I just finished this for the second time, the first being way back in 8th grade- when I did a book report on it, like the cool nerdling I was.  I thought it was pretty great back then, but now. . . holy smokes, it's so amazingly good.  Just pretend I'm giving it a few more stars, it's that amazing.  As I'm sure my wife is tired of hearing me say, people who say it's dull and dry and academic, and, above all, BORING are just plain wrong.  

It's wonderful and evocative and thrilling and heartbreaking and tragic and beautiful.  Loved it.  

LOVED IT.