I loved the writing but didn't give this 5 stars because I didn't love the story. Ms. O'Neill writes about people who live very difficult lives and struggle with homelessness, addiction, violence, mental illness, etc. I understand this was her own experience, and I know many people who have had this experience. They are important subjects to write about. However, the main character in this novel and her brother and husband were so off the wall, I found it hard to relate at times or understand their actions, even though I work with people in similar circumstances. Still, this book is definitely worth a read, and if I could have, I probably would have given it 4 1/2 stars instead of 4.