Laura Leckband

Fantastic! So much is authentic history woven into the lives of the fictional characters. In addition to being s great read, I learned A LOT!

I found this book absolutely representative of small town life. I have lived in three different small towns in the south and the midwest, and the racism, homophobia, gang mentality, polite exclusion and backstabbing explored in the book was the same our (bi-racial) family saw and experienced each time. I will take care never to live in a small town again, nor will my children. The book is searingly accurate in the characterizations, actions, dialogue, actions and consequences depicted, as well as incredibly insightful regarding family dynamics. I found this book in a little free library. It has circulated for years, and many people had highlighted important passages that spoke to them. I added mine, and put it back in circulation. SO well written. I will continue reading this author.