I think I like this sequel to Courage, Love & The Meaning of Christmas even better than the first one, which was great. This one has even more fun dialog, especially with Ski, who is kind of a jerk and kind of a crack up. I think the character development moves along really well and some really incredible changes come off as highly plausible.

A few plot elements were easy enough to guess, but they were fun to read anyway, and there were plenty of things that I didn’t see coming, even though I made it a game to try to guess.

I had a few favorite parts, where the book really made me feel A. Creeped out! B. Made me laugh a few times. C. Okay, I admit it, I cried once. and D. One part was really sad! I don’t know why that was a favorite. I guess because of it being strong writing and I couldn’t help but get into it.

Read the first book first, though, or you won’t know what’s going on.

This book is SO moving! It’s profoundly optimistic and simultaneously stunningly realistic about how challenging life can be. I’m kind of amazed that a book can pull that off.

I actually wanted to cheer for Ski at one point, and felt so bad for Spencer at another that I had to remind myself that these aren’t real people. Dang awesome book! I wish the next one was already out! Hurry up, Shaun Roundy!