This book is filled with great characters. Wayne, his mom, her boyfriend Tim. Even better are the "bad characters," the ones that Wayne has problems with. The Flee and his grandfather provide so much room for Wayne to grow, mostly in his own mind. Karen Harrington has produced a perfect vessel to deliver a character that is forced to be silent and think and react slowly and thoughtfully. I have noticed myself pausing a little more when others are talking. I also understand how Wayne feels compelled to fill silences when he's uncomfortable. I also get in my head a little too much and don't take the bull by the horns often enough. This book was somewhat of a "mirror" for me and hit home often.