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April is only sixteen, living and surviving all alone in a motor home. Her mother left when she was about ten and now her father has abandoned her for another woman. Not only is April's father with another woman, but he also has another child and entire other life.

When April "borrows" her neighbor's car to play a gig at a local pub, she realizes she can't stick around in her sleepy unforgiving town. She gathers her few possessions, most importantly, her broken guitar, and heads out with a stolen car for somewhere, nowhere.

The People We Keep is a lyrically told story, carefully reflecting the sacrifices we make, the people we meet along the way, and how we learn to survive when all odds are against us. Author Alison Larkin cautiously narrates the story of a broken girl, trying to forget her past to find love and safety, anywhere.

April meets some wonderful and dreadful people along the way. Singing and playing her guitar for small audiences wherever she can get a gig is the only thing that keeps her going. Every time I found myself cheering for April's successes, unforeseen circumstances would find her back on the road. Living in campgrounds, with random strangers, and even squatting, April struggles to stay in one place when truths are revealed.

This was a story of finding your path, but also learning the beauty and complexity of relationships. How willing are we to forgive those we expect to love us forever? Can strangers turn into friends that turn into a family? April teaches us many things, and through her struggles, we learn the finite intricacies of love and life.

I loved this book and give it 4.5/5 stars.