This is one of the books that most people read in High School and yet, I didn't. I've always wanted to read it and just never picked it up, so when I saw it on the list of the Great American Reads, I decided it was about time I did. I checked it out from my local library and I'm not sorry I did. While the story is intense and very sad, it's definitely one that will last. The themes in the book about social differences and the problems that arise from them are lasting themes even in today's world.

I was very impressed to learn that the author was 16 at the time of writing this book. Not every 16 year old would understand the social economics that are portrayed so clearly in this story.

I'm eager and nervous to watch the film adaptation of this book.