A 2003 ALA Notable Book, this novel received great reviews from Publishers Weekly (starred), Kirkus (starred), Library Journal, Booklist, The New York Times Book Review, Washington Post Book World, Utne Reader, The Readerville Journal, Speakeasy, and numerous, smaller newspapers and magazines. The book made many "best of 2002" lists, the author was featured in a Publisher Weekly interview, and the Utne Reader chose it for their April 2003 bookclub.