Far from the Tree

This book is incredible - I cried my way through the last 25 or so pages, full of those happy-cathartic-relief tears that come when something is so good and satisfying and right. This deals with some heavy topics, but never in an exploitative or preachy way, and it certainly doesn't dwell on them for bleakness' sake. The characters felt authentic and realistic and their actions all made sense in the context of their backstories, which is refreshing - nothing felt like it was done just because the story needed for it to happen. This is basically a perfect book and I can't wait to read it again.

Two quick spoiler notes: 1) Oh my god, ADAM IS THE WORST and I wished for more bad stuff to happen to him, and 2) spoiler-slash-CW: this book is an absolute gut punch if child abuse, adoption, foster care, or loss of a child (to adoption) are difficult topics for you. Again, nothing's done exploitatively, but those are major topics in the book, so be advised. I cried through Grace's chapters several times, because I have a six-month-old and anything to do with kids makes me cry these days. Not a criticism of the book at all, and I think everything was handled very well, but definitely something to be aware of.