absolutely 5 stars. i loved this book and can’t believe i hadn’t heard of it earlier. it’s one of the most emotional novels i’ve ever read. it pulled me in with its many characters and perspectives, with the way it faced the realities of the small towns and the world with heart as well as humor, with despair as well as hope. it also offered introspectives on how humans are so much more complicated than we can seem, to the point where putting the spectrum of humanity into one book seems almost impossible- but the author did a damn good job of it. if there’s one criticism i have, it’s a personal opinion on the glimpses into the future this book offered, in that i am not sure i always enjoyed them. but i also feel like they gave closure to intense and serious issues that required it, so they did have a purpose and certainly don’t take away from my love for this book. and even when i thought they might be giving away too much, the book kept me on my toes, made me think, and subverted expectations with masterful suspense and use of language. 

i regret having not read it sooner, but i am so very grateful that i’ve read it now!