content: I felt a little sorry for one of the main characters in this book. It's a clear reminder that the friendships we choose are the foundation of our progress. It is also an interesting NYC area (Brooklyn) psychological character study. The plot did not really capture me like other books I have read that have won Book Awards. It did make for some good reading and some very well-written & unforgettable lines. A recent college graduate raved about the book which made me curious. His excitement was a bit overdone as far as I was concerned because the story sort of fell flat with me. The book did succeed in keeping me awake (through a plane ride). One line I took away was, "Don't tug my boat!"