** spoiler alert ** 
 3.5 stars 
 This was a good book that I enjoyed but the ending took me a bit by surprise. I had a feeling that the author had been through a traumatic experience, but I really didn't realize his aunt had sexually abused him. After I realized this, the book became more powerful for me. As I was reading, I was really wondering why he seemed so childlike and his writing made me think of a 10 year old rather than a 14 or 15 year old. The pieces came together though in the end and overall a very effective piece. Charlie's positive spin at the end was heartwarming. 
 If you're interested in coming of age stories, you'll enjoy this book.