This book is a refreshing change to the "trials" of growing up. Instead of the un-realistic "dates are my biggest problem" theme, Charlie (the narrator who writes in the form of letters to an anonymous friend) tackles REAL problems facing the world. Drugs, sex, fear, guilt, parties, death, and friends leaving- even rape and abortion. Emotions and issues are illustrated, not explained.By the time you finish the book, you will be immersed completely in Charlie's world. The book is suddenly over, after Charlie's recovery from severe depression and hospitalization- even though you've known the end was coming. I hope to read someday about the rest of Charlie's life. I began to feel that I was the anonymous friend Charlie was writing to.