Oh, this book... It's one of the few unreserved 5* reviews I've handed out in awhile. My biggest complaint? I devoured it in less than 24 hours and wanted more!

The juxtaposition between the lives of 91-year-old Vivian - who came to NYC from Ireland, was orphaned at an early age and made her way to the midwest via a train full of orphans - and teenage Molly - a foster girl with a dead father, a mother in jail, and foster parents who are just a bad match - is beautiful. Nothing in common and so much in common.

The book tells their stories today, as Molly ends up at Vivian's door doing a community service project. It tells Vivian's story, going back to Ellis Island, her short time in New York, and her years as orphan slave labor before finally making a life of her own.

Their relationship is authentic and beautiful. This is one of few books recently that I just couldn't put down. I couldn't stop smiling at the last few pages and may have actually teared up a bit.

This was an amazing, perfect read and I enjoyed every bit of it.