I loved this book...the story was beautiful, heartbreaking yet heartwarming. Wonderful characters that I fell in love with. I can see how the writing style might not be everyone’s cup of tea but after a couple of chapters I felt like it flowed very smoothly. I have quickly become a big fan of Zusak and look forward to reading another one of his books. ( )

It took a long time to begin to enjoy this story. At the start it was hard going - it was only with the introduction of Penelope that I warmed to it.
I did cry my way through the last chapters as I had become attached to each of the characters. ( )

DNF - managed a hard fought slog to 40% but the tortuous prose finally did me in...

Jee-sus Christ Zusak! Why you tryna make me cry? Especially in the break room at work, when you killed off Carey. That wasn’t really fair to Clay! Luckily I held off, didn’t cry til I got home while finishing the book.
It was an odd writing style, that I think took a bit away from the beginning of the book. Until I got used to it and everything started to come together. Man…damn. Freaking emotional, very non-linear story telling, a chapter in the present, a chapter in the past, but the past was all over the place, but damn was it good. Really needed to catch my breath after it was all over. Wow. ( )

I got about 25% through this book and really wasn't digging it, so I came to check reviews to see if it improves. I saw so so many comments on DNF reviews saying "keep going, the ending is worth it," so I did. I kept going so you don't have to. Honestly, if the style of the book isn't resonating with you then I don't think the plot is worth keeping with it. There's nothing (in my opinion) particularly new or revelatory to this novel that you don't find in many, many coming of age stories. And, obviously, the choppy back and forth storytelling didn't resonate with me. ( )