It took me a long time to read this, not because it was bad, but because of miscellaneous detractors. This was a novel I taught to seventh grade students. I read about three chapters ahead of them, which isn't the best way to teach a novel, but let me keep the material fresh in my head.

The novel starts slow, but once it picks up, it picks up. I didn't want to put it down after that.

It was interesting to learn that Robert Louis Stevenson is responsible for much of the modern-day common perception regarding piracy. He popularized treasure maps with an X-marks-the-spot, tropical islands as places to stash treasure, one-legged seaman with parrots on their shoulders, and invented the black spot.

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Upon a second reading I find that I really enjoy this novel. I already knew what was going to happen, so I could focus more on smaller details. I will definitely read this novel again (even if it is not for a class I am teaching).