I like how the book is written in the first person perspective of Irene, because it makes the story seem more personal by having her whole thought process on menial or really important things, and it makes it more realistic. And I like how she has trouble identifying or finding her identity as an individual and how she fits into her role in her home and in her race. And she seems to have this loyalty and duty to her race. That she cannot betray Clare because of the ties of race. 

       I didn't really like the depressing feel of the book. With her marital issues of keeping Brian at home and the whole affair thing, and the insecurities of her  protecting her kids from things like sex and the n word, and keeping Clare away, and keeping Clare safe from john knowing, and just life dramas. I prefer Stresses that are more epic and entertaining and adventurous because the ones from "passing" seemed more realistic and closer to what most people have to deal with in their own lives rather than fighting dragons and saving the world. And it didn't have a happy ending it was just her finally taking her repressed anger and fear out on presumably killing Clare. 

       The whole book just kind of went on in apprehension and fear. I was just waiting for the inevitability of John finding out, or a confrontation of the affair, or some other climatic event. And then when it came the book was over. But I think the book did a good job of showing the racial stigmas and identities, the marriage tensions, and the unhealthy friendships.