i was definitely not crazy about the first third of the book, and i didn't like how he either beat you over the head with his message, or let it drop too soon. i liked it better as it went along, but never really was thrilled. for the first half or so, i was wishing it had been written by tom robbins. it was a quick and relatively enjoyable read, though, and it does give you things to think about, even if it could be better. (but of course i absolutely loved the bit about cal ripken, jr, my childhood hero.)