This is one of my all time favorite books. I first read it as a junior in high school after hearing a classmate read aloud from it for a book report. I have since read it about once a year - which means my copy is pretty badly worn. The characters are fabulous, the time period fascinating, and the story intriguing. I will continue to reread this novel, just as I will continue to get really upset near the end when I know that my favorite character is going to die and the book itself is going to end.