Had to write a paper on this book when I was 12 or 13. It is the worst book I have ever read; IT IS SOOOOO BORING! (My brother had to read it later as well, and was of the same opinion.) I ended up reading about half the book and skimming the last chapter or two. It didn't matter, I still got an A on that paper. Even from an early age, I just didn't mess around with bad books.