"It's compelling like a fatal bike wreck described by a damaged kid..." - New York Press "It's unstinting in its portrayal of screwed-up family dynamics ... and unflinching in its depiction of Larson's experiences." - Las Vegas Life "There is so much pain and horror in the story, but there is also much that is beautiful, inspiring, and heartfelt. Descriptions of the desert are especially poignant and come from an obviously inspired writer." - Creative Loafing "For the reader with sufficient fortitude to stick with this grim story, there are rewards. Larson's style is engaging, with believable dialogue and painterly detail that brings her surroundings to life." - Women's Review of Books "Sincere, but not for the fain-hearted... redemption comes only on the very last page." - The Guardian "Readers who grew up in the 1950s (and Dorothy Allison fans of all ages) will be captivated by this account of a sad and soiled coming-of-age." - Publishers Weekly
