This is one of those books that's hard to describe my feelings for. I think it's extremely clever and has some poignant commentary on several important although taboo subjects (young single moms, sex work, drug addiction, child welfare, custody disputes). Did I enjoy it though? I dunno. I felt frustrated reading it because the characters are such flawed people who make bad decisions, but they are humans in our terrible society so that's kind of the point. 

I think it's definitely worth the hype, but it's certainly not for everyone or for people who are in the mood for something that gives warm fuzzies.