An awkward midwest girl, Ruth, is growing up in the small town of Honey Creek, Illinois.

May is unhappy with and disappointed in Ruth because she is nothing like her shining brother, Matt, who is a mathematical genius with a scholarship to MIT.

Their mother is crushed when Matt moves away to Boston after graduation and is left with Ruth, who takes a job at the local dry cleaner shop.

Seasonally, winter brings on bitter cold, both in the weather and in the emotional standoffs in the Grey-Dahl house.

The book ends with Ruth starting to attend college, no longer considered remedial after getting out from under her mother's oppressive ignorance, and she mourns the loss of her simple life and connection with Ruby while also looking forward to a different future with her son.

[1] Kirkus Reviews provides a similar assessment: "Hamilton's writing is strong and clear, even if her intentions are a trifle obscure... this is an affecting first novel, dark and knowing.