Yes, this was a tearjerker! 
 I was intrigued by the author's choice to write the parents as good roll models who happen to curse. I was also happy to read about a high school relationship that seemed to have grown-up issues instead of teen drama issues. Overall, a somewhat unusual, yet extremely believable portrayal of the character's life. 
 That said, there were definitely some corny moments, such as "I realize now that dying is easy. Living is hard." 
 Favorite Quote: 
 I'd wandered over to the cello in music class - it looked almost human to me. It looked like if you played it, it would tell you secrets, so I started playing.