This book sucked me in right away. Maybe it was the coming of age around the same time as myself, with the turn of the century talk and 911, and the writing kept the story moving along and really only gave you what was needed and not a lot of extra fluff. 
When I got to the end of Lily's section, ending on a cliff hanger, I was annoyed that it started over from her son's POV 17 years later, so I knew I wasn't going to find out what happened with her mom. Not long after my frustration I was again sucked into the story. It was predictable enough but at the same time a bit unbelievable with what Nick had and didn't have and what would be hidden from his mom.  Again, with a cliff hanger at the end lead into May's story.
I'm not sure the title or the synopsis I read before starting gave me an idea of what to expect. It did give a lot of real examples of where we are today, how we got here, and what to be cautious of when wanting a future for our country and world. The messaging was subtle which I enjoy. Nothing felt forced, the story kept moving. I would and have been recommending this to anyone who loves to read.