The book got better and I found myself unable to put it down because I needed to know what happened next, or rather what happened before. Though confusing at first, jumping back and forth from the past and present, I do enjoy books that are written with two time periods. Having said that though, I've complained a lot to anyone who asked, that I hated the book. All the characters, with the exception of Chick, made me angry! I can't even fully explain all the reasons for my dislikes for the characters, but I was surprised with myself that I developed an aversion to begin with.
I had an extremely difficult time understanding how at such a young age, Arty was able to command control over everyone. He was so mean to his siblings and thought very little of the "norms" even though he had limited contact with them earlier on. His crazy jealousy and the need to always be in the spotlight irked me because it made him selfish. It bothered me that he was able to love his siblings the way that they loved him.
Then it occurred to me that maybe I didn't hate the book, but actually loved it. I loved it because this book is really about love and anyone who knows me, knows that I love love. Albeit, it shows love in an unconventional way, but it's about love nonetheless. I think every character wants love and Dunn's done an exceptional job and presented it from every different angle.
