This has been required reading for me in both high school and college. This time around, however, I was old enough and involved enough to actually understand and appreciate this book. So while I hated it in high school, my feelings have changed. It's very powerful, and I can respect and comprehend more of the history. The story, overall, is so fascinating that I had to research the actual events that inspired Morrison to write this. Reading it in a classroom setting helped me understand it, but it was so emotional that it will definitely be one I read again for pleasure. A true classic.