My aunt recommended this book, praising Wally Lamb for being able to write from a woman's point of view. I personally could not relate to Delores or the way she thought of herself or the world around her. Even though she goes through a lot, I did not find myself caring about this character. The romantic relationship she had with Dante was too pat. I couldn't buy his falling for her so soon (or at all.) If Delores had had an ounce of personality and I had words to describe her other than fat, mean, and crude, I could've believed that Dante could fall in love with her. I was disappointed in this book. Looks like Oprah can't always pick them. If you want a good read about someone whose life is pitiful and how they handle it, read "Angela's Ashes" by Frank McCourt (nonfiction.) I picked it out myself, and the only regret I have is that the book ended.