This book is a penetrating look into the world of an intelligent, emotional boy trying to make sense of a world of adult hypocrisy. Although the book is wickedly funny and irreverent in parts, it never strays far from its serious (and very worthwhile) central theme - how to be a decent human being in a false and callous world. As is the case in real life, the young hero finds that there are few, if any, reliable guides to help him in this, and he is forced to find his own way. Although there are some passages that could have been improved by a good editor, the writing style is excellent and the story moves. I recommend this book highly, and watch for more books from this author!