This novel delivers a truly gripping story, exploring the fundament human psyche, and the feelings of spectacular people, who, seemingly, fit the stereotypical label of “normal”. The characters in this book jump from the pages and attack your mind, as so many of their feelings and thoughts are ostensibly stolen from your mind. Maureen, a middle-aged mother coping with the state of her disabled son, shines with compassion, courage, and overall triumph. She is truly one of my favourite characters so far this year, as it seems her personality is never outwardly revealed, her thoughts never concisely exposed. Furthermore, the characters of this book make it worth reading. Their circumstance, however, is somewhat oppressive, but that state accentuates the true nature of their character even more so. This novel is charming, hilarious, and, quite often, masks true pain with hilarity. Ultimately, this novel teaches you about the glory of life through the possibility of death, and less-than-great circumstance.