Just finished this book this morning. The story is interesting and the writing pulls you in, but I just feel like the writer withheld the "secret" too long. It wasn't until several chapters into the book that it's revealed what the character is running from, although it was quite obvious to me very early. this book is extremely helpful for anyone who has experience abuse. it does have some hope within it, but it's subtle. even in the end, the hope is subtle. but i guess, that's how hope is sometimes....i wouldn't discourage anyone from reading this book, but i must say that emotionally it can be draining.