I love this book for a lot of reasons. It's beautifully written- the vivid detail really drew me in from the start, but even moreso in "The Forest". The author holds nothing back when it comes to a realistic depiction of what it's like to be a young person struggling with illness in the hospital, isolated and hurting. The emotional impact is really there. But I think what I like the book for the most is the good role model in Bethany. Bethany struggles with severe asthma that is so bad it could potentially kill her- yet she is strong, compassionate, determined and doesn't take crap from anyone. She struggles with her internal emotions - anger, embarrassment, shame, jealousy - in a way that is both realistic and inspires empathy. In this day and age with so many books aimed at girls with passive, obsessive female protagonists, (We Are All) Brightwing is a super fresh breath of air. ( )