I've seen this book described in many ways - disturbing, bizarre, grotesque, thought-provoking, even humorous and clever. But after reading this, my primary impression of it is that it's an almost perfect YA novel for sociopaths. Or about sociopaths? Either way. But seriously, it's all there - a young person, confronting his fears, surrounded by people who don't understand him, finding his place in a hostile world, grappling with a remote father figure and what it means to be independent. But in this case, our YA protagonist is a murderer and an abuser of animals. 
 And for the most part, I loved it. I loved getting into the head of such a raw, twisted character, and finding that deep down, many of his motivations are those shared by any person. A desire for happiness, for stability, for understanding an unfathomable world. It's the kind of dark mirror that a reader needs every now and then - the kind that gives us a chance to be brave, take a deep breath, and really look into our own hearts and souls and see just how narrow is the chasm that separates Us from Them. 
 This was a five star read right up until the end, because the final twist ending (no spoilers!) fell really flat for me. It felt almost unnecessary, and ended a brilliant and twisted story on a flat and awkward note. I can see that being the point - so we'll feel as unmoored as Frank - but it negatively affected my reading experience, so four stars from me.