bleak, depressing books? Are you okay with potentially triggering books? Are you okay with books that portray both the very worst in life, but also the very best; however, the best is outnumbered by the worst about 25 to 1? Are you okay with a book with all the aforementioned qualities, and it's over 800 pages? If the answer to these questions is 'yes', please turn to page 1." 
 This is not the most disturbing book I've ever read; that dubious honor still goes to The Painted Bird. However, this was a more painful read by far. Bird is just a litany of atrocities and horrors, but with very little to humanize it. This book's strength, and what makes it so devastating, is rooted in its humanity. The characters are so real, so true, so honest, that you fall in love with them and you hurt because they're hurting. You hope because they're hoping. And there's a lot of hope in this. A lot of beautiful, brave, vulnerable hoping. And even more hurting. 
 You will live entire lives with these characters if you read this book. It's an amazing, enriching experience. It's a worthwhile experience. But it's not an easy one. 
 2016 reading challenge: a book that made you cry