Manfredi's expertly driven first novel is a graceful and wonderful story--one of those stories that, very simply, remind us why and how we get so wrapped up in stories. Exploring the unpredictable intersections and turns of day to day life, the novel moves gingerly at the start, but becomes something which cannot be put down. Each character brings a new life to the pages, and makes the more all the more beautiful and difficult to put down. Simply, I'd rather not give anything way, because any synopsis or broad-stroke summary couldn't do justice to the author's originality. This is a book for adults, about life, and it is one which should be read, passed on, and remembered. Certainly, I'll be coming back to it, and likely passing on copies to everyone from my best friend to my mom. And, meanwhile, I'll be searching out anything else Manfredi has published since this came out in 2003.

Absolutely, unhesitatingly, recommended. If you want a story to escape into, look this one up. ( )

The premise of this story was intriguing. The novel is very character driven and the reader cares about each character, flawed as they are. The novel starts to loose its interest when the interaction becomes so complicated you start wondering where the author is going with the tale of dysfunction. Interesting enough but a sad story. ( )

I loved this book and highly recommend it. I am sure it is not for everyone but for me it was great. Loved the writing style and am very impressed especially for a first novel. I can't wait to read her newer book. This is a very different story and yes it has a very dysfuncutional family (both blood family and support family) It can be a challenge with your beliefs of life and death and the hereafter. It is very sad in places and I feel you have to decide if someone can see and interact with the dead or they are they insane or both? The character developement was very interesting and they all held my attention. Couldn't put the book down. Hope if you read it you will enjoy it as much as I did. ( )

I have to say I just don't understand the popularity of this book. I loved the first chapter, but as soon as I started reading about the character of Jack, I was totally turned off. I could never believe his relationship with Stuart, and he was such an unsympathetic character. And yet, I must give the author credit that she made me at least want to read more, even when I didn't like the story. I was also disappointed that there seemed to be issues with time in the story. It seemed like more time had passed than what the story said, or vice versa. And there were several editing problems with my copy. ( )

This book was just ok. Very sad story of a disfunctional family touched by suicide and aids ( )