Another in my tour of banned books. This novel brilliantly captures the essence of high school friendships: the people you don't want to be without, but who also can drive you crazy. Also explores how we deal with heartbreaking events that leave us with no easy answers. Yes, there is smoking and drinking and a fumbling sex act in the book, but all of it is honestly done. These are clearly kids finding their way, which Green treats with sympathy and respect.