Although a challenging read, most members thought it was an excellent book and empathised with the main characters, who were likeable and relatable. Themes covered almost all of the issues arising today in contemporary western society: death and bereavement, mental health, urban poverty, unemployment, racism, adolescence, bullying, loneliness, ageism, homelessness, social isolation, drugs and addiction, plus the horrors experienced when dealing with the rigidity of authority within inflexible bureaucratic systems. The story was original and the narration switching from Benny to Book and back was seamless.