Right from the beginning, I knew this book was going to be special. And it was. It was smart and funny and heart-breaking as hell.

Theodore Finch has spent his entire life being called Freak by his classmates, and no matter how hard he tries to rise above it, it cuts deep. He can't help his eccentric personality, that changes with his mood; and he's always been fascinated with discovering and researching ways to kill himself. But every time he thinks about actually following through, something always stops him.

Violet Markey is still reeling from the death of her sister, and can't wait for graduation so she can escape the history of her small Indiana town. When Finch and Violet meet on the bell tower at school, they talk each other down and save each other. And it's there on that ledge that a friendship blooms that neither of them expected, a friendship that could change their lives. But all too soon, the darkness in Finch starts to take over again, and this time, he's not sure he can stop it.

This book ruined my emotions. I was a wreck by the end of it, sobbing into my pillow at two in the morning. But it was so good. Written beautifully and artfully and effortlessly. The novel had incredible flow; each sentence with purpose, not a single paragraph out of place.

I loved Finch. Sure, Violet was a great character too, but she was nothing like Finch. He was funny and goofy and unique and incredibly himself. Watching him bounce from the highs to the lows and interact with his absent family--it was amazing. So ingenious.

Everyone should read this book. It was so real and poignant and unforgettable. 2015 is starting out pretty damn well.