I'd heard Wil read one story from this book at a convention. That one story was so full of joy and reminded me so much of what it was like to be a kid that I had to pick up his book. Everything he writes is so full of life and energy and happiness, even in the sad parts. REAL life. It's an absolute joy to read. I had to read everything else of his, too. I rarely read anything more than once, but I keep coming back to it. If you can get your hands on a copy, DO IT! I know it's hard, but if there aren't any in your price range, try asking your library to have a copy shipped. It's worth it.