I was not expecting to love this book this much, but this is one of the best books I have ever read. It was so BEAUTIFULLY written, and the emotion was so raw and intense. It’s so heartbreaking and complicated and beautiful and hopeful. It starts off so dark and hopeless, but, by the end, you really see so much beauty in the world.

The writing, itself, is so beautiful too, and I love the relationships between all the characters and all of the descriptions of nature and the paintings. I also love how subtly Jay’s emotions in particular come to the surface, like you’re there with him as he represses them and realize them just as starkly as he does when he watches that video of himself.

This book also has such loving references to both the nature of Minnesota and the Bribri culture that Jay holds especially dear. Also, Max’s connection with art and his paintings is so beautiful as well. This entire book is just so beautifully crafted and wonderful. It’s a STRONG recommend from me.