This book is extremely successful in merging comedy, cynicism, illness, family love and the struggle for meaning in life. The characters are full of flaws and struggles, just like we all are. That is why everyone is so likeable. It is very rare to find women characters in modern ficition that are strong without being obnoxious or unlikeable. The description of Maddie's illness and treatment is so palpable and realistic it is hard not to think about it constantly. Few books can merge so much successfully. However, I feel the book was just cut short at the end and finished too abruptly. I am not sure what I was expecting but I was hoping for a more conclusive ending given the tone and pace set early in the book.