I found it very hard to get into the story, it wasn't till halfway that I felt it picked up and the chapters were bearable to get thru. I had read reviews and was as dissapointed in Jo/lauries storyline as many, but when we were introduced to proffesor bhaer I began to come to terms with it..I did enjoy the final chapters but can't say it will be a book I will keep on my shelf and reread..