From the first, I was charmed by, engaged with, and rooting for Danny, -- Chinese American, high school senior, and artist, -- and his thinking as he analyzes his past relationship with Sandra who committed suicide, wonders about his developing relationship with his best friend, Harry, and works through his long term relationship with Regina to whose sadness and leadership they all connect. Further, Danny feels increasingly driven to understand the mysteries surrounding his parents and the elder sister he never knew. Partly an authentically voiced coming of age story and partly an exploration of different versions of one family's history, Gilbert's novel is simultaneously heart-breaking and hopeful, peopled by complex and appealing characters, lit by their promising futures, but darkened by past events. Well worth the read.