note: I am reviewing this as a book, rather than a kids' book, which I am not convinced that it is.

This is not a good book. I struggled to finish, if only to watch the film without a lingering sense of unaccomplishment.

I have heard much about the "genius" of this book. True, it is an interesting conceit, with some compelling angles. However, the language is almost unreadable, with sentences that contradict their own premises with staggering consistency. The plot "twists" are contrived and unsatisfying.

There is one line in this book that was worth the dime store paper that it was printed on. I'll leave that to you, if you dare.