Pretty quick read for me because I was anxious to read the second book. First I would like to point out that I KNEW there was something off about Smokes, but anyway. I loved the transition and character change of Parade. She went -literally- from being black and ugly as ever, to something beautiful, however, her attitude reminded me (and Miss Daffany and Miss Wayne) of Sky's rude a*s. But it was the irony of her character being so similar to Sky, someone who treated her the worst and made her believe she was just black and ugly, that made it more interesting to read. I fell in love with Jay in this book, I wasn't much of a fan of his from the first book. I hope there is a third book or something, because this series is too good to end now.