When I started reading this book, I was a bit distracted. After I read about 50 pages, I decided that I was missing integral, pertinent information and started again. I cannot say enough how very glad I did just that - started again. I really loved this book!! Rich in history I never knew (how much prejudice Italian immigrants—Sicilians in particular—faced coming to the US during the early 1900s), big personalities that I often loved and/or despised. What I loved most was the Journey Russell and his father Tony took in the creation of this memoir. The "righting" of wrongs and the discovery of who they were despite and in spite of their roots. Thank you for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I found this to be a struggle to read. Perhaps I am simply thick-headed, as found nearly nothing of note to positively rave about. This was a painful journey of reading, and I only finished it because I appreciate being given the chance to read it and enjoy it. I am, however, interested to learn what others liked about it. For me it seemed that the author used graphic scenes just because he could; for they provided no substance for this reader/reviewer.

This one was a tough one for me to review. Not quite 4 stars, but definitely better than 3. I absolutely loved the budding friendship between the two girls (both residents of USA internment camps during WW II, one a German-American and one a Japanese-American), but I found there were sections of the book where I felt the author was trying too hard to give the reader "too much". Overall, it was a quick and enjoyable read, but I've also read quite a few historical fiction books during WWII that were better. Fun fact that I learned was about the fact that Our United States sordid past during the internment Years also included German Americans along with the Japanese - as this I did not know. Despite my mixed emotions, I am thoroughly grateful to the publisher to provide me this ARC - due out March 2019.

Enjoyable from its beginning to ending sentence, Dan Mooney creates characters that are both lovable and infuriating. Mooney does a great job in taking on a crippling illness like depression, developing a storyline that has the reader laughing, cheering and brooding--often at the same time. An amusing and stirring look at how depression can entirely consume a person's life, and how the power of friendship and love can pave the road toward healing.

I am so thankful I was selected to read/review this ARC. The emotions it created will stay with me for quite some time. The rich detail and the author's chosen words, so greatly impacted me, that I am rendered speechless. A story of Love, Identity, and Belonging and the impact of who we are, how we affect others, and what it means to be completely human. This novel is oh, so beautiful and will stay with you long after the final page is turned.

4.5...Wow!! What a magnificently, powerful and emotionally raw memoir. This greatly impacted my entire being--down to the most basic fiber. Additionally, I was surprised at how effectively it humbled me--making me aware of my ignorance and my sheltered experiences. I now realize that US refugee status does not necessarily aid in the healing of life's horror-filled transgressions--that perhaps, there is no correct formula for healing.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. The author kept my interest, albeit a bit too wordy at times. This book reintroduces interesting concepts of Medical Healing vs a God-Given Miracle, and leaves the reader able to argue for and against both. The only thing that kept me from rating it higher is the sparseness of dialogue. I personally prefer more dialogue to create a story.