This book was OK. I really didn't love it. It seemed sort of promising-a story about 2 orphaned children trying to make their way in the world. It was, of course, sort of bleak and dismal. But the ending seemed sort of contrived. I mean-a circus? Give me a break! ( )

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a light, fast read filled with many emotions and hard aches. ( )

The book was pretty good. I liked Shoot the Moon better but it does keep you engrossed and I finished it in about a day and a half.

Here's the plot:

Fifteen year-old Luttie and her brother eleven year-old brother Fate have a problem. Their mother died years ago. Their dad went to Vegas a year ago and left them with his ex-girlfriend, Floy, and they haven't heard from him since. Floy just keeled over from a heart attack at Walmart and child services just doesn't seem appealing.

What are two kids to do? Logical answer is to steal/borrow Floy's car, dig up as much cash as they can, and head to Vegas to find their father.

Uh oh.

Here's the thing. Luttie is not a very likeable character. From the very beginning she's a compulsive stealer. And she's bitter, rude, and selfish. Even to her little brother. But oh Fate is so adorable. He's one of those brilliant sweet kids who spout random facts and has no friends. Now these type of kids can either be annoying or cute...and he's the second type. So I kept rooting that they'd be ok.

But Vegas has a dark side. I know that because I lived there and saw it. And those parts of the book are just heart-wrenching. Be warned...violence, child pornography, and all those Vegas underbelly stuff. At one point I was almost angry at Billie Letts for not saving them sooner...like "just don't write it and they'll be ok" or "where's their saving angel already!?!".

And then it gets better. And there's fireflies.

My only beef is that it sort of wraps up a little to quickly and nicely at the end...especially Luttie's story.

But it's still a pretty good story...especially since the book had me yelling at the author here and there! ( )

I wasnt very happy with this book. I have always like her books, but not this one. ( )

This story was full of adventure, almost like every chapter was a new escaped building up to the final tumult. Lettes truly makes Lutie and Fate come alive, you quickly care about what happens to them and hope for the best. It is a very heart-warming story of family, choices and how sometimes you can find security in the most surprising of places. ( )