When was first mandated to read this in the 9th Grade my 14 year old brain brain understood the story even if I did not get it (even with the English teacher over explaining everything). Though as I have gotten older this story really set in and I appreciated what it had to say along with how it said it. While I don't necessarily agree that this is one of the best stories every told like many all time classics lists would leave you to believe it is defiantly worth a read. Great characters, a interesting setting, and even a really fun movie adaption if that is your speed.