Also a very popular book in middle school. I guess Natasha Friend just has that pull. I thought the solution to the book's problems was very black and white, and the world just doesn't work that way. ( )

It would really stink to have a dad who's a drunk. I felt really bad for her but I wish I knew what happened after that. I'm really grateful for my parents. ( )

This book was a quick and easy read. It was very interesting. The story was powerful and relatable. It shows young readers a different side of life. It helps them walk a mile in someone else's shoes. I like the way the author told the story from the authors point of view. The author also combined using letters and narrative writing. It helps readers relate to others and could help readers feel that are not alone. ( )

In my opinion this is a great book because of the character development and it pushes readers to think about tough issues such as alcoholism. The character, Sam, is very well developed from being not only the narrator of the story, but the book also incorporates written letters she writes to the anonymous person who is giving her advice. The character of the father in the story is also well developed since he accurately depicts common characteristics, habits, and signs of someone suffering from alcoholism. The book pushes readers to think about the tough situation of alcoholism and broadens perspectives by sharing the perspectives of all members of Sam's family and how her father's alcoholism is affecting each of them. For example, the younger brother is impacted physically by being put into dangerous situations, Sam is impacted mentally by the way she perceives "normal" family situations, and the mother is impacted emotionally by being a victim of verbal abuse. The message I got from this novel is that sometimes you can seek more safety and help from those you do not know. ( )

Samantha struggles to maintain normalcy while living with an alcoholic father. I thought that this novel was very believable, although somewhat hard to read because of the grittiness.