Emotional tear jerker.

I first completed this book in 8th grade. Thank goodness I waited that long because I really don't think I could have handled it at a younger age. The emotional level is just so ...complicated and mature, I really don't think this should be considered a children's book, but rather a young adult level novel.

If you have ever felt unloved by anyone at all...if you have ever cried...if you have ever felt lost emotionally...basically, if you have lived any life at all, you will be touched by this book.

Forgive me for the cliched quote, but please remember the famous words: "Do not judge a book by the cover." ...Also, don't judge it by the first couple of chapters, either. I nearly stopped reading completely because it took me so long to get into the storyline, and get involved in the theme. It was frustrating. But then that passes and you are into a very delicious and irresistible book. You won't be able to put it down.

The first time I read this book, I started crying about halfway through and didn't stop til I was finished. I could completely empathize with the main character, which is a girl in her teens who is facing emotional conflicts one after another.

This is BY FAR Katherine Paterson's best book. It will completely strike a chord in some of you. Even now, I read this book as often as possible and it still makes me cry every single time. It is the most worn book I own.