Seeing the loss of someone from September 11th through the eyes of a child is what gives this book its incredibly powerful meaning. At first, I thought Oskar was precocious and difficult to understand, but as you go on this extremely moving journey with him, you watch Oskar grow as he searches for anything he can about his father. You find yourself feeling his emotions, his sadness, his anger, his pain... and THAT is the sign of a beautifully written story. When you read that final word and you smile for the characters within the pages, it makes you want to applaud. I laughed, wept, and rejoiced throughout. Simply wonderful.