As a graduate student at an Ivy League college, most of what I read is pretentious, wordy, and a so-called "masterpiece". So picking up a "paper soap" like this takes a little adjustment. But after accepting such an easy read, you get into the person. I laughed and cried SEVERAL times. I could identify with Delores. It's funny how I identify with her because I'm heavy, yet my friend identified her due to her being sexually assaulted. We both agree that Wally Lamb has sufficiently captured the psychological consequences of these issues.Delores IS a heroine. And she even admits that it takes her quite awhile to "come undone".