The fact this book is a real life experience with parents facing the challenges of a seriously ill baby soon to be toddler truly holds your interest from the beginning. All the "bumps in the road" along with the triumphs certainly made you anxious to continue reading to find out what was going to happen next. The humor along with the sadness adds to the story.
This is a book you could not put down. Don't start it until you have the time to read non-stop.
So many decisions to be made and so many prayers to be answered. I appreciated the fact the author did not sugar coat the feelings of each of the parents at various point along the journey.
It was also good to know how the years passing have worked out for the family both from the standpoint of the transplant and the relationships.

I think to truly understand all the emotions shown in this book you really need to have experienced being a single mother who is raising a child alone. It would be hard to share this child when the father was not interested from his conception. I can also understand why when Jake thought he was losing his security he would want to meet his father, What little boy wouldn't enjoy all the attention including the newest toys etc. It was gratifying to see by the end of the story that Karen felt more comfortable with the relationship.

This was a book that the reader could "finish" in their own way. Did Karen survive her illness and live to see her son as an adult? Wishful thinking...not realistic?

I found it to be a fast read with several unexpected twists. In several instances very true to life. All the problems with parents who were not impressed with "dating below their class" along with a precious little boy who felt he was being replaced. Everyone does not live happily ever after and it made it very realistic in my opinion. Enjoyed reading the book.

I found the book to be an interesting study of how the death of the father of the family affects each child and spouse differently. I felt the high school son reacted in a very normal manner. The friend was put in a very difficult position.
I agree this would not be a good book for a discussion group. I received the book for "First Impressions".

This was a fast and predictable read. I read most of the book in one long evening. You wanted to find out how the trip to the United States was completed.

Alice's emotions regarding the desire to have a child led her to try to give support to a very troubled teen.

Once Carla was on the train I felt certain that I could anticipate where the story was going and the fact the two women would eventually cross paths.

It was amazing the many hardships eleven year old Carla experienced and was able to handle. She actually had no choice. I suffered with her when she needed to make the decision regarding her brother.

It certainly was a vivid insight into the hardships hundreds of immigrant families and single children are experiencing today in order to reach the "promised land"