Tayler

Ok...let's see. I enjoyed this. I turned the pages happily, wanting to know how things would turn out. And actually, that's the main motivation for turning the pages. It wasn't some sense of wanting to get lost in the world (it's not that kind of book), or needing to spend more time with each character (they're not that kind of characters)...it was really very much about wanting to see how the whole thing would end. And the ending was satisfying...not the MOST satisfying...but satisfying.

So, sure, Molly is written to seem somewhat “on the spectrum” (Autism), but I argue...now after reading the whole thing and spending time with Molly...and knowing a fair bit about autism and how it manifests across a range of people (from my experience as an elementary school teacher and Gifted Ed. specialist with much professional development on the topic and experience with autistic students), I do not believe Molly is necessarily autistic. I believe she is neurodivergent in some ways...most notable socially as it relates to her ability (or lack thereof) to identify non-verbal cues and gauge the climate of a social situation, however there are many things she says, nuances she identifies (when a smile reaches the eyes), pop culture references to which she alludes (not from a place of hyper-fixation, but rather casual awareness), and physical interactions she welcomes and actually yearns for that would not be something a person with autism would welcome. Now, I'm assuming here, based on experience, and Molly would probably remind me about the trouble with ASSuming, but it's these reasons (and several others) that I feel that either Molly is not autistic, but rather severely socially inept and ignorant due to her seemingly sheltered existence or the author missed some key behaviors that are VERY commonly identified in people with autism, incorrectly inserting others (behaviors and situations) that would not be seen in, or welcomed by, people with autism (having a full face of makeup applied rather on the spot, initiating an across-the-table kiss).

So there. My thoughts on that matter. And honestly, I don't feel that the author had any obligation to label Molly's uniqueness. The book is compelling as is and the plot does not rely on her having some specific developmental disability, but rather peculiar idiosyncrasies.

Of course, I may be wrong...

Overall, if you're interested in this book, read it. It's a good time.

I still think about this book at random moments. It's engrossing and haunting and beautiful and murky and I just love it. The characters nurture the experience with their authenticity and the ones you're not meant to like scratch and claw at you and leave you with a rotten taste in your mouth...just as they ought to. There are moments where the story is slow and gradual, but once those moments pass, you realize that you're better off for them. Should you choose to listen to this one, you won't be disappointed. The narration is fantastic.