Never have I struggled this much with a review. I'm trying to summarize the thoughts and emotions this book stirred in me, realizing yet again how Americans must look to people from other countries. The description of Muzak and plastic-filled shopping malls was cringe-worthy, even though it was a miniscule aspect of the book.

As the mother of two daughters and grandmother of four, also all girls, this viewpoint couldn't help but stir emotion, thinking about what would happen if one of my loved ones was in this situation. And though this book covered the difficulties of learning to deal with a new culture - fitting in - it wasn't just the typical teenage angst of fitting in. Also, the author dealt in a clear-cut way with the moral issues presented to a young person as she recognizes the flaws and weaknesses of her parents; what it means to live; so much more.

The "backmatter" was also intriguing.

Bottom line - thought provoking to a greater degree than I anticipated, and somehow more emotional, too.

I received a Net Galley ARC.