In Search of the Perfect Singing Flamingo

by Claire Tacon

When Henry Robinson's first daughter, Starr, is born with Williams Syndrome, he swears to devote his life to making her happy. More than twenty years later, we find Henry working at Frankie's Funhouse, where he repairs the animatronic band that Starr loves, wrestling with her attempts at living outside the family home. His wife, Kathy, wishes he would allow Starr more independence, hoping that Henry will turn his attention a little more to their own relationship and to their other daughter, who is pregnant. As tensions mount Henry's young co-worker, Darren, reveals he needs to get to Chicago Comic Con to win back his ex-girlfriend, so Henry packs Starr (and her pet turtles) and Darren (still dressed as Frankie the mascot) into the van for a road trip no one was prepared for. Told in multiple points of view, we hear from Henry, Darren and Starr as they all try to find their place in the world. In Search of the Perfect Singing Flamingo is a charming, tender and often funny story of a father struggling to let his daughters grow up and of a family struggling against hard odds, taking care of each other when the world lets them down.

Genres: Fiction, Book Club, Contemporary, Canada, Adult

272 pages, Paperback

Published May 15, 2018

Reviews

[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

I see the ad early in the day, when I'm taking a coffee break between the Skee-Ball lanes. A Frankie's Funhouse eighty kilometres out of Chicago is converting a Nifty Trio Set to Digital One. They've got an old Franny Feathers, my daughter Starr's favourite character, in Urban Cowgirl costume, as is. Hasn't worked right since the Spooky Good Time show was loaded in last Halloween.

This ad sparks the titular quest: in which Henry, an arcade games repairman at a Chuck E. Cheese-like franchise, sets off In Search of the Perfect Singing Flamingo to complete his basement recreation of his developmentally delayed adult daughter's favourite pastime; singing karaoke with an animatronic band of furred and feathered creatures straight out of the kiddy restaurant. Starr has Williams syndrome – a condition I wasn't familiar with and was interested to learn about – and this book is really about how her family's time and concern mainly revolves around her special needs. I found this concept to be both intriguing and valuable, but ultimately, I don't know if author Claire Tacon really pulled off the concept: what I initially found charming just sort of fizzled out into meh.

It always comes back to the same complaint, our fights. That I'm too indulgent with one, not tender enough with the other. As if Kath's manner is the yardstick of parental involvement.

As the book begins, Henry – in his fifties, saddled with debt and with no hope for retirement – commits to paying $1900 for the perfect singing flamingo for the basement setup; without letting his wife know about the purchase or the true nature of his plans to take Starr on a roadtrip down to Chicago for ComicCon. As for the wife, Kath – back in the workforce and proving her competence, if not raking in the big bucks – she sets up a dinner with their younger daughter, Melanie, and their son-in-law in order to spring a surprise of her own on Henry: after having miscarried their first pregnancy, the young couple wants to try IVF and need ten grand to pay for it. Henry and Kath had just remortgaged their home to set Starr up in a condo to foster independent living, and Henry can't see why his “typical” daughter would be reaching out for help: after all, they were still paying off Melanie and Chester's wedding, they had helped to put her through university, and the young couple both have good paying jobs; couldn't they see that even with the condo purchase what is “fair” is not necessarily splitting their limited funds 50/50 between the two? As the story progresses, it's obvious that Melanie loves and has always looked out for Starr – is 100% prepared to take on her guardianship when their parents no longer can – and if she's in a hurry to have babies, it's only in the hope that she can raise them to independence before she's the caregiver for her sister and their parents. As the narrative unspools, it's not really about money; this is just one of the pressures of many that this family endures (but these opening scenes do make it seem like Henry is inexcusably irresponsible in his secret $1900 purchase).

That's how Kath always sees our role as parents – to inoculate Starr against the difficulties of living. Prepare her for when we are no longer around. But while I'm still here, I don't want to limit her special treatment. I want Starr to have the best version of life she can imagine. Our daughter struggles enough.

The quest to Chicago and back doesn't exactly go as planned and the whole fiasco illuminates another facet of the family dynamics: Henry wants everything to go smoothly at every moment for Starr – advocating for her, apologising for her, physically shielding her from harm – but when his well-intentioned plans backfire, it's Kath – who had been misled about the whole adventure – who needs to step in and smooth everything over (not to mention Melanie needing to leave her job for backup support). Kath wants for Starr to experience challenges, to know that she is capable of making good decisions, but Henry just can't step back. As Kath points out, it's uncertain whether Starr really is a big fan of Frankie's Funhouse, or if the Williams makes her incapable of saying no to whatever her father offers to her. Truly, everything about the syndrome and how it affects a family was really well-represented.

On the other hand, the plot kind of goes nowhere; many ideas introduced early are never brought up again. The point-of-view rotates between four characters: Henry, Melanie, Starr, and...Darren. I haven't mentioned Darren above because he's a slight acquaintance of Henry's, and although he does tag along on the road trip to Chicago and we learn everything about his life, his storyline is totally peripheral and unnecessary to the main action. I don't understand why Kath – one of only five main characters, and certainly more important than Darren – doesn't get sections from her POV, but in the end, it doesn't matter that much because the voice in each section is the exact same; when a character with a developmental syndrome sounds the same as a Chinese-Canadian teenager, who sounds the same as a middle-aged man, something doesn't ring true. In a blurb, author Michael Christie calls this book “hilarious and humane” – and while I would agree with the “humane” part, the humour was along the lines of, “First love, like acute gastroenteritis, has to pass on its own”, or:

Melly asks me not to call her that anymore. She's Melanie now, Lainey to her husband and co-workers. Says it with such emphasis that I feel accused, as if I'd coached the other kids to call her Smelly Melly Ding-Dong.

I do love a book by a Canadian author who doesn't feel the need to explain local references – I totally identify with driving down the 401 to Milton, cheering on highschoolers competing at OFSAA, Henry contemplating spending the afternoon at Tim's where he could “sit like the other old-timers, flicking through a paper, letting sugar flakes collect on my lap” – but I didn't buy an American bespoke lingerie-maker in Chicago blaming her calloused fingers on stitching “metres” of lace to underpants; most Canadians would probably speak of “yards” in this context.

I respect the intent behind this book – Starr is a dignified and believable character, confronting challenges to the best of her ability; what I learned of Williams was interesting and valuable – but it wasn't a totally successful novel. Still, I'm not unhappy to have picked this up.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank Goodness Tacon doesn't pull off the concept ,as the previous reviewer states, of how Starr's family's time and concern mainly revolve around her special needs! This is NOT what I think this novel was about nor do I think that was the author's intention. I don't consider Starr the main character either, so the presence of Darren as a point of view character made sense (and indeed added the bonus nuance of observing a 'typical' family in comparison- no developmentally delayed adult in that household, but plenty of issues nonetheless. It reminded me (as a parent with an adult daughter with Williams Syndrome ) that all families have their difficulties, and yes, that may sound trite, but sometimes when I get overwhelmed, I tend to think I'm the only one with problems.I don't have statistical evidence (although I'm sure it exists) but chances are that any family that has a member with a developmental delay or physical challenge(or drug addiction or violent nature or...you get my point.) will probably give more time, out of necessity, to that individual. What I liked about the novel was that each member of the family was trying to live a full and rich life outside the concerns of "disability" but even through their disagreements, bonded together in times of crisis (for Starr). How beautiful. And hopeful.

IMO Henry was a believable and dignified character as well, shown more so by the addition of Darren. He wasn't just trying to make the world 'fairer' for Starr. He is looking for the perfect singing flamingo, which of course doesn't exist (I love the descriptions of Franny and all the 'fixes' she needs), but it doesn't stop him from vocalizing what he feels is unjust. He sacrifices big for Darren. The novel has a lot of action. Many, including myself have described it as an adventure story. It has a road trip! But essentially, it's about Henry and the internal and external changes he goes through as a result of his relationships (not just with his daughters but with Darren too). And of course Darren is also on a journey (physically and psychologically) and his is about' letting go' too. His conversations on the road trip with Starr are also significant because they help readers better understand both Henry and Starr.

Yes, Henry wants to make Starr's life easier. Kath wants her to have as much experience addressing challenges as possible. In essence, Kath (who we are told has been part of Williams Syndrome support groups) is better equipped than Henry to discern when it's probably better to make something easier for Starr and when to 'let go'. I hate to use the word, but Kath is more 'evolved'. Henry needs to search for it within.(Road trip time!) And his journey is difficult, funny and tear-jerking at times.

The humour is not so much in what is 'said' but in watching characters(especially Henry!) struggle through what we as readers can see is likely a bad idea. And that's okay because we are rooting for them. Kind of like laughing when a good friend trips. Actually it's kind of neat how sometimes we can predict what's coming next in the novel but somehow are surprised when it does!

The main characters have essential values in common. They are all striving to be independent and dependent members within a family. Tacon successfully portrays this with each character and I would hazard to say that she does this SO successfully that it is precisely this SAME struggle that readers can hear in their points of view sections.

Henry is like the athletic dad who bonds more with the athletic daughter, whose hockey team he coaches and with whom he watches NHL games. Henry just happens to have a tech job that involves robots that sing and one of his daughters loves singing so they bond over that. But one day, the hockey daughter gets too busy with an ever expanding life and new opportunities and drops the hockey and watching the occasional hockey game on tv is all she makes time for. And the daughter that loves hanging out with her dad and singing karaoke finds that the responsibilities of working and living independently leave her with less energy for the fun stuff. But what is left is so much more: a strong bond of love and knowing that both father and daughter have each other's back.


I'm not sure everything about the syndrome and how it affects a family was well represented. I don't think that's possible. All female young adults with Williams Syndrome are not like Starr. Indeed Tacon didn't insinuate that. Kath's question 'if Starr's interest in the Funhouse is real' is a great one for discussion. (I think it absolutely is. It's just waning as she grows older, which is understandable).This novel is not about Williams Syndrome. It has a character with Williams Syndrome in it. She plays an important part but essentially this is her father's story.

[Kat Drennan-Scace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good look at one families struggles, with themes around developmental disabilities and fertility issues. I found the characters relatable, and their mistakes easy to understand. I also liked the differing points of view and how each character had a unique voice. Overall, a good read!

[Lenore · Rating 4 out of 5]

The novel was the 2019 Hamilton Reads chosen book and one that was a great selection. I enjoyed this book thoroughly and connected to the characters right away. Another terrific example of Canadian literary fiction.

[Naomi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Not Sarah Connor Writes · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I see the ad early in the day, when I'm taking a coffee break between servicing the Skee-Ball lanes. A Frankie's Funhouse eighty kilometres out of Chicago is converting a Nifty Trio Set to Digital One. They've got an old Franny Feathers, my daughter Starr's favourite character, in Urban Cowgirl costume, as is...I email them right away, asking price," (Tacon 7).

First things first, the summary for this book isn't really right. It reads more like what Tacon planned for the novel to be, like a first draft where the actual novel shifts in some of the details. For one thing Henry's wife is called Kath throughout the novel, not Kathy and she is one of the few character's who doesn't narrate a portion of the novel while the summary implies she has a bigger role. Also Henry and Kath's second daughter Melanie is not pregnant like the summary says but is researching fertility treatment It's like the summary was written and exaggerated on to make the book sound more quirky and exciting than it actually is because really, not much happens in In Search of the Perfect Singing Flamingo. But it's still an engaging story.

Here's a more accurate summary: Henry Robinson will do anything for his daughter Starr who was born with Williams Syndrome, even if that means working at Frankie's Funhouse and buying, fixing, and stuffing his basement full of the animatronic character band she loves. Of course this comes to the annoyance of his wife Kath who wishes he'd give their elder daughter some independence and his younger daughter Melanie who is looking into fertility treatments for a baby of her own. Meanwhile, Henry's teenage co-worker Darren who wear the Frankie costume at the Funhouse wants to go to Chicago Comic-Con to win back his ex-girlfriend and Henry's found an old Franny Feathers, a singing flamingo from the animatronic band, to add to his basement collection so he takes Starr and Darren and a couple of pet turtles with him across the border, without his wife and other daughter knowing of course.

In Search of the Perfect Singing Flamingo is an interesting story because nothing really happens. The road trip and comic-con part of the story is surprisingly short and the novel is largely about our narrators Henry, Starr, and Melanie talking about what living with a family member (or in Starr's case her perspective) with a disability and how it changes and affects a family dynamic. Darren's perspective is the only one that doesn't involve this plotline.

The novel shifts in perspectives between Henry and Darren for the most start with Starr having the next amount of chapters and Melanie only having a voice a for a couple of chapters. While the premise promises some sort of road trip adventure, the story is really about the family and what family will do for each other, sometimes to a fault. Henry will do anything to bring Starr joy, to keep her happy and protected even though Starr is striving for independence. Her perspectives talk about her joy of cooking and working with children, how she likes living with her friend Della, and while their are annoyances on the way Starr for the most part has a way with coping with them. I loved Melanie's perspective because it showed a different kind of love and heartache because Melanie loves her sister but feels guilty for all the times she couldn't protect her, and this reflects in her worries of motherhood. I also loved seeing how Melanie didn't resent Starr for the attention she got from her father, she just wished Henry could give her the same kind of love. I wish we could have heard more from Melanie.

Darren's perspective was definitely the odd one out, being the only minority voice and one of the only characters that wasn't directly involved with Starr. Darren's perspective wasn't bad, but it really wasn't necessary to the plot. If anything Tacon could have used Darren's perspective for a separate novel, it's clear that the author really only needed Darren's perspective so that Starr and Henry had a reason to go to Chicago. Removing Darren from the story really wouldn't have changed anything. I would have preferred Kath having a perspective and her lack of voice was very odd to the novel as a whole.

The word quest has been thrown around a lot with this book and that's also not an accurate way to describe this story because it doesn't follow a quest narrative in any way. Aside from a few quirks and cringes, In Search of the Perfect Singing Flamingo is about family, love, and learning to let go. It's a sweet and memorable novel and I can't really place what I like about it, only that Starr and her family felt real. Starr was more than her Williams Syndrome and her family was more than just her caregivers, and I'd love to read more books that look at illness and disability from this perspective.

[Joyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 2019 Hamilton Reads title. Insightful novel of family dynamics and interactions. Funny, sad and heartwarming.

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet little story. I felt like there were some weird holes.

The whole Darren addition and story was unnecessary. I think it would have been a stronger story if we just focused on the family. I actually liked Darren's story. It just felt like a different book.

I think if there was less side story, we could have gotten more of the family. I wanted more between Melanie and Henry. And Starr and Melanie. Their relationships were great and felt real.

[S. Milne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a Christmas gift. I believe the giver, my mother-in-law, bought this because someone at the actual brick and mortar store she visited, recommended it.

Good call nameless bookstore employee. I enjoyed Perfect Singing Flamingo immensely.

It’s a quirky book that follows a small cast of characters (mostly members of the same family except for Darren—a young co-worker of Henry) through a number of miss-adventures, which eventually ends in closer family ties, and a better understanding of one’s self.

Henry, whom I would consider the main character, reminded me heavily of Dave, the main character of Stuart McLean’s Vinyl Café stories. He’s a man in his fifties who dearly loves his family, but often doesn’t manage to do quite the right thing, despite his best intentions. In this case, he wants to protect and keep happy his eldest daughter Starr, who has Williams Syndrome (something I’d never heard of until reading this book). He also wants to support his younger daughter Melanie, but doesn’t quite understand her, and her way of life.

One of the aspects I enjoyed about this book is that it’s Canadian, and set in present-day Canada, partially in the Toronto-area. I liked the references to places I was familiar with, or could imagine exactly what they were like. Even though some of the elements were not real, they were relatable. The reality house renovation show that Melanie works for reminded me of the types of shows that used to be on TLC that I would watch with my roommates when I was in Nursing at Ryerson.

As I approached the end of the book, I worried things would end badly for some of the characters, particularly Darren. He certainly had to face adversities, but I think he actually came out better for it in the end.

If you enjoy ‘slice of life’-type stories, I would definitely recommend this book. If you’re more of a fantasy/dystopian reader (like the books of the first series I discussed) this might appeal less to you—but if you’re looking to read something different, it’s worth giving In Search of the Perfect Singing Flamingo a try!

[Kim(berly) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is a series of perspectives on the life of a family and people adjacent to Henry, the family’s father and key character. Henry is husband to Kath and father to Starr and Kathleen. He is an electrician and robot enthusiast who repairs the animatronic machines at a funhouse. The story tells of the relationships among the family members and Henry’s colleagues at the funhouse, and centres around what happens during an impromptu road trip to Chicago. It’s about love and siblings and parental expectations. One of the characters has special needs, but the story doesn’t centre on that; it’s merely one of many conditions among a set of characters who are doing their best to work with what life throws at them. A refreshing read that acknowledges special needs kids without getting preachy. Recommended.

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story told in 4 voices featuring a character with William syndrome. I love how the relationships in the story were handled and how the characters' disability was handled and affected the other family members. The father, Henry, works in an animatronics fun house. Other characters include his daughter, Starr, who has Williams syndrome, and Melanie, his other daughter who works on a tv show is struggling to conceive. Another voice is Darren, an employee at the animatronics fun house. I thought this was a heartfelt novel with a good story.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book to be a little underwhelming. It was an easy read; the writing was fine. It just seemed to be a story of one or two (mostly the one) families living their lives and struggling with family issues. I did learn about Williams Syndrome - which I had never heard of before, but I don't think the book was written to put a spotlight on that. It did, however, keep my interest to the end; just one of those books that didn't resonate with me.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am biased because I love Claire and her writing extremely very much. And I LOVED In the Field, her first novel, and plan to return to it this summer. But this book was so great, I devoured it in two sittings. Which is not so usual now that I have a kid.

It’s tender and interesting (I truly learned a lot) and funny and sweet. It feels true.

[Taryn Hubbard · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was lots to like about this novel--the characters for one. However, about half way through the book I felt the story lost its initial momentum. Tacon's skillful and observant writing kept me reading.

[Erin Nieweglowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this novel wholesome and sweet. It was a coming of age story about letting go, growing up and what it means to be a family caring for a child with a disability.

Henry would do anything for his daughter Starr. Since the moment he laid eyes on her, he knew that he would do anything to make her life easier, especially since she is living with Williams Syndrome. He knows that Starr’s life is going to be filled with challenges, and he just wants her to be able to have fun. His wife Kath, however, feels like Henry is preventing Starr from gaining her independence and being a “normal kid”. As Starr becomes an adult, Henry feels like she is the only person in his family he truly understands and knows how to please. His other daughter Melanie is getting married, having plans to have a baby and turning into this adult he doesn’t know how to bond with.

When Starr loses her job and starts to spiral, Henry takes her on a spontaneous road trip to Chicago with his coworker, Darren, to try to boost her spirits. Heartwarming and quirky, this novel shows the devotion that families have trying to make their children fit in to society, and the complex relationships and dynamics that these families deal with every day.

I thought it was a bit odd that the author chose to voice Henry, Starr, Melanie and Darren, but omitted Kath’s voice. Darren didn’t feel like he added much to the overall story, and I felt like his plot line was a bit moot.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of course I was really drawn in by the awesome cover!

It was interesting for me to learn about Williams Syndrome and the challenges that the family faces in adulthood. The point of view changes over the course of the book from Henry (father) to Starr (with Williams Syndrome) to the "other daughter" Melanie to a Henry's young coworker Darrin.

I'm surprised that this book isn't rated a bit higher. I was really drawn into this book. The family kept trying to coach Starr and when she comes in contact with people, any prior coaching just goes out the window.

Multiple narrators did a great job with this audiobook.

Thank you NetGalley and the author/Claire Tacon for an advance read copy of the audiobook. At one point I was wondering why this wasn't a memoir and checked to see if the book had been written by a man (I was expecting Henry) and found that this is a well researched novel written by Claire Tacon, a female author. So ... Claire ... please take that as a compliment.

[Stephanie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henry’s daughter Starr is one of the most important parts of his life and his world revolves around her. However, sometimes Henry’s love of Starr is more of a hindrance than a help as she tries to navigate living on her own, working, and finding her place in a world she doesn’t always understand. When Henry decides to take Starr to the States to get an animatronic flamingo, all of Henry's problems seem to combust at once.

This was a good story about family and learning boundaries. I liked the characters and I appreciated reading about a character with Williams Syndrome, which doesn’t come up all that often. I thought Starr was a fantastic character and rooted for her from the beginning.

Henry didn’t have a lot of redeeming qualities and I’m not really sure what the point of Darren’s story even was, but I still enjoyed it even if it didn’t necessarily mix well with the main thread of the book.

[Lisa H · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was nothing at all what I expected, and not in a good way. I was expecting a mostly lighthearted road trip novel. That is not what this book is. It is heavy. Unfortunately I started this book at 9pm and read until I came to the sexual assault scene. I can almost understand why this scene is there, but I was absolutely not expecting it (not to mention that it probably could have been written in a more compassionate way). There is also the nagging question of representation and is it really okay for this author to take on the voice of someone with Williams Syndrome? Does she do a good job? Would folks with Williams be able to say if it's not? There are just a lot of questions that are complex and I don't know the answers.

[Celeste · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this audio book for two reason - to learn about Willams Syndrome and it's set in Canada. The person who read the parts with Starr did a wonderful job. I however felt the rest of the story was a little all over the place. Too many working parts to continue spinning to really enjoy this book. The blurb made this feel more road trip comedy, but in reality it lacked the comedy. It was a more serious feeling book with flashbacks, current struggles, disjointed points of view that truly distracted me from connecting with the characters. There were parts that resonated with me like crossing the border which is an experience every time, but then there were parts that just felt like filler. Had the book been tightened up and focused the story would have been more powerful for me.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio format 🎧. Confession...I picked this book strictly on the cover and the title from the audio section of the library and I’m glad I did! This was a fun book to listen to. The characters were Quirky and the various subplots kept me interested until the end. I especially enjoyed the characters of Star (a handicapped woman) and her dad Henry. The other great thing about this book in audio is that they used several different narrators (different one for each character) which you don’t see very often. Added bonus is that the book is Canadian and many of the places in the book are local to me. 4.5/5

[Jane Mulkewich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2019 Hamilton Reads selection, and I am glad I read it! A story told from different perspectives, revolving mostly around a family with one daughter with special needs, and another daughter who feels ignored by her father, and the father who works in the field of animatronics and amusing children... and about one weekend in which a series of bad decisions are made, involving also a teenager from another family, with his own troubles. And through all the hardships and hard feelings, it is clear that the love in each of these families stays strong.

[Kali Cannizzaro · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title and cover of this book are unique enough to draw the eye of anyone browsing the stacks. This work of fiction is one of neurodiverse families, inclusion, and relationships.

Full cast audiobooks are always fun, and this book was no exception. The author struck a good balance with interesting characters, silly escapades, and plot. It has the feel of light YA fiction, which is not a bad thing.

Thank you NetGalley, author, publisher, and narrators for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook. The opinions in my review are completely my own.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as part of my library’s summer reading club, but because I don’t like being told what to read, was initially unsure how I would feel about it. I was pleasantly surprised at the story’s joy and beauty. To hear some of the story from Starr’s perspective was a gift, as well as understanding the perspective of her father and sister. A quietly triumphant Canadian story of family, love, and loss.

[Jaime Drayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an easy feel good read about family struggles. I absolutely love that the author had chapters in Starr’s perspective. Starr has learning disability called Williams syndrome. It was very interesting to learn about this condition and read from Starr’s point of view. Such a beautiful and touching novel. I’m so glad my local library here in Hamilton, Ontario 🇨🇦 added it to their summer reading challenge! I have to admit the synopsis didn’t really sell me but the book is incredible!

[Joanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book was pretty good. Initially I had a hard time connecting and not realizing the connections between the different characters. I appreciate the knowledge of Williams. I have never heard of this and it was interesting hearing about it from the parents' point of view as well as hers.

[Maggie · Rating 1 out of 5]

A depressing read. Among other themes, assault and molestation included in the storyline. The reviews on the back indicate humor, which I found misleading. A hint that the father is grateful and happy for his life and family, heavily outweighed by 'the world letting them down'.

[e-Lizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book, the perfect story of a couple of perfectly imperfect families. Funny and tragic, and everything else that life tends to be at any given moment.

[Brenda Hoskin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learned a lot about Williams Syndrome. A lovely story of a family doing their best.

[Janice · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting story but somewhat blah. I think this is the first book by the author and it shows.

[Ashley]

I tried to read this for Hamilton Reads, but I am just not feeling it. Too much going on in the book, and not enough interest to try and make sense of it.