I'm 3/4 way finished reading and intend to finish it today. He is simply remarkable. His book is akin to a car wreck (to me). You look, but you know you don't want to, but you look anyway. Same with his book...the poverty, the acoholism, etc...you read, but you don't really want to know that people suffered so much. But you read anyway.

And you are changed by it. As someone pointed out, it opens your eyes.

I am very proud that this writer came from my home state. No, it doesn't make ME any smarter or a better writer, but it's still nice to hear of positive things coming from home.

JJ