Shanan B. (yogimommy) reviewed on 2/6/2011 + 35 more book reviews

This book stuck with me. As I was originally trying to write my review, I was not overly positive about the book. First, while I understand that the author was dealing with a subject that does not have happy endings or get tied up in nice little packages, I found the ending very dissatisfying. There was no closure and then in a lot of ways I felt that Lou was even lonelier than she had been in the beginning. Second, I felt annoyed. The family seemed to see that their leaving to visit the father's sister had been a breaking point for No, but it did not seem that anyone did anything. They continued to watch her fall apart and then forced her to leave. Why didn't they get her social worker involved then? Why didn't they try to get her psychological help? Why didn't they at least talk to her about what happened after her second phone call to them? I realize that No wasn't really part of the family, but for a family who waited so many years for the mother to work through her depression they seemed quick to give up on No.

But I am glad that I waited to review the book because I can say after a little time that this book stuck with me. I wondered what ended up happening to No. I found myself looking at some of my preconceived notions about the homeless, why they are homeless, and what can be done to help them differently. While I applaud Lou's courage and tenacity, I do not necessarily advocate taking the action that she took. But I do feel that it is important for society to start taking actions and helping people if we want to improve the country and the world as a whole.

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