I think I would have appreciated this more had I already known more about Dahmer's crimes. I mean, I grew up hearing Jay Leno make jokes about him, but only vaguely equated his name with cannibalism. My Friend Dahmer collects author Deff Backderf's memories of knowing Dahnmer in high school. The stories are creepy in their entirety if only for the supreme rudeness that permeates the humor of high schools males' interactions. Dahmer's viewed behavior definitely should have raised some concerns, but many disturbing activities took place away from view. The book reminded me of the difficulty of navigating high school social circles and, frankly, why I prefer teaching younger kids. I did end up reading much more about Dahmer online after followed by the guys I knew from high school who ended up committing heinous crimes. Overall, it all sent me to dark places and left me wanting to feel warmer and cleaner.