The main characters are alternately highlighted in the chapters, helping the story to unfold in an interesting and captivating manner. Simon does a great job of enlightening the reader to the horrible conditions that plagued our institutions in the last century, and at the same time tells a compelling love story that transcends time and labels. We discussed the fact that the ending may have been a little hokey, but the general consensus was that we didn't care. We fell in love with the characters.