I wasn't so keen on reading this book at first. I bought cause I was told it was about an autistic kid, and at the time, I was in a situation where this called out for me. However, I can tell you, this is not the type of book I'd ever read. Not my genre. 
 I loved it. 
 Christopher is an autistic 14 year old who, when you delve deep into his mind throughout the book, you realize you have more in common with than most "normal people". He's amazingly smart. He has a no-nonsense attitude. He really loves animals. And most of all, he has a way of explaining "weird autistic" behaviors in such a simple and brilliant way that makes you think "... OK. Seriously. How is THAT a problem?" because it's really much better than how most "normal" people behave and think. 
 However, the story is a very sad one. Maybe not the ending. It's positive, if you consider how the plot resolves. But the things that Christopher goes through, how his own mind doesn't aid him sometimes, how you learn to love his character and realize how difficult it is to BE him... that's sad. And that's what I adored about this book. 
 I came out of it with a greater understanding towards Christopher and anyone in his shoes. It's amazing and very special. I've never come across a book like it.