I think I first read this book over the summer before 7th grade because it was on the summer reading list, now it is one of my absolute favorite books (accompanied by Harry Potter and The Da Vinci Code--also very good books). The story is so touching and really makes you think about the things you take for granted in life. The whole story makes the reader laugh and cry at the same time. It's an amazing book and everyone should read it. (I thik they should make a movie out of it too!--as long as its a good movie and doesn't ruin the book).