I've read quite a few books lately that I was half-hearted about- one that I abandoned 3/4 of the way in because I was so bored. I thought maybe I had lost my reading 'gene' and was too distracted to read properly until I started reading this novel and could not stop until I was done! Beautiful writing, realistic characters, very moving and true about the shifting identity of immigrants in America. I appreciated that the author did not use tragic events to give depth to her novel as so many writers do...it felt real and honest and gave weight & validity to people living 'normal lives' and the small tragedies and joys of simple lives. Highly recommend.