My attention was grabbed and my interest caught within the first few chapters of this book. I related to this author's story in so many ways. I did not grow up with a gay father; however, I grew up in a family that was growing up during the late 1940s, 50s, and through the early 80s. My family was typical with stay-at-home mom and executive dad. The relatable part being that much like many families of the generation it was all about appearances. We had a nice home, went to Catholic schools, had dinners together, and had neighborhood parties but it was all for neighborhood approval. Ralph Hall would have been the cool neighbor who had a "flair" to him. My mother, who was quite bohemian, would have loved to get gardening tips and would have loved his flair for fashion. My dad would have sighed but gone along with the friendship. We would not have recognized him as gay. Our parents had a friend married with eight children but we always wondered about him. No worries, though, as he was a good man. Back to Laura Hall and her dad. I loved him when he was happy, and good, and took an interest in his kids. I was disappointed in him when he wasn't happy and showed it in so many selfish ways. I loved her mother who made the best out of a situation. I kept thinking about the story of Laura's mom who wrapped and unwrapped a Christmas present so she could make the happiness last. That's how she dealt with her marriage by remembering the good times, and just going along with the weird and wonderful antics of her husband. I didn't really like Ralph as I found him selfish and self-centered. I did understand his unhappiness, and his sacrifice of self; however, even his sacrifice was more self-serving than giving for the good of others. I would have loved him if he was my dad but would have hoped for a dad who was in love with my mom. Laura is a good story teller with more of story than just that of her dad. I enjoyed every minute of this book. The reason I only gave it four stars is that I had hoped to hear more about her siblings. It was a book about her dad but it would have added one more layer. Saying that, I again relate as my siblings and I were of such an age difference that it is only now that we share stories and memories (comparing notes)!