I've avoided reading this novel for around 20 years because I know how the book ends. I know for a fact that young me would've been devastated, and so I ran from it. But when I found the 40th anniversary edition for $1.75, I felt compelled to finally read it since it felt like I had a "special" copy.

There's nothing I can say about the sorry that hasn't already been said, so I'll be brief. The writing is both beautiful and moving, the characters feel real and raw, and, despite knowing how it ends, I still teared up. I highly recommend this book.