This book has its highs and lows, like any book I suppose. The characters are likable and realistic, with no emphasis on the faux rainbows and glitter relationships sometimes evident in contemporary books. There were times where the pace got a little too slow for me, although it picked up later. Personally, I could not quite figure out why I did not like one of the main characters, Kate, although others I know who have read this book say she was one of the admirable ones.