This novel is rich with interesting characters and situations. The real-life cultural and geographical references add to this books charm. The Challenges of family life and personal challenges, even death threats, are met and discoveries are made. Gradually Rick begins to understand more about who his father really is. The feeling that both Rick and his father share is loneliness. Despite being surrounded by people who love them both, they are both somehow united because of a sense or feeling of loneliness. It becomes more of a bond between them instead of a barrier. This book takes off where The Day the Dream Changed ended, and Ricks mysterious father takes on the role of protector of Ricks family. The mystery of just who Ricks father really is takes on new and serious importance as the past begins to catch up with both Rick and his father, Fred Leshea. Ricks father trains the family to be observant and they refuse to be victims of someone who is trying scare them and even worse, kill them. In the middle of all that, Aunty Angela finds true love. Life is truly what happens while they are all making plans.