This book wrecked me in the best and worst ways - at the same time. Following this precocious 10 year old as she took care of herself for 55 days while her mother was gone was such an emotional journey, but man oh man was it excellent.

(Knowing it's 55 days from the offset was such a good narrative plot choice - from the get go you are reading your way closer and closer to that 55 day mark, knowing that something is coming, just not what.)

It's not an easy book to read, subject matter wise, but it's written in a way that is so engaging and makes it almost impossible to set it down. I loved Rae's voice, and I loved how resilient she was, even as she spent more and more time looking out for herself with her mother gone. I will say I knew where her mom went pretty early on in the book, but it doesn't hamper the emotional portions at all. The relationships in this book are all so well drawn and unflinchingly real - and as we are meant to, I especially loved Rae & Lettie's. (Rae & Splinter were also a great pair!)

I genuinely loved this (debut!) book, and I will for SURE be keeping my eye on Emily Spurr for more novels.

Two notes:
One, I have seen some criticism / questioning over the feasibility of a 10 year old being able to take care of herself the way that Rae does, but to me it felt realistic. Kids are capable of amazing things - even if they shouldn't have to be.
Two, (the dog lives!!!) but Day 48 was pretty rough, involving a car accident and a close call with Rae's pup, Splinter. If you find it hard to read about animals in pain, maybe skim that chapter.