A powerful glimpse of family that touches base on all aspects of humanity, good and bad. This novel is filled with universal truths that we've all experienced in one form or another. I liked the flow -- Ayana Mathis wrote a short story for each of Hattie's children, sharing a separate part of the Shepherd family, but maintaining their connections throughout the novel. I'd like to learn more about each character, as this novel only offers a brief, but enticing, view. Perhaps Ms. Mathis will decide to continue the stories of Hattie's and August's children in her next novel....fingers crossed!