I almost quit this book, it was moving sooooo slowwwwllyyy. It's the most contemporary fiction I've ever read—which means it's just following the daily lives of a family. No high stakes, unless you count about-to-lose-the-house-we've-always-lived-in "high stakes." (PS: I didn't.) Just the whole premise was very boring to me.
The children were each individual and unique, but the oldest was only 13. I did enjoy the portrayal, and I thought the characters were accurately displayed on the page—but THEY WEREN'T DOING ANYTHING. And to be honest, following the minds of kids who aren't doing anything isn't very exciting. The only reason I stuck around was because of the Bennie fiasco, which caused conflict between the two sisters. Now that kept me interested and alert.
But the rest? I just didn't care. Maybe it was the wrong time to read it. Maybe it was the narrator. (At one point she read “followed by the…” and before she could finish the sentence, my mind concluded “...pound sign.” Truly, she could've been the telephone voice.) Maybe I should've just read a physical copy instead. Whatever the case, I'm glad I finally got to the climax and resolution. That part, if anything, was lovely.

(I think part of the reason I disliked this book a little was because it's so reminiscent of the Penderwicks, which is a series I love—but it just didn't hit the same spot. So close, and yet so far. The only reason I can figure out is that this one took place in a city, and the Penderwicks take place largely in the country or town. Setting is important for me, and it's hard for me to connect with a city background.)