I first purchased and read this book while traveling in Thailand. I remember thinking it was a good read and I could connect with it due to my circumstances at the time. However, upon returning home I put it on the shelves and forgot about it - until the adverts for the movie began appearing on television. Then I thought I had better read it again to refresh my memory. I still liked the book and have recommended it to selected people. However, I believe its appeal will be greatest to those whose own adventures keep them connected to the book's theme. Those who stay home may be happier reading "Little Women." Alex Garland is obviously a young writer and this book is certainly not destined to be a classic. But his characters are interesting, especially the inscrutable Daffy Duck. His story line wavers in places, but I believe he does a credible job of tying it together. This is not a perfect book, but it is a fun one to read, especially while traveling.