First of all, this book is just such a classic, and if you have never read it, please treat yourself and do- and then watch the movie (My Name Is Charlie). They are both tear jerkers.

Second of all, when you read the book, please remember that the book IS a classic & was written in 1958. The book uses outdated terminology (some offensive), so if that will bother you, perhaps skip the book. I just mentally re-worded things as I went along, and the story is so amazing to me, it's worth it. It's no different then reading any other classic. Times have changed, luckily.

Other than that, the book unbelievably is not very dated.

The truly amazing thing about this story is Charlie himself, his journey. In the beginning you love him and cry for him, in the end you love him and cry for him, and the middle... well, I don't particularly care for him, but you can't help but love him all the same.