before i collapse from sleep deprivation, i just wanted to say how much my heart aches for these characters & how much that author’s note made me tear up.

esme, one of the main characters, is an immigrant. she reminds me of my family. her diligence, stubbornness, and determination to make it alright in the world not just for herself but for her family plucks an emotion within me that’s hard to describe but makes me feel proud of my heritage and my immigrant roots. then there’s khai. one of my triplet brothers is autistic and i’ve always had a harder time than my other family members to understand him, but reading this author’s books really help. it makes me a kinder and more understanding human being. thank you helen hoang.